Problems with asphalt shingles are often attributed to wind damage, which isn’t always the case. Damage on shingles can have varying causes, which is why it’s important to find out if there are any underlying issues. You should also be aware of some common misconceptions about wind-damaged or wind-lifted shingles. To set the record straight, Arrowhead Roofing — one of the top residential and commercial roofing contractors — shares the facts behind some common myths surrounding wind damage on roofs.
Inadequate Shingle Adhesion Is Caused by Wind Damage
Wind damage isn’t the only thing that can lead to inadequate adhesion of roof shingles. Sometimes improper installation can cause this to happen as well — specifically when shingle tabs are adhered poorly. At other times, the reason could be unsealed shingles, which may occur because of normal wear or the failure of the sealant strip.
Wind Damage on Shingles Isn’t Easily Noticeable
Wind-damaged shingles are quite obvious, especially on close inspection. Some signs of damage that roofing contractors look for include:reduced adhesion, folds, creases, tears and missing portions. These creases and folds typically occur due to the wind pressure between the front and back sides of a shingle. This movement tends to expose a larger surface area, which then creates the creases and folds.
Tests Show the Strength Reduction of a Shingle After a Storm
The Standard Test Method for Wind Resistance of Asphalt Shingles (Uplift Force/Uplift Resistance Method), or the ASTM D7158 for short, is generally considered the gold standard for determining a shingle’s strength reduction after a storm. Laboratories that can perform this test are few and far between, and the test itself can be expensive. That said, it’s not easily accessible to some manufacturers, who then opt to use other methods for testing. These alternative methods, however, often deliver results that significantly vary from the results of an ASTM D7158.
Arrowhead Roofing is one of the most trusted residential and commercial roofers in the area. We have over 30 years of experience carrying out small and large roofing projects. To learn more about our services, call us at (918) 743-9257 or fill out our contact form.
