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Wind Damaged Shingles

Wind damaged shingles are commonly the reason why you develop leaks through the ceiling and walls of your home. You may not even be aware you have a problem until the leak has already done considerable damage. Unless you are in the habit of personally inspecting your roof for damage, a heavy wind can lift and crack your shingles where they are not visible from the ground.

When a roofing contractor installs new asphalt shingles on your roof, he is careful to ensure the seals are intact. This  helps to firmly attach one shingle to the next and prevent water from getting underneath. The shingles are then fastened to the roof with special roofing nails. A severe wind storm can compromise the roofer’s efforts to make your home water tight.

A strong wind will grab the corner of a shingle and lift it up in the air, tearing it away from the nails and separate the adhesive. Once the adhesive seal has been broken it will not re-seal correctly, leaving the shingle vulnerable to rain and melting snow or ice. In many cases the shingle is flipped up with enough force to fracture it just below the tabs causing it t break right off, leaving an exposed section of roof. Once the roofing materials are not covering the roof there is nothing to stop water from accumulating below and finding a path into the interior structure of your home.

As your roof ages the wind damaged shingles become a greater risk. Aging asphalt shingles become more vulnerable due to weakening caused by granule loss. There are several additional factors involves that affect how well your shingles will endure high winds.

• Quality of the shingles 
• Shingle color
• Roof pitch
• Slope direction 
• Amount of attic ventilation

After a severe storm it may be evident your shingles have been damaged by the wind because they are actually displaced. You may even find them lying on the ground. Although it can be a inconvenience to have your roof repaired it is fortunate that you have the evidence it even needs attention. When you have wind damaged shingles but are not aware of the problem eventually the associated water damages to your home can become quite costly.