If you own a home in Florida, it’s quite likely your roof may have wind damage. It can be difficult to imagine that something as weightless as air can inflict so much damage to a physical structure, but that destruction can be quite extensive. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the weather and it’s important to be able to spot the signs of deterioration.
Wind Loads in Florida
Wind load is the amount of pressure put on the exterior of a building or structure by the wind and measured in pounds per square foot. The wind load capacity is incorporated into Florida building codes for safety and structural integrity. It is calculated based on a formula using wind speeds. The wind load in Jacksonville Florida and the surrounding area is between 130 and 140 miles per hour. While your Florida home may not see those wind speeds often, you can imagine that wind plays a major role in the integrity of your roof.
Susceptible Roofs
Winds do not hit roofs evenly. Ridge caps are the highest part of your roofing system and they tend to catch the brunt of the wind. Corners, edges, and loose shingles can be especially susceptible to strong winds from any direction. Shingles can crack, bend, or break completely off. Strong winds can also lift shingles without tearing them off. When the wind stops, the shingles flap back down leaving only the telltale crease or bend that is hard to see from the ground. This leaves your roof compromised in that specific area and water will inevitably seep in without the proper repairs.
Wind can do even more damage when it teams up with the rain. It can drive rain sideways pushing moisture up under the shingles. When wind and water work in concert, they can act like a hand pushing shingles up and ripping them off. Water can also pool in ridges and valleys where the integrity of the shingles has already been compromised.
Other Wind Damage
There are other ways wind can threaten the integrity of your roofing system. If you have trees near your home, wind can cause limbs and debris to fall on your roof potentially causing damage. It helps to alleviate this potential by keeping branches trimmed. Homes near the ocean should also consider the salty spray carried by the wind. Coupled with the glaring heat of the summer, windy ocean spray can erode your roofing system more quickly than expected. Proper roof inspection and maintenance can help prevent leaks and extend the life of your roof.
If you suspect your roof may have suffered wind damage and you would like a proper inspection, contact the professionals at Weatherlock Roofing Systems today. We utilize a 21-point inspection system to ensure your roof is ready for any type of weather. At Weatherlock Roofing Systems, we help you take a proactive approach to ensure minor problems don’t become major issues!
