Determining the reason for the failure of a newly built or refinished roof isn't always easy. Yet it's an essential task if you're trying to get a roofing company or insurance provider to cover the cost of repairs. While the wind storm itself may be the cause, there are also issues that can arise when winds occur immediately after installation. Asphalt shingles in particular need time to seal to each other before reaching their full strength of wind resistance.

Built-in Sealants Between the Shingles

Asphalt shingles have a unique feature that takes time to kick in no matter how well the new roof is installed. Most shingles made from this material feature a coating of special sealant applied at the factory to either the top or bottom surface. This material is only applied where the shingles will overlap heavily, ensuring a tight seal along the edges for better waterproofing. When installed correctly with the right amount of overlap, asphalt shingles should seal themselves after a few weeks to a few months.

The Importance of Sun and Warm Temperatures

While the asphalt shingles themselves are safe to install in a wide range of outdoor temperatures, the sealing effect between the individual shingles won't occur in cold weather. Warm temperatures and direct sunlight are necessary to help soften the sealant and bond the shingles together. While there is no specific recommended temperature or number of days of sun exposure, roofing manufacturers do recommend waiting for a few sunny and warm days to pass before the shingles are expected to seal. An unpredictable storm with high winds too soon after installation can threaten the stability of any roof.

Potential Damage from Wind and Rain

When a storm does come through right after the installation of new asphalt shingles, there's a good chance of lifting from the wind. These kinds of shingles aren't at their full wind resistance until the sealant bonds tightly between them. If storms are common during the installation period you choose, ask your roofing installer to consider manually sealing between the shingles to avoid this problem. Hand-applied sealants cure within a few days of average weather, providing full wind resistance much quicker.

Don't let your brand new asphalt shingles go scattering everywhere when a storm suddenly rolls in a few days after installation. If you must install a new roof during a stormy time of year, talk to your residential roofing company about alternatives to relying on the built-in sealant.