Spot Roof Damage After Strong Winds

Homeowners know to look for roof damage after heavy rainfall, but that’s not the only type of inclement weather that can affect your roof. Even when rain isn’t present, high winds can cause significant damage. Your ability to recognize the signs of damage will help you catch problems before they worsen. Use our guide to keep a closer eye on the condition of your roof. 

The Signs of a Wind-Damaged Roof  

Waiting for rainfall to reveal a roof leak is never the best way to discover wind damage. Instead, watch for these signs that you need prompt roof repairs after a period of strong winds. 

Missing Shingles 

The easiest way to tell that forceful winds have left you with roof damage is by looking for missing shingles. This is an inspection you can usually make on your own, but you might want to hire a professional roofer to take a closer look. Use binoculars to look for spots where missing shingles have left a gap on your roof. 

If you do see exposed roofing on your home, schedule repairs right away. Otherwise, any outdoor mist or rain can leak into your home and cause water damage. The moisture could damage the underlying roofing materials, the rafters in your attic, or other parts of your home. 

Curved or Lifted Shingles 

The wind doesn’t have to carry your shingles away to leave you with a problem. Even mild-force winds can have enough momentum to loosen the shingles on your roof. Spotting a loose or lifted shingle isn’t easy. You might need to ask your roofer to make a closer inspection after high winds to discover this problem.  

Even though the shingles remain in place, loosened or curved shingles won’t provide sufficient protection. Damaged shingles expose the interior of your roof to rain, debris, pests, and other problems.  

Loose Granules 

You might be able to tell that you’ll need roof damage recovery without looking at your roof. After a period of heavy winds, walk around the perimeter of your home and watch the ground. Look for loose shingle granules around your house. Take a closer look at the ground near downspouts since the granules can get flushed through the gutter system. 

Loose granules will tell you that there’s something wrong with your roof. You might need a small number of replacement shingles, or a larger portion of the roof might need repairs. The number of granules on the ground might indicate the scope of the damage. 

Damage to the Soffit or Fascia 

The fascia is the board that lines the outer edges of your roof. The soffit is the underside of the roof, which extends from the roof’s edge to the exterior of your house. These components play essential roles in protecting your home’s interior against water damage and wind exposure. Unfortunately, strong winds can damage the fascia and soffit. 

Look for cracks and bends in these parts. Check to make sure the wind hasn’t loosened the fascia or soffit. While these parts are separate from the rest of your roof, a roofer can still repair or replace the fascia and soffit after they have suffered damage. 

Gutter Damage 

The gutters around your home carry rainwater away from your roof to help it last longer. While gutters are pretty tough and secured firmly to your home, heavy debris and strong winds can knock them loose. This will disrupt the ability of the gutters to deal with rainwater. It can also cause damage to your roofing and siding. 

Look for gutters that seem dislocated or appear to hang awkwardly after strong winds. In addition, check for loose fittings where two gutter segments meet. Check the downspouts for damage as well. Identifying and repairing gutter damage right away will help you prevent roof

damage during the next storm. 

Water Stains or Leaks 

If rainfall accompanies strong winds, you might find signs of roof damage inside your attic. Look for wood rafters that appear stained or wet. You should also check the underside of your attic insulation. Damp or discolored insulation indicates exposure to moisture. You might also discover roof damage by looking for areas where daylight peeks through the boards that make up your attic walls. 

If you discover any of these problems, you’ll need immediate roof repairs. Getting roof damage fixed before the next storm prevents significant water damage. In addition, these gaps in your roof will affect your home’s energy efficiency. Speedy repairs will help you control your utility costs. 

Roof Sagging 

Strong winds might have enough force to access your attic and attack your roof from the inside of your house. In this case, the wind can damage worn or old rafters and other roofing materials. Sagging might appear subtle at first, but it will worsen over time. Watch for any change in your roof’s general appearance, including unusual dips or curves. 

If you see a change in the integrity of your roof, don’t hesitate to contact award-winning roofers in your community. As the damaged roofing materials weaken, the roof will sag lower. Without a prompt response, the roof will eventually cave in on your home. 

Large Debris on the Roof 

Strong winds may not directly damage your roof. Instead, the wind can carry tree limbs and other types of heavy debris to your home and deposit them onto your roof. The impact can have enough force to damage the shingles or the underlying materials. For this reason, any large debris on your roof is a good reason to schedule a roof inspection. 

An experienced roofer will have the expertise and equipment necessary to detect impact damage. Professionals will determine the extent of the damage and assess your need for roof repairs. Since exposure to the external environment speeds up wood rot and decay, it’s important to act as soon as you see any indication that you might have hidden roof damage. 

What You Can Do When Your Roof Suffers Wind Damage 

Knowing how to spot wind damage is only half of the battle. Even though you recognize the need to act quickly, you might not have a good response plan in place. As you customize your response plan, make sure it includes the following steps. 

Document Your Roof Damage 

Your first step should involve obtaining proof of the damage. This won’t affect the repair process, but it will ensure a more favorable outcome with your insurance claim. A roofer’s estimate is one way to document the damage. For more convincing evidence, use your phone’s camera to capture images and video of the damaged components. 

File an Insurance Claim 

File your insurance claim as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that other homeowners in the area will likely file their own claims, and that can result in a longer approval process. Since you’ll submit an estimate with the claim, you’ll consult a roofing company first. In addition, experienced pros, such as the team at Tom and Jerry’s Roofing, might offer suggestions to simplify the claims process. 

Schedule Roof Repairs 

Even though you might have to put off permanent repairs until the insurance company approves your claim, a roofer can still help. They can secure a tarp over your roof or provide other temporary fixes. Short-term solutions will help you protect your home until you obtain approval for your claim.  

Concerned About Wind Damage? Schedule a Professional Inspection 

When you rely on Tom and Jerry's Roofing for your roof maintenance, we’ll use our experience and skills to extend the lifetime of your roof. In addition to annual inspections, we can inspect and repair your roof after heavy winds or rainfall. Contact us to schedule service today.