Your home takes quite the beating when severe winds strike — spot the early signs of wind damage to the roof to protect your property before the next storm hits.
While it’s impossible to predict if a storm will damage your home, being prepared is key. Moments like these disrupt the familiar rhythm of daily life, but quick wind damage repair makes all the difference. We’re highlighting the most common signs of wind damage to help you spot issues early and protect your home before the next storm hits.
Common physical signs of wind damage to the roof
After any severe weather event, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected by a certified roofing contractor, even if you don’t notice immediate issues. Most homeowners’ insurance policies set a 12-month deadline for filing claims after damage, so act quickly. Here are some of the most common physical signs that wind has left its mark on your roof:
1 — Missing shingles
One of the most obvious signs of wind damage is missing shingles scattered around your property. If you notice shingles that have shifted or blown off, contact a local roofing expert right away. Missing shingles are a huge concern because they compromise your roof’s ability to repel water. This makes your home vulnerable to leaks and structural complications that will only worsen over time.
2 — Damaged shingles
High winds often hurl flying debris onto your roof that can scratch the surface of your shingles. When inspecting for signs of wind damage, keep an eye out for shingles that have sustained visible damage from debris. Scratches or dents indicate potential weak points where water might seep through. Repair any damaged shingles as quickly as possible to prevent leaks and further roof deterioration.
3 — Creased shingles
Wind can cause shingle creasing, even if it’s not strong enough to tear them off completely. Wind uplift often bends asphalt shingles upward and turns them into unsightly, wrinkled messes. Though these creases might not seem very concerning at first glance, they will undermine the structural integrity of your roof over time.
4 — Leaky roof
A leaky roof is a common direct consequence of wind damage. Roofing systems are built with a waterproof layer to protect the interior of your home, but severe storms can compromise this protection. Dislodged shingles or loosened fasteners create gaps for water to seep through freely. Interior signs of a roof leak include discoloration, brown rings on your ceiling, mold, or damp walls.
Common signs of interior wind damage
Wind doesn’t only affect the exterior of your roof — it also causes a heap of covert damage indoors. Lookout for the following signs that wind has affected the interior structure of your home:
5 — Wide cracks
After a storm or heavy rainfall, large cracks or bulges may appear in your walls, ceilings, floors, or foundation. These are caused by sudden shifts in the structure due to excessive moisture and pressure. Any wide cracks are serious problems that threaten the stability and safety of your home. These issues demand immediate professional attention.
6 — Hairline cracks
You might also detect smaller hairline cracks across your home. These fissures are generated by the expansion and contraction of building materials because of humidity and temperature variations. While hairline fractures are usually not the reason for immediate alarm, they might suggest underlying structural flaws. Have them checked out by a professional before they become worse.
7 — Joint Separation
Separation at the joints — where walls meet ceilings or floors — is another sign of wind damage. Pressure changes and moisture can cause building materials to shift and settle, creating these noticeable gaps. This separation signals more significant structural problems, which may need professional assessment and wind damage repair.
8 — Damaged window frames
Strong winds might damage the precious window frames that hold your panes in place. If you notice dents, cracks, or chips, it’s a sign that wind damage has taken place. Damaged frames allow water to seep into your home and lead to more significant problems down the line.
9 — Broken windows
Hailstorms are known for causing the most damage to a home’s façade. Ice falls from the sky with tremendous velocity and shatters when it reaches the glass. If you have broken windows, inspect other parts of the home, like the roof, to see if additional repairs are needed.
10 — Damp walls
Damp walls after a windstorm are a sign that you likely need wind damage repair. During construction, waterproof material is used to form a barrier between the outer and internal walls. The barrier protects the inside walls against water damage. Damp walls lead to mold growth and other moisture-related problems, so be sure to address the issue quickly.
11 — Electrical issues
Wind damage doesn’t just affect your home’s physical structure — it can also lead to electrical problems behind the scenes.
Tripping breakers
If you notice multiple circuits in your home tripping during or after a storm, excess moisture might have damaged your electrical wiring. Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home by shutting off power when they detect an overload. Frequent tripping indicates underlying issues that need to be addressed to prevent electrical fires.
Flickering lights
Flickering lights, particularly after a storm, are often a sign that your electrical system has been compromised and may require wind damage repair. This flickering may be due to loose connections, damaged wiring, or overloaded circuits. While brief flickering isn’t a major concern, consistent flickering should be checked out by a professional.
Make Black Diamond your go-to resource for wind damage repair
Trust the professionals at Black Diamond Restoration to be your go-to resource for repair when disaster strikes and wind damage to the roof occurs.
With our wide variety of services and dedication to quality, we’re committed to assisting communities in rebuilding and recovering from the terrible consequences of natural catastrophes.
We are here to fulfill all your restoration requirements 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With over twenty years of disaster restoration experience, we do it all, and we do it right! Please contact Black Diamond Restoration today to learn more about our services.
