Wind Damaged Roof Shingles

Wind can do a lot of damage to roofs and shingles when it blows hard enough. Homeowners need to be able to spot the signs of wind damage, do a thorough roof check, understand their insurance coverage, and know how to fix different kinds of wind damage. In this in-depth piece, we’ll dig into the topic and give you a detailed guide on how wind damage to roof shingles can happen and how to deal with it.

I. Signs of roof damage from wind:

Shingles that are missing or broken: Shingles can be blown off fully, leaving holes in the roof.
Look for roofs that have cracks, splits, or tears that you can see.
Look for shingle pieces in the gutters and on the ground. This is a sign of wear and tear.

Shingles that are lifted or curled: Wind can lift shingles, which can make them buckle or curl at the ends.
Check the roof’s sides and edges for any signs of lifting.

Nails that are loose or sticking out: Strong gusts of wind can cause nails to pop out or become loose, which makes the shingles less stable.
Look for nails that are sticking out or signs that the shingles are pulling away from the roof deck.

Shingles with Dents or Bumps: Hail or other things moved by the wind can leave dents or bumps on shingles.
Look at the surface of the shingles to see if there are any circles or other shapes.

II. Roof Inspection Guide for Wind Damage:

Safety Tips: Put safety first by using a strong ladder, wearing the right shoes, and avoiding roof checks when the weather is bad.
If you don’t feel safe or sure about going up on the roof, you might want to hire a professional.

Exterior Roof Inspection: First, look at the roof from the ground to see if there are any clear signs of damage.
If you need to get a closer look, use glasses.
Check for shingles that are missing, lifted, bent, or broken, as well as flashing that has moved or is broken.

Interior Roof Inspection: Go into the attic or crawlspace and check the bottom of the roof for signs of leaks, water stains, or dampness.
If you can see light coming in through the roof, there may be damage.

Document and Take Pictures: Write down all the damage you can see and take clear pictures as proof for insurance claims.
Make detailed notes about how bad the damage is and which places are affected.

III. Insurance Coverage for Roof Wind Damage:

Review Your Insurance Policy: Carefully look over your homeowner’s insurance policy, paying close attention to the benefits, deductibles, and limits.
Check your policy to see if wind damage is covered. This can change depending on your insurance company and where you live.

Talk to Your Insurance Company:
As soon as you find wind damage, you should let your insurance company know.
Follow their directions on how to file a claim and give them the paperwork they need, like the inspection report and photos.

Hire a professional roofing contractor to look at the damage and give you a thorough estimate of how much it will cost to fix or replace the roof.
Send your insurance company the inspection report and quote to speed up the claims process.

Know How to File a Claim: Learn about the insurance company’s claims process, including deadlines for filing and any other details that may be needed.
Keep track of everything you say and write down everything you say to insurance reps.

Taking care of different kinds of wind damage:

Architectural Shingles: Architectural shingles are made to be less likely to get damaged by the wind due to the way they are put together.

But they can still be damaged by the wind, so check them carefully for missing, lifted, or broken shingles.
Follow the same steps for assessing, documenting, and making an insurance claim as were shown earlier.

Wind Damage to a Flat Roof: Because of how they are made, flat roofs are more likely to get damaged by wind because the wind can hit the surface with more force.
Maintenance and checks should be done on a regular basis so that problems can be found and fixed before they get worse.
Check for signs that the roof materials are rising, peeling, or coming loose.
Look out for the gaps, edges, and flashing, as these are often weak spots.
For a complete inspection and the right repairs, talk to a professional roofer who has experience with flat roof systems.

Replacing a damaged roof: The amount of wind damage and how old the roof are the most important factors in deciding if the roof needs to be fixed or replaced.
Wind damage that isn’t too bad, like a few missing shingles or a little bit of lifting, may be fixable.
But if the damage is serious or widespread, you may need to replace the whole roof to make sure the building is safe in the long run.
Talk to a skilled roofing contractor to find out how bad the damage is and what you should do to fix it or replace it.

HAAG Wind Damage Assessments: HAAG Engineering is a well-known company that certifies roofing professionals in wind damage assessment.
A HAAG-certified auditor knows and understands how to evaluate roof damage caused by wind.
Consider hiring a HAAG-certified inspector to give you a full report on the damage to your roof from the wind, especially if you have trouble getting your insurance claim paid.

Conclusion:

Damage to your roof shingles from wind can have a big effect on the safety of your house. Homeowners can prevent more damage and make sure repairs or replacements are done right by knowing the signs of wind damage, doing full roof inspections, figuring out how insurance coverage works, and taking care of different types of wind damage right away. When doing checks, remember to put safety first and talk to professionals when you need to. With the right care and actions, you can protect your roof and keep your home safe and secure.