What to Know About Shingles & Wind Resistance

No matter how well a house is built, it’s up to the mercy of mother nature. A storm can ravage a home’s exterior, leaving sustainable damage to even prompting significant exterior repair or replacement.

The biggest culprit for broken or missing shingles is--by far--the wind. Even if the weather is sunny and warm, a sudden bout of wind blows off shingles quickly and poses severe damage to your windows, gutters, and siding.

Let’s dive into the relationship between shingles and mother nature’s gust!

Shingles and Wind Resistance

Shingles are built with wind in mind and are generally rated to give buyers knowledge about how resistant the shingles are to wind. Shingles are tested and assigned these wind ratings by the manufacturers. During the testing, they are tested to see their ability to resist wind uplift.

Wind Rating Classes

There are six classes of wind resistance for asphalt roofing shingles. They are categorized by letters, including A, D, F, G, and H.

• Class A: up to 60 mph

• Class D: up to 90 mph

• Class F: up to 110 mph

• Class G: up to 120 mph

• Class H: up to 150 mph

As you can see, Class H has the highest wind resistance. Trinity Exteriors uses Owens Corning shingles, which are rated by wind resistance as well.

Wind’s Effects on Shingles

To get a better sense of wind patterns, think of the planet's atmosphere as a giant air ocean. Much like bodies of water, air currents push force from one area to another, constantly exchanging pressure levels.

This exchange is not always similar to sudden gusts of wind that can swirl up or bear down in almost any direction or angle. All it takes is enough force and the right angle for a guest of wind to damage or rip off your shingles.

There Are Several Variables to Wind Damage

Many factors contribute to how and when your roof gets damaged by a severe storm or heavy winds, including:

Home Location and Area Climate

Where your home is situated and what kind of general weather your location gets significantly factor into shingle damage by wind. For instance: If you own a farmhouse, chances are you’re surrounded by open fields. This exposes you to the maximum amount of wind, increasing the chances of roofing damage.

On the flip side, your home may receive protection from the wind if bordered by trees. However, this opens up the chances of tree limbs snapping off and inflicting damage on your shingles.

Roofing System

Your home’s entire roofing system can influence the wind resistance of shingles. This includes underlayment, ventilation, and flashing. When you have a well-designed roof, it can enhance wind resistance. It’s important to make sure all the components of your roof work together to provide a strong and secure roof.

Roof Shape

The shape of your roof is an often overlooked but crucial factor in wind damage resistance. An even, low-sloped roof gives less surface area for the wind to catch on to, minimizing the risk of damage. Conversely, high-pitched gable roofs have a high chance of sustaining wind damage.

Regular Inspections

If you don’t have regular roofing inspections, it might be the time to start. It’s a good idea to have your roof inspected once per year in the spring or fall. If you do have severe weather, then consider getting a roof inspection afterward to make sure that your roof is still in good condition. If you let your roof’s maintenance slip, it could cause more problems down the road.

Spotting Wind Damage

Here are some common signs of roofing damage you should be on the lookout for after enduring strong winds:

• Missing shingles

• Cracked or damaged shingles

• Damaged or clogged gutters

• Slightly raised shingles

• Water leaking in the attic

Contact Trinity Exteriors for Wind Damage Repair

When you find damage to your roof, prompt action will save you down the road. That’s why you can call on Trinity Exteriors right away!

Receive a free quote online or give us a call at 952-920-9520 today!