The wind is a powerful force that can easily target roofs, making them easy targets for one of Mother Nature’s most unpredictable forces.

Strong winds can cause roof damage that is sudden and severe in the event of a severe storm. However, strong winds can damage asphalt roof shingles even on days without rain, hail, snow, or sleet.

Here’s some information to help you understand the causes of roof damage caused by wind on asphalt shingle roofs.

How the wind interacts with an asphalt shingle roof

Wind doesn’t always flow in a smooth, steady stream. Instead, it can move up and down in different directions depending on temperature and pressure changes in the Earth’s atmosphere and variations in topography and terrain.

Wind acts in predictable ways when it encounters structures like your home.

• Wind blowing on the home’s side travels up the roof, causing varying degrees of uplift pressure.
• The roofline corners have the highest uplift pressure, while the roof edge pressure is nearly as high. This part makes these areas vulnerable to wind damage.
• Negative pressure, also known as suction pressure, is created when the wind blows across the roof surface. It can lift or suck up shingles from a roof deck.

Factors that influence how wind affects your asphalt shingle roof

Many factors influence the wind’s ability to damage or affect your roof. These include its speed and direction as it approaches your home.

• The location of your home and weather patterns. Roofs are more susceptible to damage if located in an area often subject to high winds or hurricanes.
• Your roof geometries. Roofs with high-pitched gables and wide overhangs are more vulnerable to wind uplift. However, aerodynamic, four-sided roofs that are flat are more resilient to wind damage.
• Other variables. The nailing technique used to install the roofing shingles and the installation temperature all play a part in roof resistance to wind.
• Installation problems. Incorrect nail placement, poorly sealed flashing, and lack of starter strip shingles cause higher susceptibility to the wind.
• The roof’s age and condition. Roofs with cracked, curled, or dried-out shingles or areas where the sealant has failed are at greater risk of being severely damaged by wind.
• Any damage done in the past that has not been repaired. Roofs with existing problems, such as missing flashing or broken shingles, are more likely to sustain wind damage over time.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs: Signs of Wind Damage

Roof wind damage can be more apparent than others. For example, significant damage to a roof can be visible after severe weather events, such as:

• A puncture made from a fallen tree branch limb
• Large areas of exposed underlayment that have been revealed where the shingles were blown off are visible
• Missing or mangled flashing sections, or
• Missing hip and Ridge shingles

You may not be able to spot other signs, even though they might seem subtler. Always remember safety and use the appropriate protective gear. You should contact a professional roofing contractor if you are unable or unwilling to inspect your home’s exterior and interior for signs that it has suffered roof damage.

Outdoor Evidence of Roof Damage

Take a walk around your home to inspect for missing shingles. Also, take a look at the roof.

• The seals could have been damaged if the shingle edges appear slightly elevated.
• The shingle edges may show creases or lines that are narrower than usual.
• There are scratches across the roof where wind-borne debris has raked it.
• Vents damaged at the soffit or ridge
• Chimney flashing that is cracked or missing
• Roof edges with curved, torn, or raised shingles
• Debris such as broken glass or tree branches can be found on the roof and in the gutters.

Indoor evidence of roof damage

Inspecting your attic, finished living areas, and roof can help you find signs of wind damage. Always remember safety when you are doing anything. Make sure you have a safe path to climb into your attic and wear the appropriate protective gear. If you cannot do so safely, contact a professional roofing contractor such as Roofing Repair Milford MA.

How to inspect your attic for roof damage signs:

1. While it is still dark outside, climb up to the attic.
2. Check the floor with a flashlight for signs of water damage or water stains.
3. Turn off the lights and inspect the roof decking for areas that are lit by daylight. This part could indicate that there has been damage.

Look for discolored areas in your finished living spaces that indicate water intrusion through damaged roof areas.

Asphalt shingles with wind resistance can help reduce your risk of roof damage

Standardized methods are used to test how shingles perform when exposed to wind. This aspect allows consumers to choose the best shingle for their home.

You can classify wind resistance according to either one or both of the standards published by ASTM international.

ASTM D3161

ASTM D3161, also known as the Standard Test Method to Test Wind Resistance of Steep Slope Roofing Products (Fan Induced Method). This method tests shingles’ ability to resist fan-induced winds and comes in three types:

• Shingles that have passed 60 mph testing are classified as Class A
• Class D for shingles that have passed the 90 mph test
• Class F for shingles that have passed the 110 mph test

ASTM D7158

ASTM D7158 is the Standard Test Method For Wind Resistance of Sealed Asphalt Shingles (Uplift Force/Uplift Resistance Method). This standard categorizes individual shingle products based on their resistance against uplift forces when tested at particular speeds.

• Wind speeds of up to 90 mph are acceptable for Class D resist uplift
• Class G resists uplift at wind speeds of up to 120 mph
• Class H resists uplift at wind speeds of up to 150 mph

All asphalt roofing shingles on the market have the same wind resistance classes: ASTM D3161 F and ASTM D7158 H.

The manufacturer’s installation instructions and warranty details will detail how to install shingles for warranted wind coverage at specific speeds.

You can get advice from your local municipality, town, or municipal planning offices on the level of wind resistance required to comply with local building codes. Check the product wrapper for the ASTM D3161 and ASTM D7158 resistance ratings.