As summer approaches, so does the increased risk of severe weather events, including tornadoes. While tornadoes can strike at any time of the year, they are particularly common during the warmer months. The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a summer tornado.
According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, in 2023, there were at least 1,450 preliminary reports of tornadoes in the USA, including Georgia, with 1,402 tornadoes already confirmed. This frequency of tornadoes highlights how severe these natural phenomena can be for your roof.
Strong winds, flying debris, and hail can all cause significant damage to roofs, leaving homeowners facing costly roof services. Therefore, assessing whether your roof can withstand the potential onslaught of a summer tornado is crucial. In this blog, we will discuss how your roof can handle summer tornado roof damage. We will also inform you about how
roof services
can ensure your safety.
How Do Summer Tornadoes Damage Roofs?
Summer tornadoes are often fueled by warm, moist air colliding with cold, dry air, creating the ideal conditions for severe thunderstorms and tornado formation. These tornadoes can develop rapidly and with little warning, leaving homeowners with little time to prepare. The strong winds associated with tornadoes can reach speeds of over 200 miles per hour, quickly ripping shingles off roofs, tearing apart roofing materials, and even lifting entire roofs off houses.
Wind Damage
Tear-Offs
The most conspicuous manifestation of wind damage is the tear-off phenomenon, occurring when powerful winds or pressure differentials forcibly separate the roof from its structure. This can result in either partial or complete removal of the roof. Shingles are particularly susceptible to tear-offs, easily dislodged by strong gusts. In severe cases, the roof decking may also be torn away.
Immediate roof repair is important to prevent water infiltration into the underlying premises. In cases where immediate repair is unfeasible, temporary measures such as covering the affected area with a tarp can mitigate further damage. Permanent resolution often necessitates the installation of a new roof by a professional
roof company, mainly if extensive damage has occurred.
Uplifts
Another significant consequence of summer tornado roof damage is through uplifts, which may not be as immediately visible as tear-offs. Uplifts primarily affect older structures lacking adequate wind strapping, whereby intense winds or pressure differentials lift the edges of the roof. Unlike tear-offs, uplifts may not result in permanent displacement of the roof, making detection challenging post-storm.
Indicators of uplift damage include cracked or broken shingles and damage along the eaves. Repairing uplifts is comparatively simpler, typically involving the replacement of damaged shingles. However, a thorough inspection for underlying water damage is recommended to ensure comprehensive repair.
Hail Damage
Coating Removal
Tornado-associated hail poses a significant threat to asphalt shingles, often leading to the removal of their protective granule coating. This renders the shingles ineffective in safeguarding the roof against water intrusion, potentially resulting in leakage and mold formation. Detection of coating removal can be facilitated by inspecting the ground and gutters for displaced granules. Replacement of affected shingles is advised to maintain roof integrity.
Dents or Holes in Shingles
In addition to coating removal, hail can cause breaks, splits, cracks, dents, and holes in shingles. While such damage is typically more apparent than coating removal, it still warrants prompt attention to prevent water ingress. Replacement of damaged shingles is usually sufficient unless underlying decking damage necessitates more extensive repair or roof replacement.
Flying Debris
Even small airborne debris can inflict significant damage upon roofs, particularly through compression, wherein shingles are compacted, stripping away their protective granular layer. Signs of compression, such as shiny spots on shingles or gravel accumulation in roof gutters, should prompt immediate inspection and replacement of affected shingles.
Severe Punctures
In cases of severe punctures from flying debris, roofs may sustain conspicuous damage, including leaks or structural compromise. Depending on the severity and extent of the damage, repair may range from individual shingle replacement to complete roof replacement, especially if the decking is compromised.
How to Prepare Your Roof for Summer Tornado Season?
Preparing your roof for the summer tornado season is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of your home. Tornadoes can cause significant damage to roofs, so taking proactive steps to prepare can help minimize potential harm. Here are some guidelines on how to prepare your roof for summer tornado season:
Regular Maintenance:
Keep your roof in good condition by conducting roof services such as regular inspections and maintenance. Replace missing or damaged shingles, repair flashing, and reinforce weak spots to improve overall roof strength.
Age and Condition:
Older roofs or those in poor condition are more likely to sustain damage during a tornado. Loose or missing shingles, deteriorated flashing, and weakened decking can all increase the risk of roof failure.
Roof Design:
The design and construction of your roof can also impact its ability to withstand tornado-force winds. Roofs with multiple slopes, strong connections between roof components, and adequate bracing are generally more resilient to high winds.
Roofing Materials:
The type of roofing materials used can affect how well your roof withstands tornado damage. While some materials, like asphalt shingles, are more prone to wind damage, others, like metal or concrete tiles, offer greater durability.
Strengthen Roof Connections:
Ensure that your roof is properly anchored to the rest of your home's structure. Use hurricane straps or metal connectors to secure the roof to the walls and foundation, reducing the risk of roof uplift. Hence, strengthening primary roof connections can reduce the chances of summer tornado roof damage.
Trim Trees:
Trim back any overhanging branches near your roof. During a tornado, these branches can break off and cause extensive damage. Keeping trees well-maintained can reduce the risk of debris hitting your roof.
Conclusion
Summer tornadoes pose a significant threat to roofs, with strong winds, hail, and flying debris causing extensive damage. Proper preparation, including regular roof maintenance, reinforcing weak spots, and selecting resilient roofing materials, is essential to minimize the risk of summer tornado roof damage. Additionally, you can hire professional roof services to enhance the protection of your property.
Our experts at Roof America, a well-known roof company in Georgia, are dedicated to safeguarding your property against the destructive forces of summer tornadoes. We offer comprehensive roof inspection and maintenance services to identify vulnerabilities and fortify your roof against potential damage.
Contact Us Today!