Will They Damage My Roof and Property?
Every year, residents in North Texas expect severe storms. What kind of damage can we expect from severe winds?
The two most common forms of damage are hail and wind. Sometimes, a tornado or two will accompany a severe storm, but those are not nearly as common. Strong winds of 55+ MPH and hail of a quarter inch and larger typically do the most damage to homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
This article will focus on wind damage and help you learn when to schedule wind damage roof repair.
Wind Damage
Like hail, high winds often damage roofs. The type of damage is different, but sometimes it can be enough for homeowner’s insurance to cover a full roof replacement. Once a severe storm reaches winds of 55+ MPH, it has the potential to cause damage. Specifically, shingles that are 3-tab style (which have a lifespan of 20-25 years), have a lower wind rating than 30-year architectural-style shingles. When strong winds come through, some 3-tab shingles may be completely ripped off, which can lead to leaks. Even when they are not completely ripped off, they may be torn away from the fastener. This can also lead to a need for roof leak repair.
Often, roofers will use 3-tab shingles for the ridges on 30-year shingles. This means that most of the roofing will have a higher wind and hail rating, but the ridges will not. This is common practice for new builds as well as roof replacements. It is generally recommended that a professional roofer provide a roof inspection after a wind storm to make sure the entire roof is in good shape. If it is not, the roofer should be able to determine the next steps to take, whether that be a tarp, a repair, or filing an insurance claim.
Severe winds can damage other items on a property as well, including:
- Trees
- Backyard items such as lounge chairs and trampolines
- Fences
- Windows
Storms with high winds need to be taken seriously. These storms may pass by with no harm done to the property whatsoever, but it is good to know what to expect. Severe weather season lasts from March to June, but there is no calendar month that can be ruled out for strong storms in DFW.
If you have experienced damage to your roof and property from a severe storm, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling 682-372-7221.
