If you’re like most Morgantown homeowners, you probably don’t know how to tell if your roof has been damaged by high winds, or when you’ll need your roof replaced as a result. It’s not always easy to see the damage from the ground, and sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether or not the wind was actually responsible. Below we’ll discuss some of the most common ways to spot wind damage on your roof and some idea of what wind damage can look like.

What Is Roof Wind Damage?

Roof wind damage is caused by strong winds that can lift and blow shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials off of your home. This type of damage is most common in areas that are prone to severe weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms.

While the wind itself is why you’re experiencing damage in the first place, it’s commonly the hail or debris that is thrown against your home during a wind storm that causes the most damage. So even if you experience severe winds, it’s vital to know other signs to look for such as large branches or twigs on your roof which could also indicate damage.

How to Spot Wind Damage on Your Roof

As we mentioned before, wind damage is not always easy to spot. Sometimes, the damage can be minor and only visible from up close. Other times, the damage can be more severe and easily visible from the ground. Some signs of wind damage include:

Lifted or Curling Shingles

When individual shingles on your roof appear upturned, lifted, or curled, there’s a problem. You might notice these because they seem out of line or out of place when you glance at your roof. Instead of nice straight rows of shingles, these ones might be askew or overlapping other shingles.

Flipped or Bent Shingles

If you see your shingles flapping in the wind or on a calm day, it’s an indication your roof should be checked for damage. A strong enough wind can easily blow under your shingles in the tiniest spot and be strong enough to bend them back or rip the nails out so the entire section lifts up. This immediately makes your home susceptible to leaks and must be remedied right away.

Interior Water Leakage

If you notice water stains on your ceilings in the house, this often indicates an immediate leak caused by roof wind damage. To remedy this quickly, it’s important to either tarp the roof if it is safe to do so or place a bucket underneath the roof leak while you wait for a roofer to inspect and repair the area. Water leaks can cause mold growth if left unattended.

Missing Shingles

If the shingles have vanished, it’s a very obvious indication that your shingles have been blown off by the wind. You should be able to easily spot missing shingles even from the ground looking up at the roof.

How Strong Does Wind Have to Be to Damage Your Roof?

In general, most roofs are designed to withstand wind speeds up to 110mph. But roof damage can occur even when the wind is blowing at only 30mph. But the type of damage and severity will differ depending on the wind speed. This chart gives a few good examples of the speed of wind vs. what damage can occur:

• 20-30 mph: Large branches sway and move
• 30-40 mph: Entire trees begin to sway and move
• 40-45 mph: Twigs and branches might break off of trees and fall to the ground (or on your roof)
• 45-55 mph: Weak limbs and large branches break off and can cause structural damage
• 55-65+ mph: Moderate to heavy tree or structural damage occurs
• 70+ mph: Heavy to severe tree and structural damage occurs

After a Wind Storm, Work With a Reputable Roofing Contractor

If you do experience wind damage to your roof, it’s important to work with a reputable roofing contractor to make the necessary storm damage roof repairs. A professional roofer like MHI Roofing will be able to assess the damage and make sure all of the repairs are made correctly so your roof can protect your home for years to come.

Contact our team of roofing experts and we can discuss your options for inspections and repair and get you back to your daily life with little interruption.