If you’ve been through the midwest and the southern parts of the United States, it’s mostly flat land. These plains are prime places to settle down, especially for those working in the agricultural industry. However, homes in flat topographical landscapes are also susceptible to storms, heavy rain, and high winds. That is especially true for most towns that are located in the eastern seaboard.
A little wind can’t hurt, right? For the most part, most homes are designed with storms and water damage in mind, especially those located in coastal areas around the world. While it might not seem like much, water getting trapped in your home’s walls and other hard-to-reach areas can slowly chip away at your home’s overall structural integrity.
But how do high winds affect our home? We all know that water and winds reaching more than 100 miles an hour can be a problem. But there’s more to wind than what meets the eye.
How Do High Winds Affect Our Homes?
The intensity will determine the way that high winds affect our home and our surroundings. Here’s what you’ll need to know based on the National Weather Service’s measurements and safety standards:
45 to 57 MPH
During these wind speeds, you’ll find slight damage to most households and structures, especially with winds reaching 45 MPH. Although, most government agencies and authorities would consider this as non-severe. Still, it’s essential to exercise caution when going outside. Debris can even cause injuries. Roofing materials such as shingles can also become loose and can break windows.
58 to 74 MPH
These types of winds are “explosive” and can quickly turn severe in a matter of minutes to hours. Usually, this can cause widespread damage to different landscapes and structures in your area. It’s vital to mind any trees that are close to power lines. Most counties would cut a treeline near to power sources and living spaces since they can get uprooted.
75+ MPH
Some of the most severe damages are within this windspeed. Debris that is propelled horizontally by these winds can become hazards. Most can puncture through thick walls and dent impact-resistant materials. Significant damage can also happen to cars and mobile homes.
The most common misconception that homeowners have when there’s a strong wind in their area is that all windows and entryways (doors, skylights, etc.) should be left open to minimize damage to their homes since there’s less air resistance. While (in a way), it’s not the right decision to make. Contrary to popular belief, all types of entryways will need to be sealed off.
Windows can also be damaged by continuous flapping when exposed to these types of winds. If your windows do need extensive repairs, you might consider window or glass repair services, such as those from Sentry Glass that is known for their reliable services.
Still, the best way of mitigating damage to your home is by sealing off any entryways so that pressure won’t equalize with the high pressure outside. Usually, roofs get blown off by winds that are higher than a hundred miles an hour, but when wind enters your home, this could easily lead to damages to your interiors and supporting structures of your roof.
Telltale Signs of Wind Damage
Fortunately, there are several ways of identifying wind damage on your roof and in several parts of your home. Here’s what you’ll need to keep an eye out for:
- Warping shingles and roofing materials is a clear sign that damages have severely compromised your roof’s lifespan from high winds and storms. Different pressure points of your roof are known for sustaining the most damage from winds. Most of the time, wind can “seep” through these shingles and cause them to peel and curl. Most experts would suggest replacing this type of roofing as soon as possible.
- Although flat roofs aren’t as affected as gable-shaped ones, there will still be missing pieces or some parts of your roof will be uprooted. Most of the time, winds can lift HVAC equipment. You’ll probably see “bubblings” on the ceiling, which could have been caused by leaks or painting becoming loose.
- Some external structures to your home, such as your fascia, are usually designed to redirect water flow towards the right areas. However, wind damage can cause more harm than good by creating cracks and gaps in these structures. The same can be said for chimneys that can get cracked and eroded from constant exposure to the elements.
Even though your home is built to withstand storms, heavy rain, and just about any weather condition, it’s still important to be vigilant of any telltale signs of damage to your roof and your home.
Even though you might have to spend on repairs or even replacements, these are necessities nonetheless. When your family’s safety and yourself are the concern, the cost of repairs and renovations are just secondary.
