It’s the time of year where transition is beginning, a transfer from what it was to what it will be. A great many are glad to have winter on its way out and are welcoming spring. Here in the Treasure Valley weather transitions are always brought forth by wind. Wind on a sunny day; wind with a storm, wind that chills, wind that dries and gusts. It comes from every direction and buffets everything in its path.

A secure roof won’t be harmed by wind. However, roofs with loose shingles or broken tiles will need additional roof repairs after a significant wind storm. Other roofs will need a thorough cleaning from dirt and debris deposited by wind and then trapped in recesses and valleys of the roof. And other completely intact and functional roofs will have roof leaks for no apparent reason, but these leaks will have been caused by wind. Wind easily re-directs rain from its straight downward path and can send it pelting into units, window flashings, against soffit, and uncapped penetrations. Items that normally don’t get wet in rain will experience storms firsthand.

There isn’t a way to stop the weather, but there are few things that can be done to prepare roofs for wind and what the wind brings.

• Pitched roofs – ensure all shingles and tiles are properly attached and not damaged.
• Flat roofs – ensure roof is clean and free from debris that could be blown into units or other parts of the roof causing damage.
• All roofs – inspect all flashings, coping cap, soffit and fascia to ensure proper and secure attachment.

After a storm, check the condition of roofs for damage even if leaks are not present. If a roof is in good repair and doesn’t normally leak when a storm hits it could be due to the wind.