How to tell if your roof has damage by high winds

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Roof wind damage is caused by strong winds that can lift and blow shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials off of your home. This type of damage is most common in areas that are prone to severe weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms.

In some cases, the wind can be so strong that it can actually cause the entire roof to lift up. This is why it’s so important to be aware of the signs of wind damage and to have your roof inspected by a professional if you suspect that it may have been damaged.

While the wind itself is why you’re experiencing damage in the first place, it’s commonly the hail or debris that is thrown against your home during a wind storm that causes the most damage. So even if you experience severe winds, it’s vital to know other signs to look for such as large branches or twigs on your roof which could also indicate damage.

As we mentioned before, wind damage is not always easy to spot. Sometimes, the damage can be minor and only visible from close-up. Other times, the damage can be more severe and easily visible from the ground. Some signs of wind damage include:

When individual shingles on your roof appear upturned, lifted, or curled, there’s a problem. You might notice these because they seem out of line or out of place when you glance at your roof. Instead of nice straight rows of shingles, these ones might be askew or overlapping other shingles.

If you see your shingles flapping in the wind or on a calm day, it’s an indication your roof should be checked for damage. A strong enough wind can easily blow under your shingles in the tiniest spot and be strong enough to bend them back or rip the nails out so the entire section lifts up. This immediately makes your home susceptible to leaks and must be remedied right away.

If you notice water stains on your ceilings in the house, this often indicates an immediate leak caused by roof wind damage. To remedy this quickly, it’s important to either tarp the roof if it is safe to do so or place a bucket underneath the roof leak while you wait for a roofer to inspect and repair the area. Water leaks can cause mold growth if left unattended

If the shingles have vanished, it’s a very obvious indication that your shingles have been blown off by the wind. You should be able to easily spot missing shingles even from the ground looking up at the roof.

If you suspect that your roof has been damaged by wind, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the damage and quickly determine a plan of action to get your roof repaired right away

While we always recommend hiring a professional roofer to inspect the damage on your roof, it is still your responsibility as a homeowner to maintain your property, and checking for damage after a storm is a part of that. So there are a few key areas you can check to determine whether or not you need to call in the pros.

After a strong wind storm or other severe weather, you should take a walk around your property to look out for any obvious signs of damage. But only when it’s safe. Here are a few places to look:

• Your gutters and downspouts
• The chimney flashing or window flashing
• Your attic or upper floor
• Look for large debris or furniture askew on the property
• Look at the neighbor’s houses

These can all indicate signs that you’ve experienced wind damage. If your gutters are crooked or dented, the flashing around your chimney is dented, or if you notice damage to neighbor’s homes— these are all good signs that wind was strong enough to cause widespread damage.

f you suspect wind damage to your roof, there are three vital steps to take next.

This is always the best and most recommended option. A professional roofer will be able to quickly assess the damage, give you an estimate for repair, and help you file an insurance claim if necessary.

If you have a home warranty, this might also be a good time to contact them as well. Many home warranties cover roofs and can help you get the repairs you need without having to pay out of pocket.

Just remember, when meeting with a roofer, always ask for references and proof of insurance. This will give you peace of mind that they’re a reputable company that can be trusted to do a good job.

As you walk around your property, document anything you find. Note any dents, debris, or leaks. And take pictures! Taking photos and keeping a record of what your property looked like immediately after the storm can only help your case and ensure you don’t get a bad inspection or estimate from the roofer or insurance adjuster.

If the damage is bad enough and you have homeowners insurance, your next step should be to file a claim. The insurance company will send out an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much they’re willing to cover.

This is where that documentation comes in handy! If you have photos of the damage and a list of repairs needed, the adjuster will have a much easier time determining the cost of repairs.

Just remember, insurance companies might try to lowball you on the repair estimate. This is why it’s so important to document everything and have a professional roofer inspect the damage as well.

Once you’ve figured out how you’re going to pay for the repairs, it’s time to schedule them. If your damage is bad enough, you might need a temporary tarp placed on your roof until the repairs can be made.

But in most cases, roofers will be able to come out and make the necessary repairs relatively quickly and you’ll be back to normal with a roof that protects!

Roof damage can occur even when the wind is blowing at only 30mph. But the type of damage and severity will differ depending on the wind speed. For example, if you have old or damaged shingles, they are more likely to fly off your roof in high winds.

In general, most roofs are designed to withstand wind speeds up to 110mph. But if you live in an area that experiences hurricanes or other severe weather regularly, your roof might be built to withstand even higher wind speeds. This chart gives a few good examples of the speed of wind vs. what damage can occur:

20-30 mph: Large branches sway and move

30-40 mph: Entire trees begin to sway and move

40-45 mph: Twigs and branches might break off of trees and fall to the ground (or on your roof)

45-55 mph: Weak limbs and large branches break off and can cause structural damage

55-65+ mph: Moderate to heavy tree or structural damage occurs

70+ mph: Heavy to severe tree and structural damage occurs

While you can’t control the weather, there are a few things you can do to help protect your home against wind damage:

1. Keep trees well-trimmed and away from your house. This will help prevent branches from falling on your roof in high winds.
2. Secure outdoor furniture and other loose items. If you have any lawn chairs, grills, or other outdoor items, make sure they’re securely fastened so they don’t blow away and damage your property. Install hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows.
3. If you live in an area that experiences hurricanes or severe weather regularly, invest in some hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows. These can help protect your home from debris and wind damage.
4. Reinforce your garage doors. If your garage doors are old or damaged, they might not be able to withstand high winds. You can reinforce them by adding additional bracing or installing a wind-resistant garage door.
5. Check your roof regularly. Inspecting your roof for damage and making repairs as needed can help uphold its integrity and keep it in tip-top shape to protect.
6. Invest in wind-resistant shingles such as those that have been tested to withstand high winds. These shingles can help protect your roof against wind damage, even if a severe storm does come through.

If you do experience wind damage to your roof, it’s important to work with a reputable roofing contractor to make the necessary repairs. A professional roofer like JD Roofing Solutions will be able to assess the damage and make sure all of the repairs are made correctly so your roof can protect your home for years to come.

If you’re not sure where to turn first, Contact JD Roofing Solutions and we can discuss your options for Inspections and repair and get you back to your daily life with little interruption.