The ideal roofing system protects your home interiors and provides shelter from the harsh weather. Like most home exteriors, however, it is not impervious to damage. Strong winds, in particular, can get strong enough to cause extensive damage to your asphalt shingle roof.
To prepare your roof against unpredictable heavy winds, you need to learn about the interaction between your asphalt shingles and wind resistance.
How Does Wind Interact With an Asphalt Roof?
Wind moves randomly and unpredictably. It travels up, down, sideways, and in circular patterns at different speeds due to differences in temperature and pressure in the Earth’s atmosphere. It may also be a result of the land’s terrain and topography.
When wind encounters your asphalt shingle roofing system, the interaction is more predictable. As wind travels up to your roof, it hits the sides of your home and goes over your roof with changing degrees of uplift pressure. Take note that uplift pressure is at its highest at the eaves of your roof, which are particularly susceptible to wind damage. Once the wind reaches the surface of your roof, the suction pressure can even lift your shingles off their attachments.
What Factors Affect How Susceptible Your Asphalt Roof Is to Wind Damage?
There are plenty of factors that influence how susceptible your asphalt roof is to wind damage. We list a few of them here:
- Roof layout – If your asphalt roof has a higher slope and longer gable lines with wider eave overhangs, it may be vulnerable to wind pressure.
- Location – In comparison to homes in the city, stronger winds are generally more expected in typhoon-prone areas such as at the seaside.
- Quality of roofing materials – Generic plywood may not be ideal for your asphalt roof. Instead, be sure to invest in durable and reliable plywood that will resist wear and tear. In addition, you should also make sure that your nails are of the highest quality.
- Improper installation – Misaligned shingles and improperly sealed flashings are signs of poor installation, which makes your roof more exposed to wind pressure. To help you get the most out of your new roof, make sure it is properly installed by an experienced team of roofing professionals.
Turn to Goodrich Roofing for all your residential roofing. When wind storm damage strikes your home, we will work in your best interest with your insurance company. Call us today at (505) 884-0662, or fill out our online contact form to set an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in Albuquerque.