How Severe Storms Can Lead to Roof Damage to Your Home | SERVPRO® of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Severe thunderstorms are a frightening event because of how much damage they can cause to
your home. It is estimated that thunderstorms happen around 1,800 times every day, which
makes the potential for damage quite high.

While multiple parts of the home are vulnerable to damage as a result of a thunderstorm, the
roof is typically the most vulnerable and thus the most frequently damaged component.
Between high winds, hail and flying debris, there are several types of roof damage to be on
guard for when a severe thunderstorm is likely.

How Roof Damage Can Be a Result of Severe Thunderstorms

Shingles can be torn away due to high winds.

Damaging winds are classified as any wind speed above 50 to 60 miles per hour, but during severe thunderstorms, wind speeds can be as high as 100 miles per hour depending on the conditions that are present. This speed is certainly high enough to catch a loose shingle and tear it off the roof, exposing the vulnerable materials underneath and leading to leaks in the roof.

Hail damage can impact the roofline.

While not every storm will have hail as a component, when it does happen, it is generally widespread and severe. If you notice hail around your home after a severe thunderstorm, you should check for damage to your roof from hailstones as well. Large, powerful hail can cause divots on the roof, cracking shingles and thus making them vulnerable to water damage the next time it rains.

High winds can lead to flying debris.

When winds are as high as they are during a severe storm, nearly anything can turn into hazardous debris. Tree branches, patio furniture, rocks and decorations can all be thrown far from where they originated and even lifted up into the sky to scrape along the roof. This can also rip off shingles or lead to cracks, but is often more severe than simple wind or hail damage would be depending on the size, weight and force of the debris in question.

If you have storm damage to your home, you can count on us for restoration. Contact us 24/7 to
report your damage and get a quick response today.