According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Nebraska is among the five states with the most wind power in America. That means plenty of potential for harnessing that energy, but it also equals a high likelihood of damage to structures and foliage. The roof of your home is one area where wind can be problematic. With frequent thunderstorms, derechos, and even tornadoes, Nebraska homeowners should learn to spot wind damage, as well as leaning on professionals, like those at McCoy Roofing, to assist in assessing the potential trouble spots caused by wind.
When Wind Causes Damage
Wind is the bulk movement of air, usually from areas of high atmospheric pressure to those of lower pressure. If wind is moving fast enough, it may cause damage to structures and surrounding foliage, creating conditions that lead to damaged roofs.
According to the National Weather Service, there are three bands of damaging wind speeds.
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45-55 mph
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At this speed, larger branches and weakened limbs may begin to break. Loose or compromised shingles may be torn away, causing damage to underlying structures.
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55-65 mph
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In this wind speed range, moderate structural and tree damage may occur. Large limbs may fail and larger swatches of roof shingles may be damaged or lost entirely.
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65+ mph
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When wind speeds top 65 mph, severe damage to structures is possible. Trees may topple over completely and roof damage could be extreme, with total loss a possibility.
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While tornadoes can cause catastrophic damage, most wind damage results from straight-line winds, such as those from derechos. Storms in this category may produce straight-line winds in excess of 100 mph. In these cases, damage to structures is almost assured.
If storms that produce high winds hit your area, the team at McCoy Roofing will be able to expertly identify damage and prescribe the proper course of action. But, there are things you can do to spot damage right away.
How To Spot Damage Caused By Wind
The first step in assessing a wind-damaged roof is to identify whether winds have reached speeds where damage may occur. Check local weather reports for wind speeds in excess of 45 mph. If high winds have been present in your area, it’s a good idea to do a preliminary check to find the signs of damage.
The easiest troubles to spot on the exterior are loose or missing shingles. If your roof has shingles that are sitting at improper angles, or are curled and peeling, the roof has suffered wind damage. Shingles near the edges of the roof are most prone to curling during a wind event. Inspect those closely to ensure their stability. Soffits or fascia may also show exterior damage. Look these over for signs of bending, warping, and breakage. If any large limbs have fallen on the roof, it’s safest to assume that some level of damage to the roof structure has occurred.
Inside the house, in cases of more severe damage, leaks may already be forming. Inspect your ceilings for wet spots and drips. If these signs are present, get in touch with the professionals at McCoy Roofing as soon as possible.
There may be other signs that aren’t as easy to identify. Shingle granules, the sandpaper-like exterior of the shingle, may come off during periods of high winds. Shingles may show bare spots or loosened granules may be present in gutters. These signs may be harder to spot. If you suspect that subtle damage may be present, an inspection by a roofing professional is always a good idea.
Choose Your Roofing Company Wisely
In some cases, even high winds like those from a derecho won’t cause structural damage. This makes it important to choose a roofing company with a proven track record of honesty and integrity to perform vital inspections. Many roofing companies, most which are not locally-operated, chase storms around the region hoping to garner more business. Experiences with these companies may vary. Some may produce satisfactory results, while others may take shortcuts to increase profits. It doesn’t make sense to gamble on your roof.
Owner Adam McCoy lays out the McCoy Roofing promise. “We’re totally straight with you – honest and transparent,” Adam says. “Homeowners depend on us to help them make qualified decisions. It can mean a lot of money out of their own pockets.” For more than 10 years, McCoy Roofing has serviced the Omaha area with integrity and expertise. Whether small residential projects or large-scale commercial facilities, McCoy has the experience and technical knowledge to do the job right the first time.
McCoy Roofing prides itself on providing the highest level of customer service by hand selecting highly trained service representatives and assigning them to care for homes and businesses. Dedicated project managers ensure on-time completion and total customer satisfaction.
McCoy Roofing uses a simple, five-step process to ensure customers get the right product every time.
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A solution that works with your budget
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Suggestions for a color and style to give your home or business curb appeal
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Assistance in talking with your insurance company
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A time frame to complete the job
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A no-obligation estimate
Simplicity, honesty, and customer service are hallmarks of McCoy Roofing. It’s easy to see why they’ve won awards, such as Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha prize in 2018 for residential roofing. To learn more or get a free estimate, visit McCoyroofing.com or call (402) 616-7304 (Omaha) | (402) 413-7681 (Lincoln)