Wind Damage: Is Your Roof Affected?
Like most people, you probably don't know how to determine whether heavy winds have damaged your roof or when you'll need to replace it. It's not usually simple to observe the harm from the ground, and it might occasionally be challenging to establish whether the wind was the true cause. Minor indicators that your roof has been damaged by wind include:
- Raised shingles
- Absence of shingles
- There is a lot of debris on your roof.
In order to plan the required roof repairs, this tutorial will go over some of the most popular methods for identifying wind damage on your roof. Additionally, we'll include some images showing the potential appearance of wind damage. With any luck, this information will help you decide quickly to call your local roofer and have it mended as soon as possible.
What is Roof Wind Damage?
Roof wind damage is caused by high winds that lift and blow shingles, tiles, and other roofing components off your property. This type of damage is most common in locations prone to severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and violent thunderstorms.
In certain circumstances, the wind is so strong that it lifts the entire roof. This is why it's critical to recognize the indications of wind damage and have your roof evaluated by an expert if you suspect it's been damaged.
How to Identify Wind Damage on Your Roof
As previously said, wind damage is not always straightforward to identify. Sometimes the damage is small and only noticeable in close-up. Other times, the damage is more serious and clearly evident from the ground. Some indications of wind damage include:
Lifted or Curling Shingles
If any of the individual shingles on your roof seem raised, curled, or tilted, there is a problem. When you glance at your roof, you may notice these since they don't look right. These could be crooked or overlap with other shingles rather than being nice, straight rows. Strong winds that pull and rip shingles from a roof at an angle can cause zippering, a sort of roof damage. Another name for it is shingle zippering.
Flipped or Bent Shingles
If you notice your shingles flapping in the wind or on a calm day, it is a sign that your roof needs to be evaluated for damage. A strong enough wind can easily blow under your shingles in the smallest location, bending them back or ripping the nails out, causing the entire section to rise up. This immediately makes your home vulnerable to leaks, which must be addressed right away.
Interior Water Leakage
If you find water stains on your home's ceilings, it's usually an indication of an immediate leak caused by roof wind damage. To address this issue fast, either tarp the roof if safe, or place a bucket beneath the roof leak while you wait for a roofer to evaluate and fix the damage. If left ignored, water leaks can lead to mold growth.
Missing Shingles
If your shingles have vanished, it is a clear indication that they were blown off by the wind. Missing shingles should be easy to notice even from the ground, looking up at the roof.
If you suspect your roof has been damaged by wind, you should have a professional evaluate it as soon as possible. They will be able to inspect the damage and promptly devise a plan of action to have your roof repaired right away.
How To Check Your Roof for Wind Damage
While we always recommend contacting a professional roofer to evaluate the damage on your roof, it is still your obligation as a homeowner to manage your property, which includes checking for damage after a storm. So, there are a few essential aspects to consider while deciding whether or not to hire professionals.
Following a significant wind storm or other severe weather, you should walk around your home to check for any obvious evidence of damage. But only if it is safe. There are a few places to look:
- Your gutters and downspouts
- The chimney or window flashing
- Your attic or higher floors
- Examine the property for any large debris or skewed furniture, as well as the neighboring residences.
All of these indications may suggest that you have sustained wind damage. If your gutters are bent or dented, the flashing around your chimney is dented, or you see damage to neighboring homes, it is a good clue that the wind was strong enough to cause widespread damage.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Wind Damage.
If you suspect wind damage to your roof, there are three critical things you must take next.
Contact a professional roofer
This is consistently the best and most recommended option. A professional roofer will be able to promptly inspect the damage, provide you with a repair estimate, and assist you in filing an insurance claim, if necessary.
If you have a house warranty, now would be an excellent time to call them. Many home warranties include roofs, allowing you to get the repairs you need without having to pay out of cash.
Remember, when meeting with a roofer, always request references and evidence of insurance. This will give you confidence that they are a respectable organization capable of performing well.
Document the damage you found
Document anything you find while walking around your property. Make note of any dents, debris, or leaks. Take photographs! Taking photos and keeping a record of how your property looked immediately after the storm will only help your case and ensure that you do not receive a poor inspection or quote from the roofer or insurance adjuster.
File a claim with insurance
If the damage is severe enough and you have homes insurance, the next step is to make a claim. The insurance company will dispatch an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine how much they are willing to pay.
Here's when your documentation comes in helpful! If you have photos of the damage and a list of repairs required, the adjuster will have a much easier time estimating the cost of repairs.
Remember that insurance companies may try to undervalue your repair estimate. This is why it is critical to document everything and have a professional roofer assess the damage as well.
Schedule your roof repairs
Once you've determined how you'll pay for the repairs, it's time to schedule them. If the damage is severe enough, you may need to place a temporary tarp on your roof until repairs can be completed.
However, in most circumstances, roofers can come out and perform the necessary repairs quickly, and you'll be back to normal with a protective roof!
How Strong Does Wind Need to Be to Damage Your Roof?
Roof damage can occur even when the wind is only blowing at 30 miles per hour. However, the sort of damage and severity will vary based on wind speed. For example, if your shingles are old or broken, they are more likely to fly off during heavy winds.
Most roofs are built to resist winds of up to 110 mph. However, if you live in a location prone to hurricanes or other extreme weather, your roof may be designed to resist much stronger winds. This figure provides a few good instances of wind speed vs. potential damage:
Tips to Protect Against Wind Damage
While you can't control the weather, you can take a few steps to assist protect your home against wind damage:
- Keep trees well-trimmed and away from your home. This will help to keep branches from falling on your roof in severe winds.
- Secure the outside furniture and other loose items. If you have lawn chairs, barbecues, or other outdoor goods, make sure they are securely attached to avoid blowing away and damaging your property. Install impact-resistant windows or hurricane shutters.
- If you reside in a location prone to hurricanes or extreme weather, consider installing hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows. These can help keep your home safe from debris and wind damage.
- Reinforce your garage doors. If your garage doors are old or damaged, they may be unable to withstand strong winds. You can strengthen them by adding extra bracing or installing a wind-resistant garage door.
- Check your roof on a regular basis. Inspecting your roof for damage and making repairs as needed will help maintain its integrity and keep it in excellent condition to protect.
- Invest in wind-resistant shingles that have been tested to withstand strong gusts. These shingles can help protect your roof from wind damage, even if a strong storm hits.
Will insurance cover the costs?
Wind damage claims might help you save both time and money. Your insurance coverage may differ depending on the type of policy you have and its unique terms.
Homeowners Insurance: Most conventional homeowner insurance policies include wind damage. However, the extent of coverage varies amongst policies. It is critical to properly analyze your policy to determine what is and is not covered.
Deductibles: Keep in mind that your insurance coverage will have a deductible—the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in to cover the rest. Make sure you understand your deductible amount and plan accordingly.
Exclusions and Conditions: Policies may have exclusions or additional conditions for wind damage. Some policies, for example, may exclude coverage for hurricane or tornado damage or require specified preventative measures to be in place. Read your policy carefully to see whether there are any exclusions or conditions.
The Claims Process: Proper documentation and timely reporting are important for a successful insurance claim. Take precise photos of the damage, save all receipts for emergency repairs or accommodations, and strictly adhere to your insurer's standards. Promptly reporting the damage and remaining in contact with your insurance provider can have a substantial impact on the outcome of your claim.
Understanding these elements will help you negotiate the complexities of wind damage insurance coverage and guarantee you are well-prepared if the need arises.
After a windstorm, work with a reputable roofing contractor
If you have wind damage to your roof, you should hire a competent roofing contractor to do the necessary repairs. A skilled roofer, like as Blue Sky Roofing, will be able to inspect the damage and ensure that any repairs are completed correctly, allowing your roof to protect your home for many years.
If you're not sure where to start, contact Monarch Roofing. We can discuss your options for inspections and repairs and get you back to your normal routine with minimal disruption.