Common Signs of Wind Damage in Shingles: Chicago Wind Damage to Roofs
Whether you are a homeowner in Chicago, a roofing professional, roofing contractor, or an insurance expert, you must understand the damage that wind or storm damage can cause to roof shingles. Asphalt shingles are the most popular shingles for roofs in the US: an estimated 4 out of 5 homes use them for their homes.
If you have proper knowledge of wind damage to a roof mechanism, you can protect your roof and ensure that it lasts long. Learn to recognize the signs of damage early on and you will prevent major issues that can lead to fixes or even full roof replacements.
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Causes of Wind Damage to Your Roof Due to Chicago Weather
When you assess the causes of wind damage in Illinois, you must take into account wind speed and direction: the higher the speed of wind is, the higher the risk of shingle damage. Light winds up to 30 mph pose minimal risk, while moderate winds between 30-50 mph can begin to lift and detach shingles. Winds from 50-70 mph are considered strong. They can cause serious damage: tear off shingles and cause structural issues.
The direction of the wind also impacts damage patterns. Wind often travels up the roof when it hits the sides of your Chicago house; in this way, it creates varying degrees of uplift pressure. Another important factor is the orientation of the roof: shingles on the windward side of the roof are more exposed to wind damage.
How Shingle Quality and Installation Affect What Damage Wind Can Cause
Shingle quality often impacts wind resistance. Manufacturers have developed new approaches to create shingles that are more resistant to wind. These improvements include stronger adhesives, improved mat materials, and technologies like GAF’s LayerLock Technology.
Proper installation can also contribute to wind resistance. Consider such factors as:
- Correct nail placement: Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines whenever positioning nails.
- Number of nails used: Use six nails instead of the typical four to increase wind resistance.
- Fastening technique: Ensure that nails pierce both the top and the bottom shingle to ensure roof stability.
- Use of starter strips: Install wind-resistant starter strips.
- Proper sealing: Always seal the edges and joints of your roof to improve wind resistance.
Make sure to select high-quality wind-resistant shingles and ensure that they are installed correctly at all times. Especially, if you live in an area prone to strong winds.
Signs of Wind Damage to Your Roof
These are the indicators you must use whenever you assess wind damage to shingles:
- Missing or torn shingles: If you spot the absence of shingles or visible tears in their material, these are the signs of probable wind damage.
- Lifted or curling shingles: Look for shingles that do not lie flat against the roof surface or are curling upwards.
- Granule loss and gutter deposits: Wind damage can cause the protective granules on your roof to loosen and wash away. Inspect your gutters and downspouts for an excessive amount of granules.
Regularly inspect your roof for these visual indicators to identify potential issues early on.
Spot Wind Damage: Structural Indicators
Wind damage to shingles often leads to more severe issues in the structure of your roof. Here is what to look out for:
- Damaged Flashing: Strong winds can loosen the flashing around chimneys and vents. This damage can create entry points for water and thus lead to leaks.
- Exposed Underlayment: In cases of severe wind damage, entire sections of shingles may be torn away.
- Water Leaks and Interior Stains: One of the most prominent signs of wind damage is the appearance of water stains on interior ceilings or walls.
It’s important to note that these structural indicators may not always be visible from the ground. It is better to have a professional contractor inspect your roof after severe winds.
Whether you need a simple repair or a complete replacement, our expert team in Chicago is here to help.
Guide How to Perform an Initial Inspection of Wind Damaged Roof
Here are some tips you can follow when you do an initial inspection of your roof for wind damage signs:
For starters, walk around your property and examine your roof from a distance. Then, check your yard for fallen shingles that might be missing from your roof. Pay attention to shingles that look curled or bent at the edges. Look for obvious structural damage to your roof and roof deck. Take clear, well-lit photos of any hail damage to document it properly for insurance purposes and to properly file a claim for homeowners insurance.
The safety of your roof should always be your primary concern. If you doubt that you can perform an initial inspection alone, a professional roofer.
When to Call a Professional in Chicago for an Assessment
In some cases, you will have to resort to professional help for the assessment of the wind damage to your roof in Chicago. For instance, when you notice large areas of damaged shingles or many leaks, if you lack proper equipment for a roof inspection, if you need to identify subtle signs that are non-obvious to a non-professional if you are not sure about the severity of the damage, and if your roof shows clear signs of old age or wear.
Repair and Restoration Options for Roof Damage
Whenever you need to decide whether to repair your roof or replace it fully, you must consider the general extent of the damage. If the wind has exposed the underlying roof structure, a full replacement might be more fitting. If your roof is older than 20-25 years, full replacement is more cost-effective in the long run. In such cases, it’s best to consult roofing installers near me for expert advice.
When you decide whether to go for minor repairs or full roof replacement, take into account such aspects as the age of your roof, the severity of the wind damage, and your budget.
Explore our collection of informative and engaging videos on roof repair.
Protect Your Roof: Choose Wind-Resistant Shingles
It is better to select wind-resistant shingles when you repair or replace a roof damaged by wind in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. We have prepared a comparison of top wind-resistant shingles:
- GAF Timberline HDZ. These shingles have the highest wind resistance rating as they can withstand wind speeds up to 190 mph.
- Owens Corning Duration. Thanks to the SureNail Technology, these shingles provide excellent wind resistance up to 130 mph.
- Atlas Pinnacle Pristine. With HP42 Technology, these shingles have a wind warranty of up to 130 mph.
- CertainTeed Landmark. These shingles use Quadra-Bond adhesive to increase the seal between layers. As a result, they offer wind resistance up to 130 mph when you install them with CertainTeed’s roofing products
- Malarkey Highlander: With a wind warranty up to 110 mph, these shingles offer an increased overlap in the nailing area and a tapered shim for a flatter roof profile.
Whenever you select wind-resistant shingles, consider such factors as local climate, budget, and your own aesthetical tastes. Your roof may play a pivotal role for your house aesthetic.
Preventative Measures to Protect Your Roof from Damage
The best preventive measures against wind damage are inspections and maintenance twice a year in Chicago Community Areas. Here is what you can do in the maintenance process: secure loose shingles so they cannot be lifted by high winds, clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage, trim tree branches over the roof to prevent them from falling onto the roof during high winds, replace any damaged or missing shingles on time to maintain the roof’s integrity. If you’re insecure about performing these tasks, contact a roofing company close to me to help you maintain your roof.
In this way, you can significantly reduce the risk of wind damage to your asphalt roof shingles.
Insurance Claim
- Detailed photographs and videos. Capture clear, high-resolution images of all visible wind damage on your roof, including missing, lifted, or creased shingles. Take photos of damage caused by high wind from many angles and in good lighting.
- Written description. Provide a detailed written report on the roof damaged by high winds, particularly in the Chicago Areas.
- Weather reports. Include official weather reports or incident documentation that correlates with the time of the roof damage.
- Professional inspection report. Have a certified roof inspector assess the damage and provide a detailed report. Since wind can cause different types of damage, leaving your roof vulnerable.
- Temporary repair receipts. Keep and submit receipts for any temporary repairs made to prevent further damage.
- Maintenance records. Include documentation of regular roof maintenance to prove that the damage was not due to neglect.
- Date and time markers. Make sure that all documentation includes accurate date and time information for damage claims regarding wind-damaged shingles on your roof. If you need more clarification, consider contacting a roofing company close to me to help.
Coverage Limitations for Wind Damage to Shingles in the Chicago Area
There are certain coverage limitations that all insurance companies can impose. Insurance companies may reduce coverage for older roofs or those that show signs of wear in the Chicago suburbs. Insurers may deny claims if they decide that the damage resulted from poor maintenance. Some policies exclude coverage for cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect the roof’s functionality. Your policy may have the greatest payout for roof damage, which might not cover full replacement costs in IL. If building codes have changed since your roof was installed, your policy may not cover the upgrade costs.
If you’re in the Chicago suburbs or searching for contractors near you, it’s important to carefully review your insurance policy and discuss any concerns with your insurance provider before filing your claim.
Conclusion
To protect your asphalt shingle roof against wind damage and other potential issues, you must schedule regular roof inspections, ensure proper attic insulation and ventilation, keep gutters and downspouts clean and properly functioning to prevent water damage, deal with moss and algae growth promptly, and consider installing wind-resistant shingles. If you need help assessing your roof’s condition, consider contacting roof estimating services near me for an accurate evaluation.
If you follow these practices, you can increase the lifespan of your asphalt shingle roof and improve its general resistance to wind damage and other environmental factors.
FAQ
What wind speed causes shingles to lift?
Moderate winds between 30-50 mph can cause the shingles to lift and detach.
Are there specific shingles designed for high-wind areas?
Yes, there are plenty of options when it comes to wind-resistant shingles. You might consider such options as GAF Timberline HDZ, Owens Corning Duration, Atlas Pinnacle Pristine, CertainTeed Landmark, or Malarkey Highlander.
How often should I inspect my roof for wind damage?
Roofing experts recommend conducting bi-annual check-ups, especially before storm seasons.
Will my insurance cover hidden wind damage?
Yes, insurance will often cover hidden wind damage to asphalt roof shingles if the damage resulted from a covered event, such as a recent storm. Yet, it depends on your specific insurance policy details.
Can I prevent wind damage if I use alternative materials?
Yes, you can prevent wind damage if you install shingles made from wind-resistant materials. But, even these shingles are not invincible to severe wind damage: hence, preventive measures such as regular inspections and maintenance of your roof are a must.
