If you live in areas like Charlotte, NC, you’re probably familiar with the risks of having wind damage on your roof. Wind damage to a roofing system typically initially impacts the asphalt shingles of the roofing system. Most commonly caused by wind-borne debris or the wind itself, roof damage is often visible from torn, creased, and missing shingles on your roof. As a roofing contractor in Charlotte, NC, where we see thunderstorms with high winds, hail storms, and even hurricanes – we’ve compiled a list of the seven most common signs of wind damage on a roof.
It’s a good idea to photograph the condition of the outside of your home before any heavy storms. After the storm has passed, it will be easier to determine what damage was caused by the storm to have that information. Sometimes it isn’t easy to assess the roof from the ground, so we recommend contacting your local roofing company to see if a roof repair is required or if an insurance claim is warranted. Check out our other guide on spotting roof damage before it happens by clicking below.
Wind storms can be very destructive to your roof. Asphalt shingle roofs, in particular, can be susceptible to wind damage. If you compare asphalt shingles, you’ll notice that almost every asphalt shingle type lists information regarding their wind resistance. The average wind resistance of an asphalt shingle ranges between 60 mph – 130 mph. If any of your home’s shingles are curling, high winds can catch underneath them and slowly (or not so slowly, depending on the storm) peel back the shingles until they eventually tear or come off altogether. Because of this, you’ll notice the first evidence of wind damage near the perimeter of the roof. Additionally, if the shingle overhang along the eaves and rakes of the roof is longer than 1.5″, the possibility of wind uplift is significantly increased. We recommend having a local roofing contractor evaluate the shingle overhang if you notice that your shingles are sitting inside your gutters or if they are showing a crease transfer of the fascia due to being too long.
What Speed Causes Wind Damage?
45 MPH – 54 MPH
According to the National Weather Service, minor damage can happen when winds reach 45 MPH. However, this range is considered “non-severe.” These speeds can cause some tree branches to break off and puncture the roof. If, after a storm, you see branches on your roof, we recommend having a qualified local roofing professional assist with removing that debris and inspect any damage to the shingles.
55 MPH – 73 MPH
Winds that reach these speeds are considered severe and can cause significant wind damage to structures and landscaping. Winds of these speeds can potentially take down large tree limbs, begin uprooting trees, rip off shingles that were not previously compromised and cause wind damage to chimneys. Most 3-tab asphalt shingles are rated for up to 70 MPH winds. It is vital after a storm of this magnitude that a qualified roofing company should be contacted and scheduled to inspect your roof after the event to ensure that the shingles can continue performing their designed function. If you live in the Charlotte area and are looking for a local roofing company, you can reach out to Signature Exteriors Inc.
74+ MPH
Winds that reach this speed will cause widespread damage to trees, potentially flip mobile homes and cause significant wind damage to roofs on residential and commercial buildings. We strongly recommend having a professional roofing company perform an inspection after storms with winds of this magnitude. Signature Exteriors Inc. is a local roofing contractor specializing in wind and hail damage inspections. We can assist with the roof insurance claims process from start to finish.
Signs of Wind Damage On A Roof
Curling Shingles
The edges of your asphalt roof shingles, as well as other pressure points, are the most likely areas to sustain wind damage. During an inspection, you or your local roofing contractor should be on the lookout for curling shingles where the wind took hold and began to peel the shingle away from your roof. The shingles on your roof perform the critical job of keeping water out, so there is a potential that you will obtain a leak, and your roof could begin deteriorating quickly should this not be addressed within a timely manner.
Missing Shingles
Finding missing shingles is one of the easiest ways to determine if you have wind damage on your roof. If you find shingles around your yard, you will want to have a local roofer come out to evaluate your roof for storm damage. They will be able to perform any needed repairs and inform you of any additional damage caused to your roof. Missing shingles are a huge deal as they leave your roof very vulnerable to water intrusion.
Creased Shingles
Even if the wind from a storm is not substantial enough to curl or altogether remove shingles from your roof, there is a chance that the wind will cause a crease to form on your shingles rather than curling or completely removing them. Uplift pressure from the wind will cause the asphalt roof shingles to begin folding upwards and, if the wind is strong enough, will cause the shingles to fold until a crease develops. Asphalt shingle roofs can hide these folds and creases well. When looking to locate creased shingles, you should generally be on the lookout for a darker line across the horizontal length of the shingles.
Damaged Soffit and Fascia
Soffit and fascia function to protect your home by keeping water away from the top of the siding and the roof’s perimeter. When soffit and fascia are damaged, this can open up your home to allow animal access and potential leak sources. Wind damage can cause cracks in your soffit and fascia, loosen or bend the soffit and fascia or completely blow off.
Shingle Granule Loss
Like hail and falling debris, high winds can cause the granules on your asphalt roof shingles to end up in your gutters. If you are unsure what the granules are, granules provide the sandpaper texture on your shingle. You can quickly determine granule damage by looking at where your downspouts terminate onto the ground, as this is where the granules will tend to gather once they come off the shingle or in your gutters. If you see a substantial amount, that is one of the first items a roofing contractor will review when determining if you have wind damage on your asphalt shingle roof.
Interior Signs of Wind Damage
While this may seem like a no-brainer, it is essential to look around your home (attic included!) and check for any signs of water damage, such as dark stains or peeling paint on the walls/ceilings of the house or wet wood in the attic. We have written an informative article on what to do when you notice water stains on the interior of your home. Click on the link below to learn other tips if you find a roof leak.
What To Do If You Notice A Roof Leak
Does An Insurance Claim Cover Wind Damage?
Most homeowner insurance policies will include coverage of wind damage to the roof. This coverage can also include hail damage or any other “Acts of God,” which refers to any event outside human control that cannot be predicted or prevented.
Call your homeowner insurance provider to determine your deductible for specific events. Ask for the details about your policy to understand better what types of roof damage they will cover! If you would like to ask a local roofing contractor any questions associated with your policy, please reach out to Signature Exteriors Inc. Our company is familiar with North and South Carolina insurance companies.
Do You Have Wind Damage On Your Roof?
If you would like to assess the roof yourself after a storm, utilize this checklist created by one of our preferred asphalt roof shingles manufacturers, Owens Corning. This checklist will help ensure you review all areas at risk for potential damage. Click here to view this checklist.
If you saw these signs of wind damage on your roof, reach out to your local roofing contractor and schedule a roof inspection. If you live in the greater Charlotte, NC area – give Signature Exteriors a call today for a free roof evaluation. We will also happily assist you with filing an insurance claim, should you decide to go that route. We pride ourselves in our work and would be honored to be your preferred roofing contractor in the Charlotte, NC, market. Give us a call today at (704) 729-4898 or email us at info@signatureexteriorsinc.
