Posted On: June 28, 2007, 1:06 pm CDT

Posted By: Roger Poe

Pops,

Hurricane force [74+MPH] winds PLUS 25%+ higher wind gusts and other individual "winds within the wind" commonly create a environment that by its very nature is abrasive to roof coverings and other structural components.

Flying micro-projectiles (dull, sharp, or otherwise) leave their own unique "fingerprints" on surfaces, such as fiberglass shingles, painted surfaces, guttering surfaces, window frames/glass, AC Unit cooling foils, garage doors, fencing finishes, vehicles, etc.

The older the roofing system, the more clear the effects of the wind generated abrasive action.

Forensically these abrasive "fingerprints" are VERY different from heat and moisture damage.

After witnessing at least 12 catastrophes [that I too have witnessed] ones can be certain that Allstate and State Farm know these actual loss claim issues quite well.

In fact, bizarrely, the tar sealant bond damage was recognized in Louisiana after hurricane Katrina, but not in SE Texas after hurricane Rita.

Also, critically high wind detaches a shingle from the one below it by pushing/pulling on the outside ends of the shingle, eventually BREAKING the tar tab bonding material that is designed to create a monolithic wind/weather tight roof covering.

That type of "unordinary" high wind induced damage, verses long-term "normal" environmental "wear and tear" damage is VERY different, forensically.

Too, suddenly, PARTIALLY, and consistently uniform/detached shingles lifted on one end by the directional winds, and shimmed up with wind borne debris, creating a visual/physical "zipper" effect is not to be mistaken with long term 'heat build-up' or 'moisture' damage markers.

ALL in place/post high wind storm affected roofing systems should be HAND checked (by a seasoned post storm construction professional) for their ACTUAL physical integrity, as they very may not make it through another critical wind/storm event, and all that that can mean...

Admittingly I don't know it all "Pops", however I myself don't attempt to give anyone misinformation, and like yourself, also encourage ALL insurer trusting consumers to research even your "facts" so as to weigh out what manufacturers and nature and their own home have to say about actual post hurricane/wind storm damage, verses everyday damage.

rogerpoegc@gmail.com

P.S. I'm a general contractor that hires roofing contractors.