Weather conditions can cause damage to your asphalt shingle roof in various ways. Strong winds, for example, can cause the roofing materials to crack, come loose or even be blown off. If damage isn’t fixed right away, moisture can infiltrate the system and cause further harm. The likelihood of roof wind damage depends on a few factors. NorthWest Construction, your trusted roofing and gutters contractor, explains here.
1. Age of the Roof
An asphalt shingle roof that’s already old may no longer be as strong as it once was. The roofing materials are less flexible, which means they’re prone to being blown off by strong winds. Depending on the severity and extent of a roof’s wear and tear, the entire system may need to be replaced.
2. Quality of the Roofing Materials
The quality of materials used on your roof affects how long they will last and how well the roof can withstand wind. The thickness of the sheathing plays a role in keeping the shingles secured. Thus, it’s best to invest in thick sheathing to keep the shingles from being blown away during a windstorm.
3. Roof Maintenance
Your roof may be more susceptible to wind damage if you don’t regularly give it the attention it deserves. Loose nails and other unaddressed issues leave the shingles vulnerable to blow-offs. To prevent this from happening at any point in the roof’s life span, you need to work with a roofing contractor who will carefully examine the system. Scheduling an annual inspection with a professional helps to correct any minor problems before they become worse.
4. Type of Home Construction
How a house is built affects how much wind damage it can handle. For example, damage is more likely to happen in mobile and modular homes than in homes with solid foundations and high-quality, long-lasting materials.
5. Roof Shape
The geometry of your asphalt shingle roof also determines how well it can withstand wind damage. Gable roofs, especially high-pitched ones with wide overhangs, are more susceptible to wind uplift. Hip roofs, which have four-sided slopes, are more resistant to damage.
If you need a top-tier company with decades of experience and knowledge in roofing and gutters, choose NorthWest Construction. We are a GAF Master Elite® contractor that you can rely on for your roof repair and replacement needs. We offer superior workmanship and excellent warranty coverage. Call us at (313) 277-7676, or fill out this contact form to get started. We serve homeowners in West Bloomfield, Dearborn and Taylor, MI.