What to do if your roof is damaged in a storm?

What To Do When Your Roof Suffers Storm Damage

Assess the damage. The first step after you experience severe weather is to assess the damage.
Contact your insurance company. Contact your insurance company.
If necessary, contact a reliable contractor to repair the roof.

Can a hurricane rip a roof off?

Missing Shingles, Tiles and Even Entire Roof Sections One of the most common things to deal with during a strong hurricane is the winds it brings. Hurricane winds can reach up to 130 miles per hour. It is enough to rip off shingles, tiles, and entire roof sections if they aren’t properly secured.

How does a roof come off in a hurricane?

The Danger: As hurricane winds pass over a roof, they create powerful upward-sucking forces. If shingles or other roofing materials are not securely attached, they will simply peel off, opening avenues for water to infiltrate.

How do I know if my roof is damaged by wind?

Signs of wind damage on a roof include loose or missing shingles, chimney issues, curling or peeling shingles, granule loss, damaged soffit or fascia and indoor leaks. High winds can also cause tree branches to fall and damage a roof. Like hail, wind can cause loss of granules (the sandpaper-like part of the shingle).

Can an ice storm cause roof damage?

Storm related roof damage goes beyond shingles. Also, look for leaks in your roof or ceiling. Torn or split seams can result in serious water damage, ultimately leading to mold formation and wood rot. When ice accumulates on your roof and in your gutters, it can cause some serious damage.

How do you prove storm damage to roof?

Any visible signs of storm damage should be documented, such as dented, torn, curled, or missing shingles. Gutters, Vents, and Windows: Check for dents on your home’s gutters and roofing accessories, such as gable vents and other overhangs.

How do I keep my roof from blowing off during a hurricane?

Another beneficial measure for preventing roof blow off involves the use of hurricane roofing clips. Your roofer should also ensure the roof coating is tightly secured. These measures can be retrofitted to your existing roof, but in some cases, having your roof replaced is the best option.

What are hurricane roof straps?

A hurricane strap is a connector that is used to strengthen wood framed roofs and homes. The most popular hurricane straps are made of galvanised steel or stainless steel and they are designed to protect structures from the ravages of adverse weather events such as tropical storms and winter storms.

Why do tornadoes rip roofs off?

They do this via a double-whammy effect: the fast-moving wind causes a sudden pressure drop over the roof, while debris trapped in the vortex smashes doors and windows, triggering an inrush of air that increases the pressure under the roof. The resulting pressure difference then rips the roof off.

Why are roofs blown off when there is a strong wind class 7?

The high wind blowing over the roof creates a low pressure in accordance with Bernoulli’s principle. The pressure below the roof is equal to the atmospheric pressure which is now larger than pressure above the roof. Once the roof is lifted up, it is blown off with the wind along its direction.

How strong does wind have to be to knock down a house?

25-50 mph – At this point, you may see shingles begin to be blown off. Especially on aging or damaged roofs. But for the most part, you’re still safe with wind speeds this low. 50-75 mph – At 50+ MPH winds are officially classified as “damaging”.

What happens to the roof during a hurricane?

During a hurricane, wind forces are carried from the roof down to the exterior walls, down to the foundation. Homes can be damaged when wind forces are not properly transferred to the ground. Figure 2 on the left shows the position of roof sheathing in the structure of a gabled roof.

Can a tree fall on a house during a hurricane?

Falling trees can crush roofs and walls. Of course, hurricanes and tornadoes generate exceptionally destructive winds that can turn buildings into piles of rubble. But high winds can happen anywhere, and strike during many types of storms. Self-Assessment Question: How much warning do you have to protect against wind damage?

Can a hurricane strap be installed on an existing roof?

Installing hurricane straps on an existing roof takes time. It involves removing the soffit on the outside of the house or parts of the drywall on the inside. Because removing and reinstalling drywall can be messy and expensive, the soffit approach is ideal.

Can you get wind damage on your roof?

Depending on your roof type, strong winds can wreak absolute havoc on your roof. On the ground during several of this year’s severe wind events, we saw this damage up close and personal. Today we’re going to discuss roof wind damage and help you understand steps you can take if it happened to you.

What should you do if your roof is damaged by a hurricane?

Materials aren’t the only thing that’s used to make sure your roof can withstand the damaging winds and rain of hurricanes. The design of the roof is also essential for its protection. Choosing the correct design for your home, and depending on your location, will help reduce wind damage as much as possible.

What happens to a roof in a Category 5 hurricane?

A Category 5 hurricane can result in devastating roof damage, where the decking and gable ends are torn off. Any amount of damage can leave your home vulnerable to water intrusions ranging from a minor leak to a catastrophic flood.

What happens to your home when a hurricane hits?

When a hurricane or storm hits the area, your roof is the part of your home that’s most likely to be damaged. Roofing damage can quickly lead to other issues, including internal and structural, that could potentially be more serious. To help prevent that, there are a few other steps you can take to reduce the potential for damage to your roof.