Why the Roof of a Structure is in Danger to Heavy Wind Gusts

Strong winds can be a concern for the structural integrity of your residence. If the winds get vigorous, they can cause all sorts of damage such as stripping the roof of your house. When residencies are constructed, the roofs are well designed and they’re made to fight normal wind conditions in your region. But when the gusts of wind are intense, your roof can only withstand so much to stay unharmed. For individuals who live in extreme wind areas such as the East Coast where hurricanes hit or Tornado Alley, this is a hazard. As an esteemed storm damage restoration company, Paul Davis has the know-how in roof maintenance during the storm season, and we know how roofs are damaged during heavy winds.

Understanding Why Storms Affect your Roof

The logic behind roofs being blown away during fierce-wind storms has to do with atmospheric pressure. With all wind, as it navigates through your neighborhood, it will come in contact with your building. When the wind hits your house, and in this case your roof, the flow of air will alter. What occurs is when wind gusts sweep across the roof, they cause the air to twirl and it forms circular currents. These circular currents generate a push-pull force on the roof and tugs on it.

The atmospheric pressure beneath the roof is an important role here. If the wind gets inside your residence from an unsealed door, or if outside debris smashes a window, this will generate a high-pressure situation inside and it will push against your roof. Then you’ll get a push from inside the house and a pull from above the roof. This push-and-pull is how shingles get blown off, or in an extreme scenario, your roof blows off from the rest of the house.

That is why it’s of the utmost importance to, not at any time, open any windows or doors at the time of a heavy storm. At one point it was suitable to think that letting the wind flow directly through your house was a good thing to do, but this belief has been debunked. Boarding up your windows and doors helps keep a normal atmospheric pressure, combat flying debris from smashing windows and keeps out high-pressure winds. Additionally, the complications from wind pressure on your roof depend on your roof’s height, style, and location.

Learn to Combat Storm Damage to Your Roof

Getting your roof examined for weak spots and areas of concern that can be repaired before a storm will help eliminate wind damage when the weather turns. Eliminating the initial point of entry for the wind means you can avoid damage to your roof during the storm. Precautionary steps might take up some time but the rewards of an intact roof is worth it. A roof that has been examined and fixed accordingly holds a better chance to combat high wind conditions.

Sadly, not all storm damage can be prevented, which is why Paul Davis offers storm damage restoration and repairs. You can rely on us for help when it comes to storm roof damage. We know the importance of urgent services and we work hard to make sure your home is in the finest condition possible.