Roofs protect our homes from the elements—which means, they bear much of the brunt of hail, rain, and wind storms themselves. While asphalt shingles, metal, and tile all have their strengths, any roofing material can still be subject to damage under extreme conditions. The guide below explores what happens to them as wind speeds pick up.

Light to Strong Breezes

The Beaufort scale ranks wind conditions based on wind speed in knots. Up to 27 knots, the air is fairly calm, perhaps only blowing leaves and other small debris around. However, if these land in your gutters and are not cleaned out regularly, they can rot and become a breeding ground for mold. Additionally, if it forms too much of a clog and stops the gutters from depositing rain as they are supposed to, the water could, instead, back up on your roofing, leading to leaks. Therefore, strive to clear these channels out at least twice a year.

Near Gale Conditions

When the wind reaches speeds of 30-55 knots, trees may lose larger branches. If these trees are near the house, these limbs may fall and damage roofing. Strong winds will start to affect shingles and tile, and individual pieces may be blown off. Storms are often accompanied by heavy rain or hail, which can also cause problems, especially if water pools and penetrates underneath shingles. To prevent these scenarios as much as possible, do not plant trees too close to any property and trim back overhanging or diseased branches. After the storm has passed, make sure to have any missing shingles replaced so the holes do not become vulnerable points.

Violent Storms & Tornadoes

The most damaging wind comes with tornadoes, hurricanes, and violent storms with wind moving at 56 to over 100 knots. Large sections of shingle and tile can be blown off. Metal roofs are better able to withstand wind but can still become damaged at these speeds. Talk to your roofing contractor about installing hurricane clips, which can redirect this force to protect your house.

While most roofing is designed to last many years, extreme wind can cause damage. Guaranteed Roofing, in Jenks, OK, offers the communities of Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and Jenks full-service installations and repairs. Over their 30 years of experience with residential and commercial roofs, siding, and gutters, they have strived to exceed customers’ expectations whenever possible. Call (918) 451-0119 for a free, no obligation quote or visit the website to learn more about their services and see a gallery of projects.