High Winds Cause Roof Damage in Denver
The temperature changes that have come with the seasonal transitions between winter and spring have caused some turmoil in the skies. The combining hot and cold fronts have caused serious wind storms that are only worsened by the Rocky Mountains in our backyard. These three elements make for windy spring seasons, but this one has been very severe. Parts of the state have seen 100 mile per hour winds at some points. To put it into perspective, the most mild tornadoes have winds ranging from 70-90 miles per hour. Most of the state has seen 55 mile per hour winds, but others across the front range have seen much higher. These winds have been coming in mostly in gusts, and not consistent, which is what differentiates these winds from actual tornadoes. At any rate, however, these winds are causing serious damage to homes across the state. Although this blog is time sensitive the fact of the matter is every year storms pummel Colorado causing significant amounts of roof damage. Denver roofing contractors are continually assisting homeowners that have experienced roof damage from high winds and hailstorms. 
Top 3 Types of Roof Damage Due to High Winds
There are several things that are contributing to roof damage when these storms occur. These three types of damage caused by high winds created a lot of roof damage in Denver.
- The Wind: The wind itself causes damage to roofing in several ways. Depending on the speed of the wind and the age and construction of the roof, the shingles and other roofing materials will start to move. Not all parts of the roof are receiving wind exposure equally, however. This means that the outside shingles are going to be the most exposed and are going to be more susceptible to damage. These may start to lift first during a serious wind storm. The top of the roof is also a vulnerable area. This is where the real problems start to occur, because at this point the “membrane” or the underlay of the roof is exposed and it can cause all the materials to start to peel up, one shingle at a time. The roofs ridge which is the peak of a gable and the lower corner of a gable roof at the rake edge experience the greatest amount of wind force. This negative pressure will strip shingles at these locations. Please see the above image and you’ll see shingles that were stripped at the lower right corner which is the rake eave.
- Shrapnel:
Another thing that can cause damage to roofs during high wind storms is flying shrapnel and other objects. See the image to the left and a concrete pole from an awning became a missile which lodged itself into this roof deck. Besides the rare and unusually large object in the photo typically what occurs is lots of debris, dust, and water can fly around during gusty winds can bang up against the roof and cause damage to the shingles and construction. Depending on the types of wind, fairly large objects can take flight and cause serious damage. However, even the little things can cause damage; like dust, it can fly in clouds and get lodged up underneath the shingles. This can cause the shingles to be slightly lifted up, and more easily ripped of by high winds. - Trees: The winds in these recent storms in Denver have been so intense that they have actually knocked over large trees, and this can cause more than just damage to your roof, but damage to the whole home.
Most people wouldn’t think that high winds would be too much of a concern for housing structures, roofing included, but they are. High winds can be just as destructive as other types of weather, if not more, especially if your roof is old or poorly constructed. Remember to do regular maintenance as often as necessary to avoid damages to your roof and consequently, your home.
Contact Denver roofing contractor to repair roof damage in Denver
As a Denver roofing contractor, we see our fair share of wind damaged roof structures. We will be here before and after the storm. Contact us for your roofing needs in Denver and Colorado Springs.