By: orbitsocial
Wind damage is one of the most common threats to roofs, especially in areas like Columbus, where strong winds can accompany seasonal storms. Whether it’s a gusty afternoon or a full-blown storm, your roof is vulnerable to high winds that can cause shingles to lift, debris to accumulate, and structural damage to occur. Taking preventative measures can help you protect your roof and minimize potential damage. In this blog, we’ll explore essential tips for Columbus homeowners on how to protect your roof from wind damage and keep your home safe.
1. Regular Roof Inspections
One of the best ways to protect your roof from wind damage is through regular inspections. A professional roof inspection will identify any weak spots or vulnerabilities in your roofing system that could be exacerbated by high winds. Missing, loose, or damaged shingles are particularly susceptible to wind uplift, which can lead to larger areas of damage if not addressed.
What to Do:
- Schedule an inspection at least once a year or after severe weather.
- Look for loose, missing, or damaged shingles.
- Ensure flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights is intact and properly sealed.
Why It Matters: Early detection of roofing problems can prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs after a windstorm. An intact roof is more resilient to wind damage.
2. Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean
Windstorms can cause leaves, twigs, and other debris to accumulate in your gutters and downspouts. When gutters are clogged, water can back up and pool on your roof, leading to water damage and leaks. Additionally, strong winds can rip off unsecured gutters, which can then damage your roof’s edges.
What to Do:
- Regularly clean out your gutters, especially before storm season.
- Ensure downspouts are clear and direct water away from your home’s foundation.
- Consider installing gutter guards to reduce debris buildup.
Why It Matters: Clean and secure gutters allow water to flow freely away from your home, preventing damage to your roof and foundation during a storm.
3. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Tree branches that hang over your roof can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Windstorms can break branches, which can then fall onto your roof, causing damage to shingles, flashing, and even puncturing the roof itself. Limbs that constantly brush against the roof can also wear down shingles over time, making them more vulnerable to wind damage.
What to Do:
- Trim back any overhanging branches that could fall onto your roof during a storm.
- Regularly inspect trees near your home for dead or weak branches that could break during high winds.
Why It Matters: Keeping trees properly trimmed reduces the risk of falling branches damaging your roof during a storm, and helps maintain the overall health of your roofing system.
4. Secure Loose Roofing Materials
Loose shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials are highly susceptible to being torn off by wind. Once the wind gets underneath a loose shingle, it can create a chain reaction, lifting other shingles and leaving your roof vulnerable to water damage. Ensuring all roofing materials are securely fastened can prevent this from happening.
What to Do:
- After a storm, inspect your roof (or have a professional inspect it) for loose or displaced shingles.
- Replace or repair any loose roofing materials immediately.
Why It Matters: Taking care of loose shingles or tiles before a storm hits can prevent them from being ripped off and causing larger areas of damage.
5. Install Wind-Resistant Shingles
If you live in an area prone to high winds or are concerned about your roof’s durability, consider installing wind-resistant shingles. These shingles are designed to withstand higher wind speeds than standard shingles and are less likely to be lifted by gusts or storms.
What to Do:
- When replacing or repairing your roof, ask your roofing contractor about wind-resistant shingles.
- Choose shingles rated for high wind speeds (up to 130 mph or more, depending on the type).
Why It Matters: Wind-resistant shingles provide added protection for your roof during storms, reducing the risk of shingle uplift and roof damage in high-wind conditions.
6. Reinforce Your Roof’s Structure
In some cases, the best way to protect your roof from wind damage is to strengthen its overall structure. Adding hurricane clips or metal straps can help secure the roof to your home’s frame, reducing the risk of wind uplift during extreme weather.
What to Do:
- Consult a professional roofer to assess whether your roof could benefit from reinforcement.
- Install hurricane clips or tie-downs to secure the roof’s structure more firmly to your home.
Why It Matters: Reinforcing your roof can provide added protection during strong storms, reducing the likelihood of structural damage or roof collapse from wind pressure.
7. Check for Proper Roof Ventilation
Proper roof ventilation helps balance the temperature and airflow in your attic, which can reduce the pressure on your roof during high winds. Poor ventilation can lead to heat buildup, which weakens roofing materials and makes them more prone to damage during a windstorm.
What to Do:
- Ensure your attic has adequate ventilation, with intake and exhaust vents to promote airflow.
- Check that all roof vents are securely attached and free from debris or blockages.
Why It Matters: Good ventilation can help preserve the integrity of your roof’s materials, making it more resistant to wind and storm damage.
8. Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
Even with the best preventative measures, strong windstorms can sometimes cause damage that’s beyond your control. Make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy covers wind damage, so you’re not caught off guard in case repairs or roof replacements are necessary after a storm.
What to Do:
- Review your insurance policy to ensure it covers wind damage and roof repairs.
- Take photos of your roof in good condition to document its pre-storm state, which can be helpful when filing an insurance claim.
Why It Matters: Having a comprehensive insurance policy in place ensures you’re financially protected if your roof is damaged by high winds or severe weather.
Conclusion
Windstorms are a common threat to roofs, especially in Columbus, where severe weather can strike at any time. By taking proactive steps such as regular roof inspections, securing loose materials, and trimming overhanging branches, you can protect your roof from wind damage and extend its lifespan. Wind-resistant materials, proper ventilation, and strong insurance coverage add extra layers of protection to keep your home safe during storm season.Is your roof ready for the next windstorm? Contact Reliant Exteriors today for a professional roof inspection and windproofing services in Columbus, Ohio. Our expert roofing team will help you identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure your roof is prepared to withstand strong winds. Schedule your inspection now and protect your home from future storm damage.