Did you know that “once a tropical storm’s winds exceed 39 mph, the storm gets a name? Most storms that make landfall in the US are tropical storms, not “major hurricanes of Category 3 and above, explains Business Insider.
As you know, high winds can do the following damage:
- tear and rip shingles off roofs,
- leave a roof deck, underlayment or old shingles from a previous roof exposed to the elements,
- Lift and curl shingles by breaking the seal that bonds them together leaving your roof vulnerable to wind-driven rain,
- tear down power lines,
- damage a home’s exterior,
- break large tree branches,
- bring hail that can leave dents or pockmarks in shingles, dislodging the protective granules that protect against rain and sun damage, and
- cause widespread destruction.
Wind speeds
There are classifications with wind speeds that determine which type of storm or Hurricane is present. Here is the defining information:
Calm Less than 1 mph
Moderate Breeze 13 – 18 mph
Fresh Breeze 19 – 24 mph
Strong Breeze 25 – 31 mph
Moderate Gale 32 – 38 mph
Fresh Gale 39 – 46 mph
Strong Gale 47 – 54 mph
Whole Gale 55 – 63 mph
Storm 64 – 73 mph
Category 1 Hurricane 74 to 95 mph
Category 2 Hurricane 96 to 110 mph
Category 3 Hurricane 111 to 130 mph
Category 4 Hurricane 131 to 155 mph
Category 5 Hurricane 156 mph +
Roof damage
A roof can sustain damage even when a storm produces no rain or hail. A standard roof is designed to resist typical wind loads. However, they can be incrementally damaged over the years by high winds and debris carried by the wind.
Most modern shingle roofs are rated to withstand 90 mile-per-hour winds. There are roofing products available for hurricane and tornado-prone areas that can withstand winds up to 150 mph.
Insurance Coverage
“Most homeowner insurance policies will provide coverage for roof damage caused by unpreventable reasons such as vandalism or fire. Although wind, rain, and hail are covered by your home insurance policy, there are many factors that determine if your damage will be covered, and if so, how much you will be reimbursed,” reports Homesite.
Allstate informs that “if a strong storm roars through, you may find your siding damaged by hail and shingles that the wind ripped off the roof. Homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage. Coverage also usually includes damage from hail, wind-driven rain or snow that gets inside the home when a roof or wall is damaged due to wind”.
Make sure you find a roof contractor that is trained for storm damage to get your roof and home back to normal after a storm or hurricane.
No. 1 Home Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company conveniently located on US Highway 19 in Palm Harbor, Florida. We are dedicated to providing top quality workmanship and materials to ensure that your new roof is done right. We specialize in shingle, tile, and flat roof installation, repairs, and maintenance. Contact us for an appointment and/or estimate at 727-781-7663.