Severe storms, including tropical storms and hurricanes, can wreak havoc on homes and buildings in coastal areas. Many different parts of a building can be affected in a severe storm, with roofing elements often taking the brunt of the storm damage. And while wood shingles and tropical storms may not seem like a good combination at first, wood shingles are surprisingly durable and can withstand heavy rains, hail and strong winds. Let's take a closer look at just how wood shingles fare in severe weather, what signs of damage to look for and what you should do if you think your wood shingles may have storm damage.
Signs of Storm Damage on Wood Shingles
Tropical storms and hurricanes cause all sorts of structural damage to anything in their paths. The intense rain, hail and strong winds can wreak havoc on buildings, and roofs can be very susceptible to damage during these severe storms. The types and severity of the damage will of course depend on the condition of the home and the strength of the storm itself. But with just about any hurricane or tropical storm, some structural damage is to be expected.
The torrential rains of a hurricane or tropical storm dump tons of water, leading to possible water damage on a roof. After a big storm, check for any leaks inside the home that could be caused by roof damage, although wood shingles are less likely than other types to have leakage. Any debris can also weaken and damage the shingles themselves.
Tropical storms can have sustained wind speeds between 39 and 73 miles per hour (mph), and in a hurricane, the winds can reach as high as 150 mph. Wind speeds this high are incredibly dangerous and damaging to homes and buildings of all types. These types of winds can harm shingles or even rip them off completely in a more severe storm. The heavy winds are also a danger to uprooting trees or breaking large tree branches. A fallen tree can cause more extensive damage to the shingles or even the whole structure of the roof.
After any type of severe weather in your neighborhood, you should inspect your shingles for signs of damage. Take note of any missing shingles or shingles that are dented, cracked, or dislodged out of place. Have a qualified contractor address any tropical storm damage on wood roofing as soon as possible.
Hail Damage on Wood Shingles
Hail can form during hurricanes, tropical storms and even smaller thunderstorms. This frozen precipitation can vary wildly in size, and the larger it gets, the more damage it can cause. Hailstones can leave visible pockmarks on wooden shingles. The impact of the hail can clear away some of the organic matter growing on the shingles, as well as the grayish coloring from natural oxidation of the wood. This leaves a mark or dent that can vary in size depending on the size of the hailstone.
Larger hailstone impacts can also cause a wooden shingle to split or crack at the site of the impact. While a split or crack in a wooden shingle doesn't necessarily mean that it will have a leak in that spot, as there are other layers to the roofing system, widespread hail damage, with many splits, cracks to joints or alignment issues, can also lead to leaking in the roof.
A split in wooden shingles from hail will have a bright color from the freshly exposed wood. Cracks due to natural weathering will have the same grey, oxidized coloring as the rest of the surrounding shingles. In the most extreme hail cases, and with very thin wooden shingles, the hail can puncture through, leaving holes, although this is rare.
Are Wood Shingles More Prone to Damage?
This is a question that any roofer or shingle dealer gets asked often, but the answer may surprise you. Cedar shingles and shakes are quite durable and long-lasting, often beating out many other roofing choices. Wooden shingles may seem like an old-fashioned choice, but they are extremely successful at standing up to the elements and can give a beautiful, old-world charm to any home.
One of the best aspects of using wooden shingles is that they are all-natural. The shingles are made from organic materials and do not use additional synthetic materials. The manufacturing process, and the shingles themselves, are very eco-friendly. They provide excellent insulation to your roof, and can even help with heating and cooling costs.
Although damage from strong storms is possible, wood shingles can withstand very strong winds and are resistant to the effects of hail as well. Wooden shingles are more likely to outlast other, cheaper roofing materials, especially in stormy weather. To protect your wooden shingles, and help them to have a long lifespan, have them inspected regularly and do routine maintenance as necessary. With the proper care, your wood shingles will be a unique and charming addition to your home that will last for years and years.
How to Repair Damaged Wood Shingles
If you think you may have wood shingle storm damage, you should inspect the area if it is safe to do so. Check around the exterior of your home, and take a look inside the attic to see if you notice any leaks, dampness or stains on the underside. Take notes on any affected or damaged areas. Do not attempt to climb onto your roof yourself if you have a steeply pitched roof or during rainy, wet conditions. Most roofing and shingle repairs are best left to a professional.
To repair storm damage on wood shingles, you should first contact your homeowners insurance company or a trusted contractor. This way, you know you'll get quality repairs that will protect the lifespan of your beautiful wooden shingles for years to come. Hiring an expert means that your shingles are completely repaired and even damage you may not have noticed will be taken care of.
Contact Custom Shingles for More Information
Wood shingles are a durable choice that stand up well to extreme weather, and they add beauty and curb appeal to any home. If you're considering a new wood shingle roof or have damages to your current wood roof, get in touch with Custom Shingles for more information. We are happy to discuss the wide variety of options we provide, answer any questions you may have and provide you with an estimate for your home. Contact us today to get started.