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Roof Damage From Wind: What Are the Signs of Wind Damage to a Roof?

Everything You Need to Know About Roof Damage from Wind

What are the signs of roof damage? How do different wind speeds affect the roof differently? What should you do after wind damage? How do you inspect for wind damage?

Can you make an insurance claim? What insurance covers the wind damage? Are there any ways to prevent wind damage? What’s the best type of roof to have?

Your roof is your home’s protection against the elements. It keeps you safe and covers the things you care about. Sometimes, the storms that blow through have the power to compromise your roof, particularly if the storm is accompanied by big wind gusts. Even if there is only a wind storm, the winds can be powerful enough to uproot and damage shingles or even entire roofs! 

As a home or business owner, it’s important to know the dangers of uncontrollable storms and winds. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about how wind affects your home. You’ll also learn about roof damage from wind insurance claims and dealing with both wind and insurers. 

Roof Damage From Wind

Wind damage is any damage done to your roof because of high winds or similar storms like tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe rain or hail storms. Any strong wind can cause property damage. 

If you are surprised that wind gusts can adversely affect your house, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many homeowners believe that roofs are protected from the elements. When people typically think of roof damage, they often think of rain and hail as the damage is more easily visible. However, wind damage that isn’t visible to the untrained eye can also have an impact on the environment and your home. 

High winds can hurt your roof and contribute to other factors that cause damage, such as:

• Uprooted trees, which can then fall on your roof
• Downed power lines, which can lead to loss of power, fire, or other roof damage
• Large branches or tree limbs swinging, which may cause further structural damage to your roof and home

Wind is a powerful element that can cause major damage. If you have experienced roof damage from wind, it’s best to contact a professional roofer to safely take care of the problem.

Signs of Wind Damage to a Roof

Wind damage can look different for different roof types. Some of the best ways to tell that your roof has experienced high wind damage is by noticing the following:

• Damaged shingle edges
• Uplifted or curling shingle edges
• Loose shingles
• Missing shingles
• Granule loss to asphalt shingles
• Indoor leaks
• Roof breaks from falling limbs or trees
• Broken flashing 

Let’s go into some more detail about wind damage to shingles.

Curling, Damaged, and Missing Shingles

Wind can cause curling and breakage under shingle lips. Shingles are most likely to undergo damage from wind gusts because they are furthest from the point of attachment to the underlying roof. 

When shingles curl or are otherwise damaged, water can seep into your home. Your roof protects you from elements like rain, hail, and snow. When shingles are compromised, the water that gets in can cause even more damage to the roof’s foundation and to other parts of your home. 

Looking for Leaks After Roof Damage From Wind

The best way to tell if you have damage is to actually start from the inside of the home. Although that may sound silly, it can actually be quite difficult to look at your roof for damage, especially in the case of broken shingles, as they can be hard to spot with the naked eye. 

Instead, you can look for damage by checking if you have leaks in your attic, the closest part of your interior to your roof. Other signs of wind damage to a roof include:

• Sagging ceiling
• Stained ceiling
• Wall cracks
• Dampness in your attic
• Unusual airflow or holes in your attic 

It’s always good to get a professional opinion when evaluating signs of wind damage to your roof. Once you spot damage, the problem has usually already gone too far for a simple fix. If there is a major wind storm, contact the roofing professionals at Wilson Brothers Roofing to be proactive about repairing any roof damage from wind. 

Flashing Damaged by Wind

Flashing is the material you put at the edges of your roof and the spots that are more susceptible to damage. It acts as a place for water to flow and protects the angles of your roof. 

When wind gusts blow strongly enough, your flashing may be lifted to expose parts of your roof that need extra protection. When flashing is lifted, even if it remains on the roof, the wind can cause cracks and separations in the flashing material. If this happens, leaks can quickly damage your home. Stop the damage before it happens by getting a roof inspection after a wind storm. 

High Wind Damage to Roof: Wind Speed Factors

According to the National Weather Service, damage usually starts to occur when wind gusts are sustained at 40-50 mph. Additionally, strong winds that cause property damage usually happen because of:

• Severe thunderstorms
• Strong weather systems
• Gusts blowing down mountain slopes

When wind gusts reach higher speeds, the main damage is to shingles that are already loose. To ensure you don’t lose shingles during these storms, talk to Wilson Brothers Roofing about a roof inspection. 

Many times, asphalt shingles that are professionally installed will last between 15-25 years. But all too often, we see roofs that have been installed poorly, causing the homeowners to pay way more in repair damages than necessary. 

When wind reaches around 60-70 mph, it can:

• Uproot trees
• Cause roof damage, such as lifted up shingles
• Damage landscapes 
• Destroy well installed shingles
• Destroy other parts of a roof, such as chimneys, flashing, and roof accessories
• Flip mobile homes

The higher the wind speed, the higher the potential for and intensity of the damage. That is why it’s so important to have a well installed roof. Anytime a roof is poorly installed, there is a higher chance that damage will occur, even in lower wind speeds. 

Straight Line Wind

Wind that gusts about 100 mph is called straight line wind. When wind speeds reach straight line wind status, your safety is in danger. These winds can destroy structures, including your home and roof. Straight line wind usually happens as the result of a strong thunderstorm. 

Is Wind Damage Covered by Home Insurance?

It’s best to check with your insurance company about the details of your specific policy when asking the question, “Is wind damage covered by homeowners insurance?” Wind damage roof insurance claims can significantly help you after a wind storm.

Roof damage from wind is often covered by the homeowner’s insurance policy. However, it’s essential to double check your policy and talk to your insurance adjuster before relying on homeowners insurance. Depending on your policy, you may or may not have roof damage from wind covered and you may need to pay for additional coverage. This is especially important if you live in a mobile home as they are more susceptible to damage from wind. 

Making a Roof Damage From Wind Insurance Claim

Documenting any wind-related roof damage to your property is the most important action to take before calling your insurance company. Take pictures and videos to document any damage that has occured. Go through your property and each room. Even if you can’t see damage right away, the camera may pick up details that can be evaluated later. 

This documentation will be a great asset to you as your insurance company evaluates the damage that was done. It’s also important to keep all of the receipts and bills related to the roof damage caused by wind storms. 

However, you should wait to begin any repairs—particularly ones you want to perform yourself—until after talking with your insurance adjuster. Your insurance adjustor can tell you what damages are covered and which damages and repairs are not. 

Your adjuster will be there to guide you through making your storm damage roof insurance claim, and Wilson Brothers Roofing is here to help with the physical damages of the storm. 

It’s also important to note that you should talk to Wilson Brothers Roofing before accepting the insurance offer. We can help you determine what costs should be covered.

If you have any questions about making a wind damage claim, contacting your insurance company, or getting estimates for roof damage repair, contact Wilson Brothers Roofing for assistance. We’re here to help you when you have experienced roof damage from wind.

Wind Damage Roof Inspection Guide

As a home or business owner, it’s essential to stay ahead of the game after a wind storm to avoid further potential damage. We covered looking for leaks after a wind storm, which is one of the main ways to find internal damage caused by high winds. Here are a few more steps you can take  in addition to calling Wilson Brothers Roofing for further help:

• Check your lawn and surrounding plants, such as shrubs and trees, for damage. If you find any scattered on your lawn, they will most likely be on your roof as well. 
• Re-check your walls and ceilings for drips, leaks, or discoloration.
• Record your damage through video, photo, and written testimony. Collect as much proof as possible to present to your insurance company. 
• Call Wilson Brothers Roofing for an inspection. We will find any damages that need further attention/repair. 
• Talk to your insurance company about filing an insurance claim for wind damage to your roof.

Spotting damage as soon as possible is the best way to mitigate further damage and additional costs. Leaks and damage to roofs only get worse over time. Wilson Brothers Roofing can help you identify and solve roof wind damage quickly and efficiently. 

Preventing Roof Wind Damage

Preventing roof wind damage has less to do with roofing material and more to do with landscape maintenance. Although Wilson Brothers Roofing is always here to help with advice on choosing the best roof for your home!

Some preventative measures that you can take to avoid roof damage from wind include:

• Keep tree branches trimmed.
• Use bark or mulch for your gardening and landscaping. The lighter weight material is less likely to fly up and cause granule removal and other shingle damage.
• Clear branches and trees that are above or in close proximity to your roof.
• Schedule a yearly roof inspection. 
• Invest in storm shutters.
• Keep outdoor accessories tied down or move them inside. These accessories can include deck and porch furniture, grills, trash and recycling bins, bicycles, and moveable outdoor lamps or fireplaces.
• If you live in a mobile home, use extra reinforcements to stay anchored to the ground. 

Preventative measures can help save you from costly future repairs. So safety proof your home from wind storms before the big gusts hit.

Roof Damaged by Wind? Contact Wilson Brothers Roofing Today

Has your roof been damaged by the wind? The experienced roofers at Wilson Brothers Roofing are here to help. We have been in business in Bakersfield and the greater Kern County area for over 40 years! 

Our first priority is customer satisfaction, so if you need your roof inspected, repaired, or installed, call us today. If you have any questions about your roof damage from wind insurance claim, contact us at (661) 589-4297 or fill out an online form today. We look forward to hearing from you!

Interested in amping up your roof to prepare for wind storms? Check out our products page to see your options for roofing material and accessories. 

Wilson Brothers Roofing provides both residential and commercial roofings services. We are here for any of your roofing needs. Whether it’s fixing damage to your home or covering your commercial building with a new roof, our roofing professionals are here to get the job done! Call us today for more information.