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HOW HIGH WINDS AFFECT ROOFING SHINGLES

How High Winds Damage Roofing Shingles

Primary factors in damaged shingles

In the roofing industry mother, nature is the primary cause of damaged roofs. Most roofing shingles are damaged by snow and sleet in the north. But in the mid-west roofing systems mostly get damaged by high winds. The southern regions of the US, the heat is the primary factor in damaged shingles. In Charlotte NC, the wind affects the shingles by tearing them off, folding them on the tops and causing fragile granules on the shingle.

The tearing of the shingle is the most obvious detection of wind damage. Every shingle that is manufactured has a tolerated wind speed that it can withstand. The rating goes as follows:

  • Class D shingles – rated to 90 mph;
  • Class G shingles – rated to 120 mph; 
  • Class H shingles – rated to 150 mph.

The higher-class shingles tend to cost more but are thicker and they can withstand higher wind speeds. These shingles are worth the cost if the roof installation is done properly because they can last up to 50 years.

Damaged Roofing Shingles

When a windstorm passes through and all your shingles are still intact, don’t be too sure that they survived the storm. Very often shingles will be flapping in the wind causing folds and creases on the tops of the shingles. Additionally, they are becoming weaker for the next windstorm. These folds are detected by using 2 methods. First off, they can be spotted when on the roof. They have a bold crooked horizontal crease with missing granules on it. Lastly, they can slightly be lifted to see if any resistance is intact by the sealant. If that isn’t the case, then the shingles have been damaged by the windstorm.

How the Rain Gets into the Attic

Whenever something is loose, it’s usually not a good thing. With the granules of shingles, it’s no different. Asphalt granules are the rocks/pebbles that are on the tops of the asphalt shingles. As mentioned earlier, when high winds hit the shingles, it will cause the granules to loosen. When seventy-five percent of the granules are of the shingle, that is when the problems start to happen. Roofs will begin to get exposed fiberglass. After a few rainstorms, the rain will start to seep into the attic.

What to Do with the Damaged shingles?

Most roofing contractors in Charlotte recommend that homeowners get damaged roofing shingles repaired, but that is not a smart choice. Repair a small area indicates that in couple months, you will have a similar problem in a different area, especially if the issue was caused by a windstorm. Charlotte Ace Roofing offers the option for roofing repairs but strongly recommend longer lasting durable options. Windstorms can be destructive, but with Charlotte Ace Roofing in town, you will have someone always on your side.

IF YOU NEED ROOFING SERVICE, CALL US TODAY 704-396-8383

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