Rain isn’t your only concern as a homeowner.
In a matter of seconds, powerful winds can sweep through your neighborhood, leaving damage in its wake.
Is your roof prepared to withstand wind storms?
Homeowners spend more than $4,500 on average for roofing repairs and replacements. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce roofing costs and prevent further wind damage.
Don’t lose your roof to a wind storm. Follow these tips to fix and prevent wind damage to roof systems.
Inspect Your Roof for Damages
Do you consider yourself a home improvement pro?
If so, your first step is to audit your roof for damages. Check every detail, including gutters, flash, downspouts, roofing materials, and any rooftop equipment like HVAC units. Wind storms also damage heavy rooftop equipment, which creates leaks and safety concerns.
If you’re not a pro, step away from the ladder.
Book a roof inspection with a credible roofing expert from a renowned company to replace and repair any issues your roof may have. If you are a resident in Atlanta, Georgia, for instance, look for an Atlanta roofing contractor who will give you the best roofing advice on the best replacements and repairs to make. Plus, a top-rated expert can suggest the best ways to prevent further damage. You may need an entirely new roofing system altogether.
Signs of Wind Damage to Roof Systems
Common signs of wind damage include broken tree branches, peeling shingles, loose roofing materials, cracks and bubbling, loosened downspouts, clogged gutters, soffit damage, and leaks.
Leaks caused by wind damage leads to harmful outdoor and indoor mold. Patch up leaks right away, and consider a partial or full roof replacement. Look for water spots and cracks in your interior walls and ceilings.
One of the most overlooked signs of wind damage is chimney problems. Powerful winds can shift your chimney, breaking its lashing and sealing in the process, which leads to roof leaks.
Old Roofs Are No Match for Wind
Is your roof more than 20 years old? Old roofing doesn’t stand a chance against strong winds. Consider replacing your roof before storm season hits.You can use stainless steel angles for structural support.
If you can’t replace your roof right away, patch up vulnerable spots and loose granules as you wait. Ensure your new roof comes with a tough, watertight seal.
Fixing Roof Damages
If you’re a handy homeowner, you could patch up your own repairs, but roof patching is not a long-term solution.
You need to replace any damaged shingles or tiles, roof membrane, flashing, spouts, and gutters. Buy a reliable caulking gun, cement or another roofing adhesive, new shingles, crowbar, nails, and hammer.
Remove all damaged roofing material first. You may need to replace your siding, as well. Replace damaged shingles with adhesive, and smooth and scrape away the excess cement.
DIY repairs are best for minor issues like broken shingles. Many homeowners miss wind damages, like water leaks in the attic or insulation. This service takes an even closer at the deep decay and damage left behind by powerful winds.
Run Like the Wind to Fix Your Roof
Your roof is one wind storm away from another repair bill. Prevent wind damage and save money in the long-term with a windproof roof. Undertake your own DIY project or talk to an expert who can help.
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