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Protect Your Home: How To Repair Your Roof After Wind Damage

6 July 2023 by Leslie Turner

Your home is your safe haven and you need to protect it with proper maintenance. Strong wind can cause serious damage to your home's roof, leading to costly repairs or even replacement. In fact, wind damage accounts for a significant portion of roof damage in many areas.

This article discusses how you can repair your roof after wind damage and protect your home.

Repair Any Damaged Shingles

Wind can lift or completely remove shingles, exposing the underlying structure to further damage from the elements. Therefore, you need to address this issue promptly to prevent any secondary issues like water leaks or structural deterioration.

To repair wind-damaged shingles, you need to first assess the extent of the damage. If a shingle is simply lifted, it may be possible to re-secure it using roofing cement and nails. Apply a generous amount of roofing cement under the lifted shingle and then press it down firmly.

You can then drive a couple of roofing nails at an angle through the top corners of the shingle to secure it further. Ensure that the nail heads are covered with a dab of roofing cement to prevent water seepage.

However, if a shingle is torn, cracked, or completely missing, it will need to be replaced. To replace a shingle, gently lift the surrounding shingles and remove the nails holding the damaged shingle in place. Slide the new shingle into position, ensuring it aligns with the adjacent shingles. Secure it with roofing nails, and apply roofing cement over the nail heads.

Safety is paramount when working on roofs, so take precautions or consider hiring a professional if the damage is extensive.

Secure Roof Decking and Insulation

High winds can cause the roof decking to become loose or the insulation to shift, affecting the structural integrity of the roof and the thermal efficiency of your home. In such cases, you don't necessarily need to replace these components — securing them properly can often be enough.

To secure loose roof decking, you'll need to identify any areas where it has become detached from the rafters or trusses. Once you've found these areas, you can reattach the decking using suitable roofing nails or screws. Ensure the fasteners penetrate deep into the rafters or trusses for a firm hold. Be careful not to overdrive the fasteners, as this can lead to further damage.

If your insulation has shifted due to wind, you need to reposition it correctly to maintain optimal energy efficiency. Access the affected area from the attic or by carefully removing the necessary roofing materials.

Gently adjust the insulation so it sits evenly between the rafters or truss chords, ensuring it fills the space without being overly compressed. Once the insulation is properly positioned, you can replace any removed roofing materials.

To learn more, contact a roofing service in your area such as Gerardo's Construction LLC.

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