Homes on Pittsburgh hilltops, ridgelines and open lots take more wind than homes tucked into a valley. Strong gusts get under shingle edges, break the seal strips and peel shingles off one at a time. Once a few go, the next storm finds the gap.
Regular checks and a few smart installation choices go a long way. When wind damage is widespread or the roof is near the end of its life, roof replacement in Pittsburgh with a complete system built for wind is the longer lasting fix.
How Wind Damages a Shingle Roof
Wind does not push straight down on a roof. It flows over the top and creates lift along the edges, the ridge and the corners. Those areas see the most damage, which is why missing shingles usually show up at the rakes and eaves first.
Each shingle is held down by nails and a strip of sealant that bonds it to the one below. When the sealant has not bonded well or has aged out, the wind can lift the tab and crease it, even if the shingle stays on the roof.
Homes on exposed lots take the brunt of wind coming over the ridge.
What to Check After a Wind Storm
A quick look from the ground after a storm can save you a leak. Use binoculars and walk all four sides.
Missing shingles
Look for bare patches, especially along edges and the ridge. Shingle pieces in the yard are a clear sign.
Lifted or creased tabs
A line across a shingle where it folded back means the seal broke and it may leak.
Loose ridge cap
Ridge caps sit in the windiest spot on the roof and are often the first to go.
Bent flashing or vents
Wind and debris can bend metal flashing and knock vent covers loose.
Installation Choices That Help Shingles Stay Put
How a roof is installed matters as much as the shingle itself. Correct nail placement in the nailing strip, the right number of nails per shingle, starter strips along the eaves and rakes, and proper ridge cap all affect how well a roof handles wind.
We install complete Atlas roof systems, with Atlas shingles, underlayment and ventilation designed to work together. As an Atlas Platinum Pro+ contractor, we can offer Atlas's 50 year warranty on those complete systems.
A complete roof system with matched shingles, underlayment and ridge pieces holds up better in wind.
Trees, Debris and the Roof Edge
On wooded lots, wind brings branches with it. Trim limbs that hang over the roof, and keep gutters clear so heavy rain during a storm does not back up under the edge shingles.
Loose gutters and rotted fascia also give the wind something to grab. A solid roof edge helps the whole system hold together.
Wooded lots add falling limbs to the wind risk.
Underlayment and Edges Add a Backup
Shingles are the first line of defense, but they are not the only one. A quality underlayment under the shingles adds a second layer that keeps water out if a few shingles blow off. Along the eaves and in valleys, a self sealing membrane gives extra protection where water collects.
Drip edge metal along the eaves and rakes also helps. It stiffens the roof edge, supports the first row of shingles and makes it harder for wind to get under them. These details are easy to skip, which is why they belong on every written estimate.
Hilltop and Exposed Homes Around Pittsburgh
The terrain around Pittsburgh creates a lot of local wind. Homes on hilltops and ridges in the North Hills, near open fields or at the top of a slope catch gusts that homes in the valleys never feel. Wind also speeds up as it moves over the crest of a hill and across a roof.
If your home sits in one of those exposed spots, expect the windward slopes and edges to take the most wear. Those are the areas to check most closely after storms and the areas where good installation details pay off the most.
Trees can work both ways. A tree line can block wind, but a tall single tree near the house can drop limbs on the roof during a storm. Keep an eye on dead branches and have them removed before winter.
Repair Small Wind Damage Quickly
One missing shingle may not seem urgent, but it changes how the wind treats the area around it. The exposed edge of the shingles above and beside the gap gives the wind something to grab, and the next storm often takes more.
Water is the other risk. Without the shingle, rain hits the underlayment directly. Underlayment can hold off water for a while, but it is not meant to be the top layer, and the nail holes from the missing shingle are open to the weather.
Quick repairs keep a small problem small. A roofer can replace missing shingles, reseal lifted tabs and secure loose ridge caps in a short visit, and the repair often costs far less than fixing the water damage that follows a delay.
Secure Loose Items Before Storm Season
Wind turns loose objects into projectiles, and many of them end up hitting the roof. Before the stormy months, walk the yard and the roof line and look for anything that could move.
- Satellite dishes, antennas and their mounts, which should be firmly attached and sealed where they meet the roof.
- Roof vents, vent caps and exhaust hoods that rattle or have loose fasteners.
- Patio furniture, grills, trash cans and toys near the house.
- Ladders, tarps and leftover materials from past projects stored on or near the roof.
- Dead limbs and branches resting against or hanging over the roof.
Edge Metal and Gutters in High Wind
The roof edge takes the strongest lift during a storm, and the metal along it plays a bigger role than most owners expect. Drip edge and rake trim that are loose or bent let wind get under the first row of shingles, and once the edge starts to peel, the rest of the slope can follow.
Gutters matter too. A gutter that is pulling away from the fascia catches wind like a sail and can tear the fascia and roof edge with it. Check that hangers are tight and that the gutters sit firmly against a solid fascia board. Hanger spacing and solid attachment are worth asking about whenever gutters are replaced.
Low Slope Sections Need Their Own Check
Many Pittsburgh homes have a flat or low slope section over a porch, a rear addition or a garage. These roofs handle wind differently from shingles. Wind lifts the membrane at the corners and edges, and a loose edge or a small cut can let air get under it and pull up a larger area.
After a storm, look for membrane that is lifted, wrinkled or loose at the edges, and for debris that may have cut it. Keep the low slope area clear of branches and stored items. Our repair crews work on flat roofs as well as shingle roofs, so both can be checked in the same visit.
Repair or Replace After Wind Damage?
A few missing or creased shingles on an otherwise healthy roof are a straightforward repair. When damage is spread across many slopes, the shingles are brittle with age or the seal strips are failing everywhere, patching only buys time until the next storm. That is when a new roof is the better investment.
Related reading: damaged ridge cap shingles and lifted and curling shingles.
Wind Damage FAQs
How do I know if wind damaged my roof?
Look for missing shingles, creased tabs and shingle pieces in the yard. A roofer can check seal strips and edges up close.
Does homeowners insurance cover wind damage?
Sudden wind damage is often covered, while wear and age usually are not. Document the damage with photos and report it promptly.
Can a lifted shingle be resealed?
Sometimes. If the shingle is not creased or torn, it can often be resealed. Creased shingles should be replaced.
How long after a storm should I check my roof?
As soon as it is safe, ideally within a day or two. Quick repairs keep the next rain from turning a missing shingle into a leak.
Are some shingles better for wind?
Heavier architectural shingles generally hold up better than older 3 tab shingles, and manufacturers rate their shingles for wind when they are installed to their specifications. Installation details like nail placement and starter strips matter as much as the product.
Is it safe to go on my roof after a wind storm?
It is better to stay off it. Wet or damaged shingles are slippery, loose sections can give way and storm debris may hide hazards. Check from the ground with binoculars and look in the attic for daylight or fresh stains. If you see damage, have a roofer inspect it and make repairs.
Get a Wind Damage Check From Malick Brothers
Lost shingles in the last storm? We will check the roof, fix what needs fixing and tell you honestly if it is time for a new roof.
Malick Brothers Exteriors is a family owned roofing and exterior contractor at 500 Perry Highway in the North Hills, rated 4.9 on more than 350 Google reviews. Contact us or call (412) 616-0191 to schedule a free inspection and written estimate.
