Tile roofs are beautiful, durable, and energy efficient. However, strong winds that can whip through the area could result in damage to them. Understanding how wind can affect the tiles and what you can do before and after could help protect your roof and extend its lifespan.
How Wind Damages the Roof Tiles
Strong winds can cause significant damage to your tile roof, especially if it’s already old or brittle. Wind can slide, lift, or crack tiles, and may even cause them to completely dislodge. When this happens, it exposes the underlying structure, which is now at risk of damage from wind, rain, and flying debris.
Impact Damage
Impact damage is another problem created by strong winds. This issue could easily cause tiles to crack, break, or dislodge.
What to Do Before Heavy Winds
Scheduling a roof inspection is the best way you can help protect your roof. Since hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, it’s best to book one before then. Late winter or early spring is ideal, as it prepares your roof for any spring storms.
Roofers can conduct a thorough inspection, looking for any potential weaknesses that could lead to damage. If there are any problems, we recommend addressing them promptly. Even minor issues can worsen over time into severe ones, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
If you have mature trees on your property, you should also contact an arborist. They can assess them to make sure branches, or even worse, the entire tree, aren’t a threat of falling onto your roof.
Signs Your Tile Roof Is Damaged
Depending on the severity, the damage to your roof may be visible. For example, you might notice slipped, cracked, or missing tiles. You might also see indoor indicators, such as active drips in your attic or water stains on the ceiling.
When and How to Check Your Roof
Never go out to inspect your roof while there are still high winds, as this could put you at serious risk for injury. Wait until the winds completely die down, at which point you can inspect your roof from ground level. Another option is to fly a drone over your roof to take videos or pictures. This method provides a clear visual without putting yourself in danger. You should also walk around your property and check for tiles that blew off into your yard.
What to Do If You Notice Damage
If you notice any damage, never attempt to fix it yourself or get a closer look by climbing on the roof. Call us right away, describe the issue, and book an inspection so we can assess the situation.
Protect your roof and investment. Contact Handyman Roofing in Tampa, FL, for inspections, repairs, and maintenance for your tile roof.
