Common Misconceptions About Wind Damage on Roofs

Wind-lifted and -damaged shingles are actually one of the most controversial subjects in the roofing industry. This is because there are several misconceptions and issues about roofing options that are incorrectly attributed to wind effects.

These included the assumptions that:

• Any shingle with inadequate adhesion is a “wind-lifted” or “wind-damaged” shingle.
• “Wind-lifted” or “wind-damaged” shingles are not visually apparent but lead to a damaged roof.

Below are what experts have to say about these misconceptions:

Shingles That Have Inadequate Adhesion Are “Wind-Lifted” or “Wind-Damaged” Shingles

It’s important to explicitly define what a wind-damaged shingle is. However, most in the roofing industry imply that any shingle with inadequate adhesion is a “wind-lifted” or “wind-damaged” shingle. This ignores the other reasons shingle adhesives can fail, even in the absence of strong wind forces. For instance, wind can lift and remove shingle tabs that were adhered to poorly, but not all poorly adhered shingle tabs are caused by wind.

There are other factors that negatively influence the adhesion of shingles, such as manufacturing inconsistencies, improper installation, aging and deterioration, installations during cold weather, contamination of the adhesive, as well as cyclic thermal expansion and contraction.

Wind-Lifted or Wind-Damaged Shingles Are Not Always Noticeable

When it comes to wind-related damage on asphalt composition shingles and how it can be hidden or not visually apparent, the roofing contractor first needs to consider how a shingle gets damaged. This happens when a wind-induced pressure differential between the front and back of a shingle (i.e., the uplift force) has to occur, such that the factory-applied adhesive fails. As the shingle rises in the wind, more surface area is exposed to the wind and, thus, a greater uplift force occurs.

Through their field experience and laboratory testing, they observed that any sealed-down shingle affected by wind will leave lasting evidence of the event having occurred. This evidence is exhibited as creases, folds, tears, missing shingles, or portions of shingles or any of them combined. It’s also more visible when the roof is examined carefully. A shingle that’s simply not adhered and is not creased, folded, torn or missing isn’t evidence of wind-caused damage.

When you need a reliable leaking roof specialist, you can count on The Great American Roofing Company for the best results. You can reach us by calling (201) 825-2955 or filling out our convenient online contact form. Talk to us today!