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Signs Of Wind Damage To Your Roof & What You Should Do Next

Posted on April 7, 2023

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Signs Of Wind Damage To Your Roof & What You Should Do Next

Roofs that are high-quality and well-maintained can withstand strong winds. However, wind speeds that exceed the roof’s protective abilities can cause severe damage. Being able to identify wind damage to your roof is critical to ensure timely repairs and prevent further damage. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore three common signs of wind damage and what you should do next to handle it. From assessing the extent of roof damage to getting the proper help, we’ll cover everything you need to do to restore your roof.

What Is Considered Wind Damage To A Roof?

When a roof sustains visible damage from powerful gusts of wind, it is classified as wind damage. Most wind gusts above the speed of 40 mph cause some amount of damage to homes. While a few roofs are designed to withstand wind speeds up to 100 mph, most shingle roofs are not able to sustain such gusts. That force can cause significant damage to your roofing materials, accessories, and structure. 

So what does wind damage look like on a roof? If a wind storm hits your area, you might be able to spot some cracked, blown-off, or torn shingles, missing nails or screws, and deformed flashing, among other things. These vulnerabilities compromise the roof’s ability to protect your home from pests and environmental factors, which leads the roof to deteriorate quickly. This ultimately reduces the lifespan of your roof and leads to costly repairs and replacements over time.

Let’s understand the signs of wind damage in depth to make sure you handle the situation properly and promptly.

Signs Of Wind Damage To A Roof

Asphalt shingles are more prone to wind damage than metal roofs. However, wind speeds above 100 mph can cause damage to any type of roofing material. The damage can be repaired easily if your roof is sturdy, but for old or low-quality roofs, it might be better to replace the broken and missing parts.

Here are some common signs of wind damage that you should look for depending on the part of your roof:

Asphalt Shingles

roof damage from wind

If your home receives storm-level winds, assessing wind damage to asphalt roof shingles is easy. Some of the most obvious signs are curling, missing, or lifted shingles. Curled shingles are visible from the ground, and you won’t have to look very close to spot missing shingles as well. The causes of loose and blown-off shingles can vary, but high winds are usually the culprit. Other signs may include cupping or cracking of the asphalt shingles.

Flashing And Vent Boots

Wind damage can also affect metal flashing and vent pipe boots. Flashing is used to seal the joints and seams of a roof, and vent pipe boots cover the openings around roof vent pipes. Damaged flashing and boots are caused by high wind gusts, impacts from flying debris, and hail storms. Since flashing and boots are smaller components, it’s difficult to identify the damage yourself. But if you can view these components from any dormer or window on the second floor, look for signs such as broken vent boots, debris stuck in the boots, and loose or broken flashing pieces.

Roofline

The roofline is the border of the roof which consists of starter shingles, the drip edge, and rain gutters. A warped or uneven roofline is another sign of roof damage due to wind. Strong winds can cause the shingles at the edge to shift, which can lead to an uneven appearance. Wind gusts can also loosen or pull drip edges and gutters away from the roof. Look for hanging drip edges, missing or loose fasteners on rain gutters, and sagging gutters or rooflines.

Soffit And Fascia

damaged Fascia

Finally, wind damage to a roof can also result in damage to the soffit and fascia. The soffit is the material that covers the underside of the roof overhang, while the fascia is the horizontal board that runs along the edge of the roof. Both the soffit and fascia are particularly susceptible to wind damage, which can cause them to become dislodged or damaged.

If you have a metal roof, you might feel it should be able to withstand high winds without sustaining any damage. While metal roofs are generally more resistant to hail, snow, and wind damage, compared to other roofing materials, this isn’t always the case. So let’s look into the signs of wind damage to metal roofs.

Metal Roofs

Standing seam metal roofs with a low profile may be more susceptible to wind damage than those with a higher profile and thicker panels. Additionally, corrugated, or any other type of metal panels that are installed incorrectly, can be damaged by strong winds.

Some signs of metal roof damage include dents and cracks in the panels and loose screws or nails. High winds can also cause the panels to break and fly off when the fastening becomes loose.

After assessing the extent of roof damage from the wind, the next step is to determine whether your roof needs repair or replacement.

Wind Damage Repair vs. Replacement: Which One Is Right For You?

In some cases, a simple repair may be enough to address the damage. However, in the case of severe storm damage, a full roof replacement may be necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of your home. Here are some factors to consider when deciding on the best option for you:

Age Of The Roof

If your home’s roof is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than frequently invest in temporary repairs. Most asphalt shingles last for 20 to 30 years, while metal roofs can last for 40 years.

The Extent Of The Damage

The severity of the roof wind damage will impact the decision on whether to repair or replace your roof. If the damage is extensive, a complete replacement may be necessary. This may include torn underlayment, and broken sheathing or rafters.

Documentation Is Important

If your roof has suffered wind damage, it’s essential to document the damage with photographs and videos. If the damage is clearly visible, you can do it yourself. Otherwise, let the professionals take care of it. Many roofing contractors will also document the damage as part of their process and help with your insurance claim process if necessary.

Hiring A Licensed And Reputed Local Roofing Contractor

Working with an experienced local roofing contractor is essential for ensuring that every inch of your roof is properly inspected and the repairs are completed efficiently. Professionals will be able to provide you with accurate and detailed estimates on wind damage roof repair, offer assistance with insurance claims, and provide product warranties that can save you a lot of money in the future and give you peace of mind.

Insurance Coverage

Most homeowners insurance policies cover roof damage from high winds. So be sure to review your policy, get an accurate estimate on the roof repairs, and contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage. As a homeowner, it is crucial to know what coverage your insurance policy provides ahead of time so that you can ensure you’ll be fully covered in case of damage.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wind Damage To Roofs?

The amount of coverage an insurance company provides for wind damage may vary depending on your insurance policy and the insurance company you’re working with. 

There Is A Deductible Amount That You Might Pay

In most cases, you will be responsible for paying a deductible before your insurance policy kicks in to cover the remaining cost of a roof repair or replacement. The deductible amount may vary based on your policy and the extent of the damage.

Understand What Your Insurance Policy Won’t Cover

There may also be specific exclusions in your insurance policy for wind, hail, and water damage to roofs. For example, if the damage was caused by pre-existing conditions such as a bad installation job or low-quality roofing materials, your policy may not cover it. 

You Can Get Your Claim Approved By Proving That You Were Careful Before The Wind Damaged Your Roof

Working with certified roofing contractors and using industry-standard materials will help insurance companies understand that you took the necessary care and preventive measures to avoid wind damage to your roof. Proof of regular roof inspections, cleaning, and maintenance by a certified contractor may also be required by some insurance companies.

If your roof has suffered damage by a windstorm in Pittsburgh, PA, our experts can help you take the first step to restore your roof.

Get Reliable Advise & Roofing Services For Storm And Wind Damage

At Hepler Contracting LLC, we’ve been helping Pennsylvania homeowners for years. Our team is skilled and certified in storm damage roof repair, and hundreds of homeowners trust us. From thorough inspections and accurate estimates to high-quality repairs and replacements, we have the expertise to handle all your roofing needs. We also offer insurance assistance so that your claim is handled smoothly and you’ll receive fair compensation for the damage.

We understand that you may need assistance on how to proceed. That’s why we offer free consultations and estimates to extend our help without any obligations. Call us at (412) 694-8785 to schedule your free consultation, and take the first step to revive your roof.

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