Wind damaged roof FAQs:

Frequently asked questions and answers about how to assess, repair, or prevent wind damage to roofs.

This article series discusses how to evaluate wind damage to asphalt shingle roofs and tells readers how to identify & explain the most-common failure mechanisms such as improper nailing, failure of shingles to seal. This information is useful when considering how to obtain asphalt roofing shingle failure claims assistance. These defects occur on both organic-mat or fiberglass-mat asphalt roof shingles.

Questions & Answers about the Causes, Diagnosis, Cure & Prevention of Wind Damage to Roofs

Question: what's the best repair for shingles loosened but not torn off by a windstorm

We live in Texas and recently had high winds.  We lost some shingles and the rest were flapping in the wind, meaning the seals were broken.    Will these seals "heal" with the heat we have in Texas, or do they need to be replaced? 
- M.T. 4/17/2013

Reply: check for visible damage, cracks, extreme bends, re-glue good shingles with flashing cement, remove and replace cracked or damaged shingle areas

MT:

In general if the shingle did a lot of flapping I'm afraid it may be cracked, worn, such that the tab may break off - an on-roof inspection would be needed to decide.

I'm a little worried that a shingle tab may have been weakened without showing a visible crack, but I figure especially in a warm climate like yours an asphalt shingle tab can tolerate some pretty good bending without becoming cracked. That's not true in colder areas of the country.

I would not rely on the previously-sealed shingles to re-seal themselves properly once they've been lifted by a windstorm. The fact that the shingles were flapping and have broken seals makes me suspect they may not seal reliably again - after all they failed the first time and so are weaker than before.

IF the shingles appear undamaged but not sealed, you should be able to improve their sealing with a dab or two of roof cement beneath each tab.

Question: contractor cut the roofing felt - is that OK?

(July 31, 2015) Anonymous said:
contractor cut through underlaing felt on ridges during the singles trimmimng

Reply:

My *opinion* is that a few small cuts won't make a bit of difference; felt underlayment is not a perfectly waterproof barrier as it is punctured by every shingle nail; and at the ridge the leak risks are minimized.

Question: likes Geocel sealant

(Dec 28, 2015) Anonymous said:
to seal the shingles use geocell..not asphalt cement , geocel works and asphalt cement may or may not work well.

Reply:

geocel will glue and hold the tabs down better and it is excellent for any roofing repairs that need adhesive or sealant.

Question: hingles being nailed wrong or too high is actually too common

(Dec 28, 2015) Anonymous said:
About asphalt shingles being nailed wrong or too high is actually too common, so called roofers work in the heat or weather being part of it but more they just want to get the roof put on asap with lack of knowledge on specifications which are very important.

They nail high being easy and less nail shiners and to make quick repairs during installation because of a nail shiner (nail exposed)is time consuming so they nailed too high.

Some roofers have respect and knowledge to do things right and install shingles proper with pride in their work of course yet so many just want to make the money.

I've seen so many roofs a total waste of money and effort because of these issues of shingles being nailed too high and not being nailed in the margin where double layered for hold down strength.I also agree almost all blown off shingles are from being nailed too high up on the shingle.

Also patches or entire sections of roofing falling down the roof. Asphalt shingles are only good if installed proper.

Reply:

Anon: I like Geocel products too, though beneath an asphalt shingle tab asphalt cement will work fine.

Anon: we agree that a roofer wants the job and some may be inclined to go ahead in weather that would best have seen a deferral; of these the worst problems are probably in wet or very cold weather, though I also see damaged shingles from foot traffic in hot weather too.

Weather won't explain improper nailing.

Question:

selesao5000 said:
thanx, but very little about composite shingles

Reply:

Thanks for the comment, though we do not permit posting of advertising links (deleted from your remarks).

In its most broad usage, "composition shingles" is a term used to pertain to nearly all modern asphalt-based roof shingles: a substrate of either felt or fiberglass is impregnated with asphalt and the exposed surface is coated with mineral granules.

We use the term laminated shingles to describe roof shingles comprised of multiple layers of asphalt-impregnated base and coated with mineral granules so as to provide the appearance of wood shakes, shingles, or slate, giving shadow and relief to the roof surface. Some roofers, perhaps including Selesao use the term "composition shingles" or "composite shingles" to describe what we refer-to as "laminate shingles".

In our OPINION laminate-type roof shingles may offer extra durability (all other factors being equal) than conventional 3-tab shingles that have a cutout or slot between shingle tabs. That's because of the extra thickness and the absence of cutouts in the laminated roof shingles.

Summarizing:

1. Conventional or 3-tab shingles are individually one thickness of asphalt-impregnated base (fiberglass or felt) coated with mineral granules. These are perhaps the most widely-used asphalt shingle and are usually a bit lower in cost than items 2 and 3 given next

2. Laminate shingles are similar to 3-tab shingles but include an extra layer of shingle material laminated or bonded to the base shingle, doubling its thickness and usually warranted for a longer period, perhaps 30 to 50 years.

3. Architectural shingles are essentially a thicker, more-durable laminated shingle than item 2 above and are usually rated for a longer life (50 years) as they are thicker, heavier, and may have other features such as added fire resistance.

Among the asphalt roof shingle articles found at InspectAPedia.com we include illustrations of all types of asphalt-based as well as all other types of roof coverings.

Question:

(Mar 1, 2016) Anonymous said:
I have recently inspected a roof with "zipper patterns" all over it. At the corners the shingles have lifted and pulled small portions of the shingle below away. It appears that these occurred due to wind damage, would this be sufficient damage to consider roof replacement?

Reply:

Please use the page bottom CONTACT link to send me some sharp photos of your roof, Anon, so that we can comment further. From just your e-text I'm not sure what to offer.

Question:

(May 20, 2016) Teri said:
I would like to thank all of you for your opinions. On what brands to and not to use When doing a minor repair........ I'm now prepared to do that very minor repair on my mother's roof. THANX AGAIN !

Reply:

Teri I don't have specific brand pans and picks; the problems are more often in the installation.

For FEMA advice on wind damage resistant construction of roofing

see "Asphalt Shingle Roofing for High Wind Regions, Home Builders' Guide to Coastal Construction", FEMA 499, August 2005, Technical Fact Sheet No. 20.

For clay or concrete tile roofs,

see CLAY TILE WIND & SEISMIC CONNECTORS where we describe special connectors used for roofing tiles in high wind, hurricane, and seismic areas. Standard clay tile roof connectors are discussed

at CLAY TILE ROOF CONNECTIONS.

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Continue reading at WIND DAMAGE to ROOFS - home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• CELLOPHANE STRIP ADHESIVE ADEQUACY in HIGH WIND AREAS
• BUILDING DAMAGE ASSESSMENT & REPAIR - home
• WARRANTIES for ROOF SHINGLES
• WIND DAMAGED BUILDINGS

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WIND DAMAGE ROOF FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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