Wind Damage on Roofs: Common Signs and How to Identify Them

Wind damage roof claims rank among the leading reasons property owners file claims with insurance companies. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded more than 17,500 high-wind incidents, as well as 1,423 tornadoes. What may be more troubling for residential and commercial building owners is the fact that wind incidents and tornado activity spiked from 15,097 and 1,331 in 2022, respectively.

Twisters can generate wind speeds that range from 25 mph to as high as 70 mph. Keep in mind that no structure needs to take a direct hit from the strong winds at the center of a storm to cause damage to your roof. If your home or business experiences a severe weather event, it’s critical to have the roof inspected.

Why Schedule a Prompt Roof Inspection?

It’s not uncommon for property owners to believe they were fortunate enough not to sustain severe wind damage to their property. Strong winds and gusts can lift or curl asphalt shingles, tug at the metal roofing fasteners, and even raise rubber roofing material. The common misconception that a roof has survived a high wind incident because it isn’t leaking can prove a dangerous proposition. These are reasons why property owners should always schedule a repair inspection with a roofing contractor following a storm.

• Moisture Risks: Water damage is not always apparent. After asphalt shingles lift or cur, or ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) roofing materials become elevated, tiny vulnerabilities may be created. There may not be enough water infiltrating to see easily, but the moisture could soak and weaken beams, insulation, and other infrastructure.
• Mold Growths: Let’s assume a residential or commercial roof has wind damage that cannot be detected by someone outside the construction trades. Slowly seeping water may go unnoticed as occupants suffer mysterious ailments. In many cases, the dampness spurs hazardous mold growths, and people seem to get sick without an identifiable cause.

These reasons to schedule an inspection with a roof contractor are also underscored by the need to file an insurance claim in a timely fashion. One of the primary reasons that insurance corporations reject roofing repair funds requests stems from property owners failing to file a claim on time. Having a roof inspected by a professional, right after a storm, creates a record type of wind damage losses. These may include the need for flashing updates, new panels, or a total roof replacement. Even if an inspector determines you do not require roof repairs or a complete roof replacement, the report generated during the process provides property owners with a record that speaks to the building’s condition.

Telltale Signs of Wind Damage

Determining whether a roof has wind damage can be challenging due to its subtle nature. That’s largely because people outside the construction trades may notice issues and not necessarily attribute them to the impact of a storm. These are telltale signs of wind damage that typically require a roof replacement or extensive repairs.

• Damaged Shingles: Asphalt products typically tear, lift or curl during a wind incident as modest as 45 mph. Standing away from the building, you may notice the shingles look odd or see shadows at the bottom of the rows. Other shingle damage includes noticeable wear to the granules on the surface.
• Torn and Missing Shingles: Wind speeds in the 50 mph and higher range can tear asphalt shingles and bend loose metal panels. If you see a few missing shingles or uneven metal roofing areas, promptly call a roof contractor.
• Flat Roof Wind Damage: Strong winds have a tendency to create a rubber roof vacuum effect. The sucking force pulls the outer layer, stretching the material and weakening the seams. Even if the roofing material is still fending off moisture, it’s only a matter of time before moisture seeps through. 
• Flat Roof Tears: Tornadoes, Derechos, and other intense wind events send limbs, branches, and other objects sailing through the air. When they strike flat roofs, the hard impacts usually leave dents and tears in the roofing material. The good news is that flat roofing systems are relatively straightforward to repair.
• Diminished Caulking: Flying debris and intense winds can chip away the aging caulk around chimneys and ventilation pipes. Unless this basic roof repair is performed quickly, water penetration can do costly damage.
• Watermarks: If you see watermarks on the ceilings or walls, it’s highly likely you have suffered significant wind roof damage. The watermarks you are seeing are a sure sign that the roofing system is no longer able to protect your roof from the elements. Moisture has likely impacted the rafters and load-bearing infrastructure. Not only is this a wind damage sign, but you may need a roof replacement and other carpentry work.

It’s no secret that Wichita, KS, and the surrounding area experience more than its fair share of high wind incidents and severe weather storms. If your building shows these or other telltale signs, schedule a wind damage roof inspection.

File a Wind Damage Roof Insurance Claim

The importance of having a roofing contractor perform an inspection cannot be understated. The detailed report you receive highlights the wind damage caused by the storm and articulates areas that have been weakened. Armed with a professional roof inspection, residential and commercial property owners have the ammunition to file a claim and receive the full, fair insurance compensation they deserve.

Schedule a Hail Damage Roof Inspection Today

The team at A-R Roofing hopes this information about wind roof damage signs helps you make informed decisions following a severe weather event. We bring more than 25 years of experience to every residential or commercial roofing project. We provide price-friendly solutions for community members who need roof repairs, maintenance, and replacements. If you have an aging roof or suspect wind damage, contact us today and schedule a roof inspection.