ROOF DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE WIND

Hurricane season in the United States starts June 1st and lasts through November 30th of each year. Although a hurricane can happen at any time during this period, roofs in Charlotte NC can get damage from heavy wind and hail. Charlotte area is likely to get storm damage in August through September.

Hurricanes can bring significant storm damage to your home. One of the things most impacted by these severe storms in Charlotte NC is your roof, siding, gutters and sometimes window screens.

But how do hurricanes affect your roof? What can be done to minimize roof storm damage? Continue reading to learn everything you need to know....

Weather Elements That Occur During a Hurricane in Charlotte NC

Hurricanes and strong windstorms are a natural weather phenomenon that can strike any area in the United States including Charlotte area. Typically, the eastern portion of the U.S. is prone to hurricanes, as are coastal areas. This doesn't mean a hurricane, or the remnants of one, can't cause damage elsewhere.

Many severe weather elements can occur during a hurricane. Since hurricanes are unpredictable, there are only two elements you can count on happening during one - high winds and heavy rain. It's also possible for lightning strikes and hail to occur.

Any of these elements have the potential to cause significant damage to your roof on their own. When these severe weather elements work together, like in a hurricane, the damage tends to be a lot worse. Damage inflicted by high winds, for example, can worsen tenfold when exposed to heavy rains. It's important to have your roof inspected by a professional if you suspect storm roof damage in Charlotte NC area.

How High Winds Affect Your Roof

Hurricanes are classified as having sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour. Anything weaker is classified as a tropical storm. Wind gusts during even a category one hurricane could, at times, reach 150 miles per hour or more.

These strong winds can directly impact your roof by ripping off shingles, roof tiles, and even the roof deck. Gutters can be pulled from the side of your roof, causing further damage to nearby areas.

High winds can also indirectly affect your roof. Tree limbs, flying objects, and smaller debris can land on your roof. The impact from these foreign objects can cause shingles and tiles to fall away, or even create holes through your roof.

How Heavy Rains Affect Your Roof

Heavy rain in Charlotte NC can cause excessive wear and tear on your roof. It can loosen shingles and quickly "age" a roof, so it needs replacement sooner than would otherwise be necessary. Heavy rains and wind will 100% shorten the lifespan of your roof.

The real problem with heavy rain during hurricanes is when the roof has already sustained damage. When an already damaged roof is exposed to heavy rains, the roofing structure can suffer severe water damage. Water can also damage your attic and water ill eventually leak inside your home.

How Hail Affects Your Roof in Charlotte NC

Hail doesn't occur with all hurricanes, but the risk of it does exist. The problem with hail is that there isn't much you can do to prevent it from damaging your roof. It's important to report hail damage to your insurance right away.

Once hail has created holes in your roof, the only thing you can do is replace it or repair it. If hail is small and infrequent, it may only loosen shingles or chip away at the outer layers of your roofing structure which will shorten the life expectancy of your roof. Remember, if you fail to report damage to your roof within reasonable time, your insurance may deny your damage claim and will blame the homeowner for being negligent for not reporting damage in time.

How Lightning Strikes Affect Your Roof

Although the risk of lightning directly striking your roof is slim, there is the possibility that it will happen during a hurricane. Worst case scenario, a lightning strike can cause a fire to erupt. This is incredibly rare, however, no matter what you see in the movies.

What's most likely to happen when lightning strikes your roof is it'll puncture a hole through it. This hole can even go directly through the attic flooring and damage your first or second floor. Once a hole has been made, the interior of your home is left open to water damage.

Lightning strikes can also cause burning or searing of roofing elements. An intense lightning strike can tear gutters and shingles off the roof.

Minimizing Roof Storm Damage Due to Hurricanes

No matter what precautions you take, there always exists the possibility your roof will become damaged during a strong storm like a hurricane. The fact that tornadoes can also spawn during these massive windstorms further increases the risk of damage.

A roof in good condition is generally less likely to take severe damage, however. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or other forms of severe weather, you should have an annual roof inspection done before the season for storms has come.

These roofing inspections should be done by a professional. A roofing contractor such as Charlotte Ace Roofing will look at your tiles and use specialized equipment to check for weak spots in your roof's foundation. If anything is found to be wrong, you can use the same contractor to fix your roof.

If damage does occur during a storm, you'll want to have it taken care of as soon as possible. Left unchecked, even minor damage can turn into a severe problem. A professional roofing expert can help you determine whether your damage can be repaired or whether the roof will need replacement.

Do You Have More Questions About How Hurricane Storm Damage Affects Your Roof? Contact us today for a Free Roof Inspection

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

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