Roof Inspection: Wind Damage

Even though a majority of the time wind is simply a gentle breeze with a small gust every once in a while, it can be an incredibly dangerous force. The state of Indiana doesn’t often see heavy winds that can occur during hurricanes or tornadoes, but the area has experienced remnants from hurricanes and has experienced six tornadoes in the last 10 years according to weather.gov. In 2008, Lawrence, Indiana faced a magnitude EF02 (Enhanced Fujita Scale) tornado, in which winds can reach between 111 to 135 miles per hour. These wind speeds can cause significant damage to trees and homes.

If you’re in the Indianapolis area and are concerned that a wind storm has caused damage to your roof, a visual inspection can help determine what, if any, damage has occurred. For a comprehensive roof inspection completed by professional roofers, rely on the experts at Big Boy’s Construction. We use drone technology to get the best picture of your roof without needing to climb up the roof.

Learn more about what you can do to inspect your roof, and if there are any signs of damage, give Big Boy’s Construction a call for a free inspection.

Four Things to Look For When Inspecting Your Roof For Wind Damage

Shingles

You can get a decent visual of the roof’s shingles with a pair of binoculars so you don’t have to worry about climbing a ladder. Look for shingles that are curling at the edges, broken, damaged, or if there are entire sections of shingles missing. Also look for shingle granules built up in the gutters or for shingle material in the lawn.

Flashing, Soffits, and Fascia

Look for flashing that is peeling away from roof seams and for signs of buckling. Learn more about flashing here. Soffits and fascia are a part of the roof’s edge. Look to see if there are any pieces falling away from the structure of the roof. Also look for signs of decay or stains that may have developed from water damage.

Gutters

Gutters are either attached to the roof’s fascia or to the roof itself. In heavy winds, gutters can become detached, causing them to work inefficiently. Look for sections of gutters that may have been torn off the roofing or are just loosely attached, look for any bent or sagging sections, inspect downspouts, and look inside the gutters for shingle granules.

Chimney

Look closely at the flashing around the base of the chimney as well as loose, missing, or damaged bricks, cap, or cracked joints. If there are any openings, water will find a way inside, which could lead to significant water damage inside the roofing system and attic.

What to Do If a Wind Storm Has Caused Damage to Your Roof

Whether it appears to be minor damage like a few missing or curling shingles or more severe damage such as if a tree branch fell on the roof, the most important thing you can do is schedule a professional roof inspection. A roofing contractor will have the experience, knowledge, and equipment to conduct a comprehensive inspection and will know exactly what to look for. If the damage is significant enough, a roofing company can also help you navigate the insurance claim process. The team at Big Boy’s Construction has decades of experience helping Indianapolis homeowners get quality roof inspections, repairs, and complete roof replacements.

Wind storms can be devastating to roofing structures, especially when wind speeds reach upwards of 60 miles per hour or more. If your roof has been through a severe storm, schedule a free inspection with a qualified roofing company like Big Boy’s Construction. Our team has the experience and knowledge to provide your home with the service it needs, and we use only the highest quality materials. Contact us today for a free drone inspection.

Posted in Roofing Contractors Indianapolis