Wakefield homeowners are no strangers to the West Yorkshire wind. Whether it’s a crisp autumn breeze swirling leaves around Thornes Park or a winter gale howling through Horbury, the wind here has a personality of its own. For the most part, it’s as much a part of life as the town’s iconic cathedral. Until Mother Nature decides to up her game.
Strong gusts can go from harmless to destructive in the blink of an eye and turn even the sturdiest of roofs into a target. But how much wind is too much? And what can you do to keep your home protected? Let’s break it down.
Wakefield’s wind: a familiar force
Wind speeds in Wakefield average around 8-12 mph. Nothing that’ll give you more than a bit of a tussle with your recycling bin. But as any local knows, the calm can vanish overnight when storm season arrives.
Take Storm Darragh in 2024, for example. Gusts topping 50 mph tore through the region, flattening fences, uprooting trees and leaving roof tiles scattered across driveways. And it’s not just those headline storms that cause trouble. Less powerful but persistent winds can wear down a roof over time.
What wind speed poses a risk to your roof?
Not all wind is destructive, but once speeds hit a certain threshold, your roof may be in danger. Here’s a quick breakdown of wind speeds and their potential effects:
15-25 mph: The warning zone
At this speed, the wind is noticeable, but damage is unlikely unless your roof is already in poor condition. You’ll notice your fence swaying and hear a gentle hum as the wind whips around your home.
While your roof is likely safe, any existing issues (like a cracked tile or loose flashing) can start to show. Think of this as your roof’s early warning signal – if something’s not secure, it’s time to act before things escalate.
30-40 mph: Strain starts to show
Strong gusts can start to loosen poorly secured tiles or slates. Homes with aging roofs may see minor issues. Winds at this speed are common in Wakefield during autumn and winter storms. These gusts are enough to lift older or poorly secured tiles, especially on historic terraces in areas like Sandal or Walton. Homeowners might also notice guttering rattling or debris from minor roof wear starting to appear in the garden.
50-60 mph: The danger zone
This is where significant damage can occur. Dislodged tiles, lifted flashing and guttering problems are common. During weather events like Storm Malik, Wakefield saw gusts in this range, and the damage was clear. Tiles blown off, flashing peeled back and even chimneys showing signs of stress.
Roofs that haven’t had regular maintenance are most at risk, particularly in exposed areas like Outwood and Kirkhamgate, where the wind has fewer obstacles to slow it down.
60+ mph: Severe storms and significant risk
These speeds can cause serious structural damage, especially to older properties or roofs with existing vulnerabilities. Winds over 60 mph, such as those seen during Storm Arwen, can cause substantial damage.
Expect missing tiles, broken gutters, and in some cases, partial roof collapse, particularly on older homes. Flat roofs on modern builds are also vulnerable to wind uplift, where strong gusts can tear roofing materials away from the structure entirely.
80+ mph: Rare but devastating
While it’s not every year that Wakefield faces winds this strong, it’s not unheard of. When speeds reach this level, as seen in past severe storms, even well-maintained roofs can suffer. Large sections of roofing may detach, and structural damage becomes a serious concern. Homes in more open, rural parts of Wakefield like Crofton or Stanley are especially at risk due to less wind protection.
Why wind speed alone isn’t the whole story
It’s not just the speed of the wind that matters. It’s also how long it lasts and the direction it’s coming from. For example, gusts coming from the west tend to hit Wakefield homes harder because of the open terrain leading in from the Pennines. Plus, if your roof has existing vulnerabilities, like worn mortar or aging materials, even moderate winds can cause significant damage.
Why Wakefield homes are vulnerable
Wakefield boasts a variety of architectural styles, each with unique roofing characteristics. Here’s how they stack up against high winds:
Edwardian and Victorian terraces
These homes often have slate roofs. While slate is durable, individual tiles can loosen over time, especially if regular maintenance has been overlooked.
Post-War semis
With concrete or clay tiles, these roofs are generally robust but can suffer from broken or cracked tiles in strong winds.
Modern builds
Many newer homes feature flat roofs or lightweight roofing materials. They have their benefits but can be susceptible to wind uplift, where strong gusts lift roofing materials away from the structure.
Cottages and rural properties
In more rural areas and villages, traditional stone cottages often have heavy stone tile roofs. These tiles offer excellent protection against typical weather but can shift or crack under extreme winds. Given their weight, dislodged tiles can cause serious damage to the roof or anything below.
Bungalows
Scattered across suburbs like Sandal, bungalows often have wide, low-pitched roofs. Their design makes them more exposed to wind pressure, especially along the eaves, where tiles and guttering can be more easily lifted or damaged.
Signs of wind damage to look out for
Keep an eye out for these signs of wind damage:
- Missing or loose tiles
- Damaged flashing
- Leaks and water damage
- Debris in your garden
How to protect your roof from high winds
The good news? There are steps you can take to fortify your roof against strong winds.
- Schedule regular inspections
- Prune nearby trees
- Reinforce roof fixings
- Check your guttering
- Consider storm straps
Wind-proof your home with DPR Wakefield
Need advice, an inspection or a quote? DPR Wakefield is here to help. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of Wakefield homes and West Yorkshire weather, we’re your go-to roofing specialists. Call us on 01924 255 677 to get started.