Chicago Wind Damage to Roofs

With near hurricane-force winds throughout Chicago and Chicago’s suburbs on Friday, many areas have reported shredded roofs, broken windows, and trees and fences which toppled over.

In one picture tweeted by a resident, the roof dangled over the side of a brick apartment building.  “Pretty sure my roof is supposed to be more ON the roof. #WindyCity,” M.L. tweeted, with a photo of torn roofing material and what appeared to be broken plywood. Communities in the greater Chicago area saw gusts often reach more than 60 mph and even 72 mph in one spot, the National Weather Service said. -(excerpted from WGN news)

In severe wind storms, it is common for shingles or sections of the roof to be missing altogether.  On other types of roofs, including wood shake roofs, metal roofs, tile roofs and slate roofs, damage can include broken or cracked shingles, missing shingles, torn or split seams, and missing sections of the roof. If a tree limb or other debris has fallen onto your roof during the storm, you may have structural damage, and will want to exercise extreme caution.

Common Signs of Roof Damage:
•Missing shingles
•Bruises or dented asphalt shingles
•Cracked or broken tile, slate, or concrete shingles
•Granules collecting in gutters or downspouts
•Leaks in your roof or ceiling
•Dents on vents, gutters or flashing

If you have or suspect you have damage to your home or commercial building, Contact the roofing professionals at Smart Roofing, Inc. at (847) 797-0404, or email us at contactus@smartroofers.com.