Wind Damage Can Still Happen to a Flat Roof

Wind damage has been very common these past few weeks. With wind speeds up to 20 mph, the possibility of roofing coming loose is very high. But does this still happen to flat roofs?

Can flat roofs get wind damage?

In short, yes! Flat roofs are not immune to wind damage. It is more unlikely to occur, but not impossible. It can happen when a tear occurs in the roof. The tear can be from a foreign object puncturing the roof. Wind damage can also happen if the roof is not fastened down correctly. If that is the case, then a workmanship warranty should cover it, depending on the company.

There is also the possibility of wind uplift occurring on a roof. This happens when the wind pressure above the building is reduced and the pressure is higher inside the building. The pressure causes the roof to be pushed up and become loose. For more info, visit our other article about wind damage.

Different Materials

With a flat roof, there are different types of materials that can be used. These include TPO, EPDM, and PVC. More information on the different types of roofing material can be found here. When it comes to wind damage, PVC it a great choice to help avoid it. If you get a tear in the roof the wind could catch the tear and rip it apart even more. With a PVC material this is uncommon. If a tear occurs, the PVC material with actually catch on itself to prevent it from ripping more. This can give you time to call your roofer for repairs and save you a lot of money in the future.

EPDM and TPO roof do not offer the same protection. If you have a tear in a TPO roof, the wind will expand it and expose more of the materials underneath. This could stem from the material’s formula being changed a number of times in the past. An EPDM roof is also prone to ripping more than PVC, but it can be repaired using a patch.

In the end, if you beileve you have sustained wind damage give your roofer a call. They will be able to assess the damage and make the proper repairs. It may even be covered under a warranty. If you need a free estimate, give Royalty a call at 800-303-8392 or fill out a free estimate request below.