How To Recognize a Wind Damaged Roof In Colorado

. According to the National Weather Service, Colorado sees some of the highest wind speeds in the nation due to the strong low pressure and cold high-pressure systems that develop across the Front Range and other mountain ranges in Colorado.  The national weather service will issue a high wind warning when gusts are expected to exceed 50 mph and quite often will exceed more than 100 mph causing extensive damage to property, especially roofs.

The problem is that we don’t often look at our roofs and often take them for granted and assume they can withstand just about anything, other than hail.  If you have had extremely high wind in your area, especially over an extended period of time, you should examine it or have it examined on a regular basis.

What To Look for With a Wind Damaged Roof:

1. Missing Shingles – This one is quite obvious. If you happen to see shingles lying on the ground or missing from the roof, it may be cause for concern.
2. Flipped up Shingles – If you can see shingles flapping in the wind, it is very likely that there is wind damage.
3. Folded over and/or creased shingles – It is hard to spot from the ground and may require you or a roofing contractor to climb up on the roof to inspect the overall damage. Once a shingle obtains this kind of damage it can no longer ‘perform’ as expected and should be replaced.

When Should the Roof Be Replaced?

Most of the time, the damaged shingles can be replaced or repaired.  However, it depends on a couple of factors.  First is the number of shingles that are damaged.  Second is the type of shingle and the age of the shingle.  Older, lower quality shingles can get brittle and make it very difficult to maneuver for a complete repair.  At that point, the roof should be completely replaced.  If there is enough wind damage over the entire roof, most insurance companies will consider a full replacement.

What Should You Do, as a Consumer, to Protect Your Roof?

You should have your roof inspected by a reputable roofing company at least once per year.  A good roofing company will not charge for this.  If you suspect that you may have damage, make the call as well.  At the very least, it will give you peace of mind knowing your roof is still sound and functioning as it should.