Learn about wind damage roof repair, the signs of damage, types of roofs affected, and the roof repair process.
Wind damage can affect any type of roof, from asphalt shingles to metal roofing, and it’s important to know the signs so you can address them before they become major issues. If your home has been through a strong windstorm, you might need emergency roof repair to protect your home.
Wind damage ranges from obvious problems like missing shingles to more subtle issues. Here are the most common signs of wind damage to watch for after a storm:
Missing or Loose Shingles: Strong winds can lift shingles off your roof, leaving the roof deck exposed to the elements. Even if shingles aren’t completely blown away, they can loosen — and that creates gaps where water can infiltrate. Loose shingles are particularly vulnerable to future windstorms; they’re more likely to tear away completely. Missing shingles also leave nail holes and fastener points exposed, increasing the risk of water seepage, rot and mold growth underneath.
Curling or Cracked Shingles: High winds can cause shingles to curl at the edges, which typically happens when the adhesive that holds the shingles down weakens, allowing wind to get underneath. Curled shingles can’t make a watertight seal. Cracked shingles are another sign of wind damage, particularly in areas where the shingles have been bent back and forth by repeated gusts. Cracked shingles can’t provide adequate protection, and you should replace them soon as possible.
Damaged Flashing: Flashing is the material installed around roof features like chimneys, skylights and vents to prevent water from entering your home. High winds can easily bend or tear flashing, creating gaps where water can seep in. Damaged flashing is particularly concerning because it can lead to leaks in some of the most vulnerable areas of your roof.
Leaks Inside Your Home: One of the most serious signs of wind damage is water leaking into your home. Leaks can appear as water stains on your ceiling or walls, or in the attic, especially after a storm. Even small leaks are a major problem; if you leave them unchecked, water can cause extensive damage to your home’s insulation, electrical systems and structural components. It can also lead to mold growth.
You need to act quickly and call RoofingCo.com when you spot signs of wind damage. We can inspect your roof and assess the damage so you can make the right choices to protect your home.
Wind damage can compromise your roof’s integrity, and its effects can worsen over time. Initially, high winds can cause visible damage like missing shingles or bent flashing, but the real danger lies in what you can’t see right away.
When high winds lift or loosen shingles, the shingles can’t create a watertight barrier. That means your roof deck is vulnerable to water infiltration, which can lead to rot, mold growth and structural damage. Over time, even a small area of damage can allow moisture to seep in, weakening the entire roof structure. Even more importantly, the next storm (or even a very windy day) can make the problems worse.
Repairing wind damage to your roof starts with a thorough inspection. We’ll assess the extent of the damage, looking for missing or damaged shingles, bent flashing and other signs of wind-related issues. Here’s what you can expect during the repair process:
Inspection and Assessment: Our inspector will check your entire roof to identify visible and hidden damage. They’ll also check on your roof’s underlayment and deck to ensure there are no underlying problems we need to address.
Temporary Protection (if necessary): If your roof has sustained significant damage, we may install a temporary tarp or other protective materials to prevent further damage until we can complete the repairs.
Shingle or Panel Replacement: For asphalt shingle roofs, we can replace individual shingles as needed. If a significant part of the roof is damaged, we may need to replace larger sections. For metal or tile roofs, we’ll replace damaged panels or tiles. In some cases, we need to perform a full roof replacement.
Flashing Repairs: We’ll repair or replace damaged flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights.
Final Inspection: After we finish repairing the wind damage to your roof, we’ll perform a final inspection to make sure it can withstand winds like it’s supposed to.
The time it takes us to repair wind damage depends on the extent of the damage and the type of roof you have. We can generally complete minor repairs, such as replacing a few shingles or fixing a small area of flashing, in just a few hours. However, it takes longer — sometimes a day or more — to repair larger sections or fix extensive damage on a metal or tile roof. We can provide you with an accurate timeline after we assess the damage.
While you can’t control the weather, these are things you can do to minimize the risk of wind damage:
Schedule Regular Roof Inspections. Routine roof inspections are a great way to catch potential issues before they escalate into more significant problems. You should have your roof inspected at least once a year and after any major weather event. During your inspection, our expert will check for loose shingles, damaged flashing and other vulnerabilities that could be exacerbated by high winds. Early detection allows you to address minor issues before they turn into more extensive — and expensive — repairs.
Trim Overhanging Branches. Trees near your home can be a major hazard during windstorms. Branches that hang over your roof can break off, damaging shingles or even the roof’s structure. Regularly trim branches that extend near or over your roof, and maintain your trees by removing dead or week branches as quickly as possible.
Reinforce Vulnerable Areas. Certain parts of your roof, such as the edges, eaves and areas around chimneys or vents, are more prone to wind damage. If you’d like to fortify these areas on your roof, we can talk to you about things like extra layers of underlayment, stronger fasteners or upgraded flashing.
Check out these commonly asked questions about wind damage roof repair. If you don’t see your question here, please call our office and we’ll find you the answers you need.
If you suspect wind has damaged your roof, schedule a professional inspection with RoofingCo.com as soon as possible. We can identify visible and hidden damage and repair issues before they become worse. Even minor damage, such as loose shingles or small leaks, can lead to more serious problems very quickly.
Some homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage to your roof — but every policy is different. Some policies may have exclusions or require a specific deductible for wind damage claims. If you need to file an insurance claim for wind damage, we can help document the damage and provide your insurer with information for your claim.
Don’t wait until a storm hits to act. Protect your home and your roof by scheduling a professional inspection with our expert team.
We’ll assess your roof, identify any potential vulnerabilities, and make sure it’s fully prepared to handle even the strongest winds.
Contact us today to set up an appointment and keep your roof — and your home — safe from future wind damage.
We provide top-quality roofing services to families and businesses in our community.
