Strong winds cause a lot of damage to your residential roofing system. However, this will depend on several factors, including the following:
1. Installation
How your roof is installed greatly affects its wind resistance. As a homeowner, it is important to make sure that your roofing is installed by trustworthy roofers. Your roof is more susceptible to wind damage if:
- The number of nails used for each shingle wasn’t enough.
- The nails were positioned incorrectly.
- There is a large overhang
For homeowners, we highly recommend that you have a 4/12 or 6/12 roof pitch since this offers the most wind resistance.
2. Materials
The type of materials and components used to install your roof will also have a big effect on how wind-resistant the whole system is. It also determines how strong your roof is against other elements such as rain and heat. As a homeowner, it is a must that you do your research when it comes to roofing materials. It’s a good idea to ask your roofing contractors what roofing materials they suggest for your roof.
3. Care and Maintenance
One of your responsibilities as a homeowner is to stay on top of your roof’s routine maintenance. After heavy downpours or strong winds, make sure that your roofing contractor is called in for an inspection. Also, never postpone much-needed repairs. Doing so can lead to more problems in the future.
4. Age
Your roof will naturally weaken with age. From the flashings to the shingles, all of its components will eventually start to fail. If your roof is nearing its 20-year mark, make sure to have it inspected. A 20-year old roof is much more likely to be susceptible to wind damage than a five year old roof, and thus must be replaced as soon as possible.
Wind damage on your roof will be something that your roof may suffer from during its lifetime. To minimize the risks and ensure the whole system’s longevity and performance, you need to work with a reliable roofing company like The Thomas Roofing Company, Inc.
Call us now at (410) 876-3602, or fill out our contact form for a no-obligation quote. We serve homeowners in Columbia, Towson and Westminster, MD.
