Storm Categories and Their Threats to Your Home

By now, you may have realized that it’s inevitable that your home will suffer some form of damage after a storm. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it.

Repairs and proper maintenance can help your roof better withstand gale-force winds and heavy rains, but each storm category poses a different threat. Wood’s Roofing, a top roof repair contractor in the state, lists them down below.

Category 1 Storms (Winds Reaching 74 to 95 Mph)

Category 1 storm winds are expected to cause some minor damage to your home. Despite being the weakest storm category, winds can still cause significant damage to your roof. They can carry debris that can tear off shingles or knock down overhanging tree limbs. However, most parts of your home are expected to remain relatively intact.

The precautionary measures you take, like making sure your roof is in good condition and cutting overhanging tree limbs, can make a big difference.

Category 2 Storms (Winds Reaching 96 to 110 Mph)

Greater wind velocities mean larger debris can be carried by winds, increasing the risk of roof and structural damage. Keep in mind that relatively minor damage can be exacerbated by moisture and winds. This is why the key to mitigating storm damage is scheduling periodic roof inspections and maintenance work.

Category 3 Storms (Winds Reaching 111 to 130 Mph)

There comes a point, however, where the sheer blunt force of storms get so strong that even the most structurally sound homes and sturdiest roofs will sustain moderate to significant damage. In this case, the priority will be roof repair work.

It’s imperative that storm damage is repaired as soon as possible to prevent them from worsening. Damaged roofs, for example, can let in moisture and even pests that can cause additional headaches for homeowners.

Category 4 and 5 Storms (Winds Reaching 131 to 155 Mph and Beyond)

These two categories can cause the most devastating damage and in many cases, homes will need a roof replacement if they’re still standing after the storms.

It’s a good idea to have a qualified and reliable contractor you can call in the event of a roof emergency. Time is of the essence when it comes to repairs, after all.

Wood’s Roofing is a family-owned contractor with a GAF Master Elite® certification and over 30 years’ of experience in the industry. We offer a wide range of roofing services, including emergency roof repair work, roof inspections and roof replacements.

Have any questions? We’d be happy to answer them. Just give us a call at (863) 225-0603 or leave us a message on this form. We serve homeowners in Winter Haven and Lakeland.