Whether a summer thunderstorm or winter snow, the weather can take a toll on the exterior of your house. The building is designed to withstand the elements and wind as it provides shelter for you and your family, but it is also designed to have regular maintenance work conducted and occasional repairs due to wind damage. Beyond the obvious storm damage your house may be subjected to, wind can cause its own damage which you should be aware of.
Siding
Rain, sleet and snow are typically repelled by the siding of your house, but they can only do so when the initial installation maintains its structural integrity. An immediate sharp and hard wind can potentially knock a piece of siding off your home and it’s a relatively simple job for a contractor to reaffix the piece, or a new one as needed, to conduct the repair. What is less noticeable is how lighter constant winds can loosen the nails and screws that hold your siding in place. Once loosened, the wind can blow rainwater in between the crevices that form and the system is more susceptible to having pieces blown off in the next storm.
Windows
The obvious wind damage to a window is broken glass, but that takes an extraordinary wind gust and circumstances of flying debris. Wind damage over time is less noticeable. Part of the window you don’t see is a simple silicone sealant between the window and the structural framework of your house. Although designed to expand and contract with the weather, eventually that seal can become compromised allowing for wind, drafts and even water in extreme situations to come through and enter your home.
Roof
The roof is arguably where the worst of wind damage occurs. Whether a shingle is blown loose or the roofing tar that seals your chimney and plumbing ventilation pipes is compromised, the beginnings of a water leak often go unnoticed until the damage appears inside. Once the water has begun forming stains on your interior drywall, you likely have mold in you ceiling joists and attic. Although the roof goes largely unnoticed throughout the year, it is very important to have it inspected regularly for minor wind damage before it becomes a bigger problem than need be.
Licensed and professional contractors are familiar with the types of damage wind causes. Whether there is immediate damage by a particular storm or ongoing damage by wind over time, the contractor knows what to look for and how to fix it.