As a homeowner, few things are more unsettling than the thought of a tornado causing harm to your home. The sheer power and destructive force of these natural disasters can wreak havoc on your home, specifically your roof. When it comes to tornadoes, your roof’s condition can make all the difference between safety and disaster.
As you know, a roofing system is the first line for a home against extreme weather such as tornadoes. Therefore, understanding the various types of concerns you may face when it comes to tornado roof damage is crucial for safeguarding your home, your belongings, and, most importantly, your loved ones.
This is exactly what we will be covering in today’s blog post. We understand that the storm season is fast approaching, and tornadoes are troublesome, so we’ll provide different roofing concerns you should focus on in order to protect your roof.
What A Tornado Is And Why It Should Not Be Taken Lightly
Tornadoes are a form of extreme weather and form from rapidly rotating columns of air that descend from thunderstorms and make contact with the ground. These powerful storms can cause mass destruction in a matter of seconds.
The impact that a tornado has on a roof is a grave concern for homeowners. The sheer strength and velocity of the winds can rip apart even the sturdiest structures, leaving homes vulnerable to extensive damage.
How Does A Tornado Damage Your Roof?
As this force of nature sweeps across a landscape, it poses significant risks to the structural integrity of homes and buildings in its path. But the part of your home that will face the most damage is the roof. Knowing the ways in which a tornado can damage your roof is essential so that you can take necessary action.
Here are some of the concerns that you need to consider, especially when a tornado is approaching or has already hit your area:
#1 Torn, Damaged, Or Missing Shingles
More than 60-70% of homes in Oklahoma have an asphalt shingle roof. It is the most affordable and colorful roofing material available. Unfortunately, if you have a shingle roof, you should be aware that it’s not the most durable roofing material to withstand tornadoes.
During a tornado, one of the most common concerns homeowners face is shingle damage or the complete removal of shingles from the roof. The powerful winds generated by tornadoes can easily dislodge or tear away these protective layers, leaving your roof vulnerable to further damage.
Signs Of Shingle Damage
Signs of shingle damage are crucial to identify after a tornado. Cracked, curled, or lifted shingles are indicators that the storm’s force has compromised their integrity. Additionally, if you notice any missing shingles or find shingles scattered around your property after a tornado, it’s a clear sign of significant roof damage.
It’s crucial you prioritize immediate repair for shingle damage caused by a tornado. By promptly addressing the issue, you can prevent further water damage. You could even replace the shingles with another roofing material, or choose luxury shingles which are thicker than basic asphalt shingles and may provide more protection.
Learn More: Top 6 Architectural Shingles 2023
#2 Roof Leaks and Other Forms of Water Damage
This point is related to the first one. When a tornado hits your roof and tears off your shingles, it does much more than reduce the look of your roof. When shingles are compromised or missing, it creates openings for water to penetrate the underlying layers, causing devastating roof leaks.
Tornado wind speeds can also cause flying debris, such as tree branches or other objects, to strike your home. If these objects strike and damage roof vents, chimneys, skylights, or other roof penetrations, they can also create entry points for water.
Not only that but the strong winds and debris associated with tornadoes can also dislodge or damage other smaller parts of the roof, such as the roof flashing, compromising its effectiveness and allowing water to enter.
The effects of a tornado can be maximized if your roof is already damaged or weak and needs repairs. Make sure you hire a professional roofing contractor before tornado season in order to lessen the change of previous damage making a situation worse.
How To Spot Roof Leaks
Recognizing the signs of a roof leak is crucial for homeowners in the aftermath of a tornado. Here are a few telltale signs that water has breached the roof’s protective barrier.
- Water stains on the ceiling or walls
- Dripping water
- Visible signs of mold or mildew growth
These signs should not be ignored, as they indicate ongoing water damage that can lead to more significant issues if left unaddressed.
#3 Gutter And Downspout Issues
Tornadoes not only cause significant damage to roofs, but also to the gutters and downspouts that play a crucial role in diverting rainwater away from your home.
As we know, tornadoes can pick up and hurl various debris, such as tree branches, rocks, or other objects, at high speeds. When this debris collides with gutters and downspouts, it can dent, bend, or even dislodge them from the side of your home.
Since tornadoes are also accompanied by rain, which can quickly overwhelm gutters and downspouts, the force of the downpour, combined with debris accumulation, can cause gutters to clog and even break.
Learn More: Faux Copper Gutter Guide: Affordable Way To Protect Your Home
#4 Dents and Scars On The Roof
Tornadoes can leave behind a trail of destruction, and one common concern for homeowners is the presence of dents and holes in the roof. This is the case for asphalt shingle roofs and even more durable roofs such as metal roofing systems and tile roofs.
Metal Roofs
During a tornado, airborne debris propelled by high winds can collide with metal roofs, resulting in dents and even punctures. Large hailstones, in particular, can cause significant damage, leaving behind noticeable dents on the metal surface. These dents or holes can affect the roof’s structural integrity. Over time, the compromised areas may become susceptible to further damage.
Tile Roofs
Although shingles provide a layer of protection, tornadoes can still cause damage to them. The impact of flying debris or hail can crack, chip, or dislodge individual shingles, leaving behind visible signs of damage.
Other Concerns During Tornado Season
Now that we know about the various types of damage that devastating tornadoes can cause to your roof, you are now one step ahead of many homeowners.
Taking proactive measures to prepare and prevent tornado damage to your roof is crucial for safeguarding your home. Consider the following tips to strengthen your roof’s resilience and protect it during tornadoes:
Choose Durable Roofing Materials
This is the most prominent thing that you need to take into consideration. Though a lovely city, Oklahoma faces some of the worst storms in the area. To ensure your roof is better prepared to meet these conditions, it is essential to install high-quality roofing materials.
No one can predict the amount of damage that Mother Nature will cause, but some materials are better suited to protect your home.
You can consider the following resilient roofing material options:
- Metal Roofs
- Wood Shakes
- Tile Roofs
At A. Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing, we install all of the above roofing materials and can offer you the best protection.
Regular Roof Inspections
Whether you are preparing for a tornado or not, a roof inspection is essential. Schedule routine roof inspections with professional roofing contractors to assess the overall condition of your roof. They can identify potential vulnerabilities, such as loose shingles, damaged flashing, or weak areas that require immediate attention.
Stay Ahead With An Emergency Plan
Of course, no one can predict when a tornado will hit your area, but having an emergency plan will help you handle it better. Stay informed about severe weather conditions and have a well-defined emergency plan. Identify a safe area within your home, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest level, where you can seek shelter during a tornado.
Prepare an emergency kit with food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio.
Prepare Your Roof With The Best Roofing Company In Oklahoma
While no one can completely predict or prevent the forces of nature, being proactive in fortifying your roof against tornado damage can make a significant difference. By investing in resilient roofing materials and hiring a professional roofing company for roof repair, you can protect your home for years to come.
A. Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing is a premier roofing company in Oklahoma that has been in the roofing industry for years. We offer timely tornado roof damage services so that you can quickly get your roof in its best condition. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167
