We’re now in that time of year when Southern California braces itself for the Santa Ana winds. Is your roof prepped and ready to weather the “storm”?
Preventing wind damage to your roof should be a priority. Wind can get in underneath damaged sections of your roof and rip shingles and tile from your property, sometimes causing catastrophic damage and hefty repair bills. Preventing this nightmare scenario from unfolding requires taking action now. You need to prep your roof so that you’re ready for the worst that the weather might throw at you over the coming months.
Get Your Roof Repaired BEFORE the Next Heavy Wind Storm Hits and Causes More Damage
While your partially damaged roof might have fared just fine throughout the calm summer, things will change dramatically as we head deeper into fall. Winds along the Pacific whip up and travel inland, putting roofs at risk.
Roofs face a big enough challenge in high-wind situations, even without damage. But add loose tiles or shingles, or weakened sections to the mix, and all of a sudden, you have a disaster on your hands, waiting to unfold. When annual Santa Ana winds hit, their fierce power can batter your roof like a sail, causing further damage.
The trick is to maintain your roof annually by inspecting it yourself or hiring a professional. This practice can protect your roof against what can happen with high winds. If needed, a roof repair may include replacing loose and missing tiles, ensuring the flashing around the chimney is in good condition and checking that all the pipes are properly sealed. Failing to do any of these things can cause severe issues once the windstorm finally hits.
Preventive Roof Repairs Prevent Leaks from Storm Damage
There is a second reason why roof repairs are so urgent at this time of year– rain. If there’s damage to your roof from the winds, rain can be a big problem. It can seep through cracks and gaps and trickle down into your ceiling, walls, and insulation, causing substantial damage along the way. Wet insulation doesn’t work anymore, and damp ceilings or walls can lead to the buildup of mold. Thus, even if Southern California gets lucky one year and escapes high winds, you could still find that your leaky roof leads to substantial damage to your home.
Repairing Roof Damage After a Weather Storm
How do you know if your roof needs repairing after high winds? Let’s take a look.
- Asphalt buildup in your gutters and downspouts. Often you don’t need to have a good view of your roof to detect damage. Sometimes, getting up on a ladder, you can see it right there in front of you in your gutters. Wind can rip asphalt material from your roof shingles and deposit it in the gutters. Rain then transports it to the downspouts and your drains.
- Missing shingle sections. Missing shingle sections are usually quite distinct and a clear sign that you need professional wind damage repair.
- Curled or buckled shingles. Curled or buckled shingles appear to turn upwards at the sides. It’s best to replace them sooner rather than later to prevent further damage to the roof if high
winds hit again. - Slipped tile. During heavy rain or strong wind storms, tiles could become dislodged, causing them to “slip.” Slipped tile can also be caused by corroded nails that hold it in place or from the wood underlayment becoming weak due to sun or water exposure, or termite infestation.
Conclusion: If You are Worried about Wind or Storm Damage Call Us Today
The Santa Ana winds have already begun this season. It’s time, therefore, to prep your roof and repair any potential issues. Roof maintenance is vital for keeping repair costs down long-term. Feel free to give us a call at (805) 523-2550 for a preventative roof inspection or should you notice any damage from the recent storms.