After a night of wind one finds shingles strewn about the yard. The thought of your roof not standing up to a storm as it makes its way over the plains is a concern. Then there is that whistling from the attic and you are left to question if it is of any import.
For answers, come to us. We are Texas Plains Contractors, a roofing firm owned and run right here in the Texas Panhandle with an office in Amarillo and another in Pampa. Being GAF trained and certified, as well as licensed, insured and bonded, we can put your mind at ease as to what the wind has been up to on your roof. Questions? Call (806) 450-4457.
You will find wide open skies and wind in the Panhandle; the very same wind that makes the landscape does its work on the roof above you too. We have set out below some of the problems high winds tend to cause so you are aware of them.
Missing and Torn Shingles
In our part of the country there is no greater culprit for shingle damage than wind. A hard gust will get under a shingle’s edge and lift it, tearing it off or at best leaving it creased and all but ruined. One shingle gives way and the rest are fair game.
Look for these telltale signs:
- Underlayment exposed in bare patches
- Shingles in the driveway or yard in the wake of a storm
- Edges on the roofline that have curled or lifted
- Discoloration on a shingle or two
- An accumulation of granules in the downspouts or gutters
Damaged Flashing and Sealant
The metal flashing that is meant to seal the edges and joints of a roof, be it around a chimney, vent or valley, can be worked loose by the wind. When the seal is broken water will make its way in. It is a frequent source of hidden leaks since you would not see the damage from where you are standing.
Gutter Problems
Your gutters take a beating from the wind as well. Fasteners holding them to the house can come undone and when the gutters are pulled away proper drainage is a thing of the past. Pooling at the foundation is the result, along with added wear on the siding and roof. Some things to watch for:
- Sagging sections
- Gaps between the gutter and fascia board
- Rain water going over the side
- Debris the wind has deposited
Lifted or Loose Roof Decking
Severe winds exert pressure that goes deeper than the surface. The nails in the decking under the shingles can loosen, making for soft or springy areas. Do not overlook this, a deck that is compromised means the whole system is weakened.
Debris Impact Damage
The wind in the Panhandle is apt to pick up tree branches and other objects and fling them at your roof. Dents and punctures are the order of the day, and even minor impacts will cut the life of your roof short.
The Case for Regular Inspections
From the ground most wind damage is not apparent. A stain on the ceiling may be months in the making before you notice torn flashing or a shingle has been lifted. Once you have a leak inside the damage has typically already taken hold.
It is easy to nip these things in the bud. A roofer who knows his trade will see the small things before they become a costly matter. With free estimates and roof inspections from Texas Plains Contractors there is no need to put it off until you are mopping up in the living room.
We do business in communities throughout the Panhandle from Canyon to Hereford, Dalhart to Perryton, Borger, Dumas and more. Should you require a repair or a new roof, Service Finance can put together financing for that and any exterior improvements like windows, siding or gutters.
Get Your Roof Checked
You cannot make the wind here ease up but you can be ahead of the trouble it makes. For peace of mind ahead of a big storm or if you have seen any of the above, let Texas Plains Contractors put you in touch. We are at your service Monday to Friday from 8:00am till 5:00pm. Put in a call at (806) 450-4457 to have your roof inspected on us.
