5 Signs You Have Wind Damage to Your Roof

Table of Contents

Missing or Damaged Shingles
Damaged Gutters or Downspouts
Debris in Your Gutters or Lawn
Noises from Your Roof
Chimney or Skylight Issues
What To Do if You Suspect Wind Damage

When severe weather hits, it can take a toll on your home – and your roof is often one of the first places to feel the impact. High winds can cause all sorts of damage to your roof, from loosening shingles to tearing off entire sections.

If you suspect that your roof has suffered wind damage, it’s essential to act quickly to assess its condition and make repairs as necessary. But how can you tell if the wind put a whipping on your roof? Here are five signs that your roof may have wind damage.

1. You See Missing or Damaged Shingles on Your Roof.

After a storm, if you see shingles on the ground below, that’s a sure sign that high winds recently hit your roof. You may see daylight through the hole if the damage is severe enough.

High wind can also cause additional roof damage by lifting shingles that are only partially attached.

This type of damage needs to be addressed immediately by a professional roofing contractor to avoid further issues.

If you see large sections of roof shingles missing or loose shingles, you may need to call a roofer directly for emergency roof tarping to protect your home.

Missing shingles means your roof is no longer as effective at protecting your home from the elements. Water can seep through the gaps and cause damage to your home’s structure or lead to mold growth that is hazardous to your health.

2. Your Gutters or Downspouts Are Damaged or Missing.

Gutters and downspouts help to direct water away from your home, so if they’re damaged or missing, your roof has been impacted by strong winds.

Check for bent or broken gutters even if your gutters are still attached. Also, check for downspouts partially pulled away from your home.

A storm can also damage your roof’s fascia (the board that runs along the edge of your roofline). If you see any loose wood or metal around the edges of your home, call a professional roofer right away to have your roof inspected and repaired.

3. There’s Debris in Your Gutters or On Your Lawn.

Tree branches, leaves, or other debris on your lawn, roof or in your gutters indicate strong winds have stopped by. If you live in an area prone to high winds, it’s a good idea to ensure trees near your home are properly trimmed to give your roof the best chance of surviving severe storms without damage.

If you notice any debris, even relatively smaller branches on your roof, you may have cracks or denting, so it’s essential to have a residential roofing inspection as soon as possible to avoid any further damage from small cracks or leaks.

4. You Hear Whistling, Humming or Banging Coming from Your Roof.

If you start hearing strange noises from your roof, it could signify that strong winds have damaged your home. Banging noises can be caused by loose shingles or other debris caught in the wind. A whistling or humming noise from your roof is a sign of wind entering your home. If you hear any of these noises, it’s essential to have your roof checked out by a professional.

5. You’re Having Issues With Your Chimney or Skylight.

A leaning chimney can be caused by strong winds. Your chimney can be especially susceptible to wind damage because it stands higher than the rest of your roof. A crack in your chimney or chimney cap that’s been blown away can cause more severe damage over time.

Because your skylight also sits slightly above the shingles of your roof, it is also easily damaged by flying debris. If something significant has hit your skylight, it may be cracked or loosened, leading to leaks and water damage.

If you notice any issues with your skylight, choose a roofing company specializing in skylight repair.

What To Do If You Suspect Wind Damage

If you think your roof has been pulled or hit by wild winds, the first step is to call a professional roofing contractor to assess the damage. They will be able to determine the extent of the damage and make recommendations for repairs.

If you have comprehensive homeowners insurance, your policy may cover wind damage to your roof. However, checking with your insurer to see what is covered and what’s not is essential. You may also need to pay a deductible before your insurance covers the cost of repairs.

The experienced roofing professionals at VH1 Roofing can help you navigate the insurance process for your wind-damaged roof and perform any repairs you need quickly and with the best quality.

5 Signs You Have Wind Damage to Your Roof (And What You Can Do About It.)