Monday, July 1, 2019

Does Your Roof Withstand High Winds?

Excessive snow or rain is often seen as enemy number one to commercial roofs, but don’t forget about the hazards that high winds bring. Strong gusts can severely damage the structure of a roof and demand expensive repairs if not prepared. While some roofing materials claim to be able to withstand wind speeds of up to 90mph, most can exhibit signs of damage at 50 mph. Considering that the minimum wind speed of a severe thunderstorm is 58 mph, it’s important to make sure that your roof is able to handle the elements.

Wind damage can be easy to spot when you understand the common culprits. Wind can often loosen your HVAC components and cause them to roll around across your roof, resulting in noticeable and severe damage. A strong gale can also rip off sections of your metal roofing system, especially when hail or other debris is involved. You can also look out for damage to your gutters, downspouts, and flashing to get a feel for how your roof may have been affected by high winds.

There are a few strategies you can take to prevent substantial damage next time high winds come around. If there are any trees nearby with branches that could damage your roof, have a tree service trim those back. Also, have your gutters cleaned regularly. Gutters that don’t drain properly can contribute to pooling water on your roof, which can be severely damaging. In the event of a storm, you’ll want your gutters to direct all rainfall away from your building, not on top of it!

To get the best understanding of your roof’s resilience to high winds, the best strategy is regular maintenance and check-ups. After a storm or any other period of high winds, have a look at your facility’s roof. If you notice the HVAC machine on its side, leaky and crooked gutters, missing sections of the roof cover, damage to the roof’s flashing, and/or more, your roof may not be in such great shape.

A professional roof inspection will be the best way to assess the conditions of your commercial roof. A roofing expert can highlight any areas that may be susceptible to damage and possibly help you to prevent expensive repairs after a storm. At Matrix Roofing Systems, we service commercial clients across the Mid-Atlantic area and are happy to be a resource for wind-proofing your roof. Call us today to schedule an inspection!

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