How Likely Is an Asphalt Roof to Suffer From Wind Damage?

Your roof goes through a lot every day, from harsh ultraviolet rays and heat to wind-driven debris and high winds. When strong enough, winds can cause extensive damage to your roof, even if there’s no hail, snow or rain. If you know how likely your roof is to suffer from wind-related issues, this can help you determine which measures to take to avoid the need for roofing repairs. 

Here are factors that can affect the likelihood of wind damage on asphalt roofs. 

Material Quality

The quality of asphalt shingles largely depends on the manufacturer. A high-quality roof is not as vulnerable to wind damage as substandard materials. The industry categorized shingles based on their resistance to high winds. For instance, Class D shingles can stand up to winds of up to 90 mph. Moreover, the thickness of your roof’s sheathing lets your contractor determine the nailing depth, which plays a major role in the weather resistance of shingles. 

Installation Techniques

Be careful of who you hire for your roof and seamless gutters. How well your contractor installs your roof affects its wind resistance. Installation errors can compromise the overall structural integrity of the roof. Nails must be positioned properly on the shingles to give them strength to withstand high winds. 

The pitch or slope of the roof also matters. For optimal wind resistance, a roof must have a pitch of between 4:12 and 6:12. 

Maintenance

You can ensure your roof is ready for whatever nature brings by scheduling regular inspections and maintenance. Make it a habit to contact a reputable contractor to check your roof after a storm. If repairs are necessary, have them done by a professional immediately. 

As much as possible, keep the attachments on your roof at a minimum. Trees around your property pose a serious risk to your roof and the rest of your home. That’s why you should have them trimmed regularly. 

At Deschutes Roofing, we only install high-quality roofing materials from leading manufacturers. We also specialize in seamless gutter installation. Call us at (541) 241-5720 (Bend), (503) 967-9590 (Portland), (541) 246-6860 (Eugene), (503) 468-7663 (Lake Oswego) or (503) 928-8750 (Beaverton). You may also fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.