Myths about roofing maintenance and damage aren’t as harmless as they seem. After all, important decisions based on wrong information almost always end up causing more roofing issues.
What are the most widespread myths about roofing damage and maintenance? Misconceptions about wind damage on roofs are relatively common.
Some of the most common wind damage myths are:
Wind-Lifted or Wind-Damaged Shingles Aren’t Always Visually Apparent
To the trained eye, wind damage is always visually apparent. Wind damage, particularly those caused by wind uplift, often produces visible signs of damage. For instance, wind-lifted or wind-damaged shingles usually have creases on their surface. And if the force of the wind uplift—a product of the wind-induced pressure differential between the front and back of a shingle—is strong enough, the tabs or shingle sections might break off.
It’s likely that this misconception spread because of the increasing popularity of DIY projects. Without proper training or extensive experience, it’s easy to miss the warning signs of roofing damage. That’s why it’s best to let professional contractors handle roof repair and inspections.
Shingles With Failed Adhesion Seals and Wind-Damaged Shingles Both Mean the Same Thing
There are several reasons why the adhesion seal on a shingle fails and wind uplift is just one of them. As such, even without wind uplift, it’s still possible for the adhesion seal on shingles to fail. Other possible suspects behind failed shingle adhesion are shoddy installation work, natural wear and tear, and thermal shock (damage caused by repeated expansions and contractions due to abrupt temperature changes).
As Long As There Aren’t Any Signs of Wind Damage After a Storm, Your Roof Should Be Okay
As a rule of thumb, you should have a professional contractor inspect your home after a storm. No matter how durable your roof is, it’s likely to have suffered damage during an extreme weather event. To make sure all the warning signs of storm damage are detected early on, only experienced contractors should handle the initial inspection and roof replacement (if your roof is beyond repair).
Looking for contractors near you?
Pritchett Roofing Inc. has been providing professional exterior services, including roof and siding repair services, to northern Atlanta residents since 1981. To schedule a consultation, call us at (770) 345-1622 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Canton as well as the surrounding GA communities.