Due to the combination of heavy rain, hail and strong winds, tornados can lead to devastation. The extent of the damage depends on the severity of the storm and your home’s construction, but you can expect some damage from any tornado.
Common Tornado Damage
The eaves, corners, and edges are the most susceptible areas of the roof because the tornado winds could leverage these areas to cause severe damage. However, all roof elements are endangered. The most common problems to your roof after a tornadic storm include:
- Torn, detached or cracked shingles
- Leaky roof
- Water/wind damage to roof and underlayment
- Shingles damaged by hail, dents and protective granule removal
Wind Damage
It’s insane how something you can’t even see can be damaging, such as wind. Winds may cause several forms of damage:
- Blow off your roof or roof accessories
- Throw objects and debris against the roof
- Rip off the roof with installed hardware
Water Damage
Heavy rain by a tornado causes leaks or damage to the roof. Wooden shingles can be damaged and weakened by excessive rain, even if they leak less frequently. On the other hand, tiles and asphalt shingles are great for water removal from the roof, but the rain that’s driven by the wind can break down the shingles and lead to water leaking into your home. Wind-driven rain may also wear granules on your shingles which help resist the elements and thus expose them to additional damage. In extreme cases, weakening the roof in conjunction with a massive volume of water can cause a part of your roof to collapse.
Preparing Your Roof for Tornado Season
1.Evaluation
An annual roof evaluation is a must if you live in a tornado-prone area. A knowledgeable contractor will ensure that there are no problems on the roof that a tornadic storm could exacerbate before the tornado season. It’s the best time before tornado season for the roofing companies in OKC to repair and double-check your roof integrity.
The following areas are key for being looked at by your roofing contractor:
- Membrane: rip, puncture, holes or aging effects
- Flashings: ensure correct attachment and sealing of all flashings.
- Assembled equipment: ensure proper sealing of the penetrations and secure connection of the equipment.
- Gutters / Downspout: ensure properly connected and flowing to the right location of all gutters, drains, and downspouts.
Two annual inspections can even do one better: one before and one after the storm season.
2.Roof Inspection
To help you inspect your roof, contact our roofing company in OKC. A specialist has the expertise to find faults on the roof and to determine if it can cope with a tornado’s high winds. To determine whether the roof is weakened by humidity and molds the contractor inspects the interior. He’s also looking around for loose shingles, leaks and cracked caulk. Following the inspection, you will receive a detailed report. The report may contain the inspectors recommendations, the roof’s life expectancy estimates and repair costs.
3.Gutter and Drainage Cleaning
The drainage system plays an essential role in reducing damage to the storm. There is rain that can cause severe damage from a tornado. You want to ensure that your gutters and drainage systems run water in the event of a storm efficiently. Remove all the drainage systems debris. Please make sure the gutters are clear so that it is easy to pass through the rainwater. To efficiently clean the gutters and other prep work, you may need a roofing contractor.
4.Updated Insurance
It can be chaotic afterward when a tornado passes through your area.
By having all your documentation prepared and in a safe and accessible place you can be one step ahead.
Contact information for contractors, insurance agents and other key contacts:
- Any relevant warranties
- Documentation on insurance
- All before pictures.
- Come to Preferred Roofing for a roofing company in OKC for roof repair and inspection after the tornado season.