How to Spot Roof Damage from Wind

Some signs of roof damage from wind can be very apparent while other issues can only be assessed by accessing your entire roof. 

Living in Alabama (especially along the Gulf Coast) means dealing with roof damage after a natural disaster like tropical and coastal storms. Having your roof inspected and making repairs as soon as possible after high winds blow through help prevent further damage and save you money. 

After all, your roof is the main protection for your home and its contents so ensuring it remains in good condition helps protect your investment (and your family). 

In this blog post we’ll focus on helping homeowners learn how to spot roof damage from wind and the importance of timely repairs. 

How fast does wind need to blow to damage my roof?

Roof damage can begin when wind speeds reach 47 to 54 mph, especially if your roof is aging or has pre-existing issues. In such cases, even lower wind speeds can cause shingles to loosen or tear. Once gusts exceed 60 mph, the risk of significant damage increases, potentially leading to missing shingles, cracked materials, or leaks. 

The direction of the blowing wind can also affect the level of damage and debris. Winds at 58-74 mph can cause significant damage to buildings and landscaping, including uprooting trees and knocking down tree limbs and chimneys. 

RELATED: How to handle a roof repair from tree damage 

At that speed, shingles in good condition can also be ripped off. At 75 mph, hurricane winds cause even more significant roof damage to buildings and homes and widespread damage to trees. 

If your area experiences winds above 47 mph it is a smart idea to have a GAF certified contractor like High Tide Contracting and Roofing check for damage. 

Even a rare hailstorm across the Gulf region can cause damage that is particularly difficult to assess. Click here for more information about wind speed damage. 

How do I know if my roof is damaged by wind?

Roof damage can be caused by wind, falling trees, tree limbs and even hail contained in a thunderstorm. Some damage caused by wind is easy to spot from the ground, but other issues are harder to spot and must be viewed up close. Common signs of wind damaged roof shingles can include: 

• Curling or peeling shingles 

• Missing shingles 

• Creased/folded shingles 

• Damaged soffit 

• Damaged fascia board 

• Shingles with granular loss (evidenced by loose, sandpaper-like granules gathering in the gutters) 

• Interior damage from wind includes water stains on ceiling or wall, peeling paint or dampness in the attic 

It is important to have your roof assessed after every storm event that contains high winds to help prevent further, more costly damage to your home. A simple repair can save you thousands in the long run. 

High Tide Contracting and Roofing offers free roof inspections to ensure your home’s safety, protect your investment and give you peace of mind. 

The impact of wind damage on your home

Ignoring a wind damaged roof can be costly! From water leaks to the growth of mold and mildew to rotting wood and electrical issues. Ignoring or failing to identify roof damage can create stress down the road and increase property damage, which can negatively impact the home’s value. 

Staying on top of wind damage to your roof is crucial. If you miss significant roof damage caused by a storm you may miss the opportunity and time frame of having the damage covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Check your policy to know the deadline for filing a claim. 

That can mean more out of pocket costs to remedy any damage. In some cases, a simple wind damage roof repair turns into a more costly replacement. 

Conducting a wind damage roof inspection

So, you’ve had a storm containing high winds blow through your area? What’s next? It is time to do a step-by-step wind damage roof inspection guide. Here are some simple steps to help you assess damage following a storm: 

1. Walk around your house and inspect your home and roof from the ground.  

2. Check for any debris resting on the roof that may have damaged shingles, soffits or fascia. 

3. Check for bent or detached flashing. 

4. Look for roofing supplies like shingles, soffits or roof decking material resting on the ground. 

5. Look for broken, missing, creased or broken shingles. 

6. Check for shingles granules in the gutters or gathering on the ground.  

7. Inspect the attic for water stains (use flashlight if necessary or check during the daylight). 

8. If comfortable, use a ladder to access your roof for a closer look. For your safety, it may be a good idea to hire a certified contractor like High Tide Contracting and Roofing to perform a free roof inspection.  

What to do if you spot wind damage to your roof

If you suspect your home has been damaged from wind, it is important to hire a certified roofing contractor to perform a thorough inspection to check the damage as quickly as possible. 

Ask for references and check online reviews for contractors. Make sure they are licensed and bonded. 

Document the damage by making a written list and taking accompanying photos as evidence. You’ll need this when you contact your homeowner’s insurance or home warranty company to report the damage. 

Filing a claim promptly is essential to ensure coverage under your policy. Identifying potential issues soon after a storm can prevent further problems down the road. 

Don’t delay repairs—schedule your roof repair or replacement as soon as possible. Call High Tide Contracting and Roofing today for a free inspection! 

Does home insurance cover roof damage from wind?

It is important to understand your policy before a storm occurs and if your homeowner’s insurance policy covers wind damage to your shingles. In Alabama (coastal and further inland), homeowner’s insurance policies may not cover wind, or flood if you live in a flood zone. Damage caused by hurricanes, tornados or hail may come with an additional deductible. 

A homeowner may need to purchase another policy for damages resulting from wind and hail from another source that often comes with a set deductible. Higher insurance deductibles can affect Alabama residents following a storm when it comes to rebuilding or making repairs. 

There is good news! High Tide Contracting and Roofing is one of only a few roofing companies in Baldwin and Mobile counties offering homeowners a transferable, 10- or 50-year warranty from GAF on new shingle roofs to cover materials, labor, workmanship, disposal of old roof and installation depending on the warranty. 

The GAF Silver Pledge Warranty also includes unlimited wind damage! So, no matter what storm blows in, damaging your roof, we have you (and your home and family) covered! 

Preventative measures and maintenance tips

Are there steps a homeowner can take to prevent damage to roof shingles caused by high winds? The simple answer is yes. Here are some tips to help reduce roof damage caused by wind: 

• Keep trees trimmed around your home to prevent limbs from blowing onto your roof. 

• Consider cutting down dead trees or trees that are leaning towards your home.  

• Secure loose items around your home before a storm to prevent debris from blowing onto your roof (or your neighbor’s roof) damaging shingles. 

• Regularly inspect and maintain your roof’s condition and make any necessary repairs before they become bigger, more costly repairs.  

• Hire a certified contractor to clean your roof without damaging the shingles. This will reduce damage and wear and tear.  

• Invest in wind-resistant shingles to better hold up to high winds.  

• Invest in hurricane shutters to protect your home against winds from hurricanes and tropical storms. 

• Apply to the Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) grant to have your roof FORTIFIED™ with structural enhancements allowing it to better stand up to high winds caused by coastal weather and hurricanes. The benefits also include a homeowner’s insurance discount of up to 55 percent and available tax credits. Click here for more information about the Alabama FORTIFIED™ Roof Program. 

Conclusion

The storms experienced in coastal Alabama can bring high winds that can cause various degrees of damage to a roof and its shingles. Roof damage from wind needs to be addressed and repaired quickly to prevent costly property damage. 

With a little care and preparation homeowners can minimize this damage. And, installing a FORTIFIED™ roof can go a long way in protecting your home from high winds from future storms for years to come, saving you money along the way. 

Whether your home requires roof repair or a full replacement, High Tide Contracting and Roofing has you covered. As a GAF-certified contractor, we handle everything—from inspection to repair or replacement—offering fair estimates, exceptional workmanship, and outstanding customer service. Don’t wait! Contact us today to schedule a free roof inspection.