What Should You Do After Strong Winds Hit Your Home?

AI Summary

• Strong winds can cause hidden roof damage even when your home looks fine from the ground.

  
  

• Homeowners should inspect the interior, exterior, gutters, and attic to identify storm-related issues early.

  
  

• Quick action helps prevent expensive leaks, moisture damage, and structural problems.

  
  

• Craig Gouker Roofing provides professional post-wind inspections to catch hidden issues and protect your home.

Understanding the Problem: Wind Damage Is Often Hidden

Strong winds can sweep through your neighborhood in minutes, but the effects on your roof can last for months if not addressed quickly. Even if you do not see obvious damage like missing shingles or broken branches, wind may have lifted shingles, loosened flashing, or created small openings that lead to leaks during the next rainfall.

The biggest challenge with wind damage is that it is often subtle. A single lifted shingle might not leak right away, but once the waterproof seal breaks, water begins to enter slowly and quietly. Homeowners who do not inspect their roof after strong winds often discover leaks, mold, or structural problems long after the storm has passed.

This guide explains exactly what you should do after strong winds hit your home to prevent long-term damage and keep your roof safe and secure.

Why Strong Winds Pose a Serious Risk

Strong winds disrupt roofing materials in ways that are difficult to see. Damage can occur when wind:

• Lifts shingles and breaks adhesive seals

• Pushes rain under roofing layers

• Bends or cracks the metal flashing

• Dislodges gutters and downspouts

• Drops debris on the roof

• Weakens roof decking over time

  
  

Each of these issues can lead to long-term water intrusion if not detected early.

What Should You Do After Strong Winds Hit Your Home?

Here are the essential steps to take immediately after a windstorm to protect your home.

Step 1: Inspect Inside Your Home

You can often spot signs of roof damage by checking your interior spaces.

Look for Ceiling Stains

Brown spots, dark rings, or wet patches indicate water has entered your attic or ceiling.

Check Walls for Moisture

Wind-driven rain can travel behind walls, showing up as:

• Bubbling paint

• Damp drywall

• Peeling wallpaper

  
  

Examine Areas Around Skylights and Chimneys

These areas are especially vulnerable during storms. Look for water spots or dripping.

Listen for Dripping Sounds

Water entering through a roof leak may drip inside the walls before appearing on the surface.

Step 2: Inspect the Attic

Your attic often shows early signs of wind damage.

Look for:

• Wet or compressed insulation

• Damp or discolored wood

• Moldy or musty odors

• Dripping or pooling water

• Light shining through the roof decking

  
  

If you notice any moisture or unusual odors, schedule a professional inspection immediately.

Step 3: Walk Around the Exterior of Your Home

Without climbing onto the roof, a ground-level inspection can reveal clear signs of wind damage.

Check for Missing Shingles

If you find shingles in your yard or driveway, your roof has been compromised.

Look for Lifted or Uneven Shingle Lines

Lifted shingles often look slightly raised or misaligned.

Inspect Flashing

Check flashing around:

• Chimneys

• Vents

• Skylights

• Roof edges

  
  

Loose or bent flashing can let water enter during the next storm.

Examine Roof Edges and Ridges

Wind hits these areas the hardest. Look for gaps or missing ridge caps.

Step 4: Check Gutters and Downspouts

Wind can damage gutters or fill them with debris that interferes with drainage.

Look for:

• Detached or sagging gutters

• Blocked downspouts

• Overflow marks

• Granules in the gutters

• Dents from debris or hail

  
  

Granules in the gutter indicate shingle wear and storm impact.

Step 5: Look for Fallen Debris

Branches, leaves, and other debris can damage shingles even if they do not puncture the roof.

Remove debris carefully and note any signs of roof impact, such as:

• Cracked shingles

• Dents in metal vents

• Loose roofing material

  
  

Large branches or heavy debris may indicate more serious structural damage.

Step 6: Document All Visible Damage

Take clear photos and videos for insurance purposes. Include:

• Missing shingles

• Damaged flashing

• Debris on the roof

• Gutter damage

• Interior water stains

• Attic moisture

  
  

Documentation helps with insurance claims and ensures nothing is overlooked later.

Step 7: Avoid Climbing Onto the Roof

Wet or windy conditions make climbing dangerous. In addition, you could cause further damage without proper training or equipment.

It is best to leave on-roof inspections to professionals.

Step 8: Schedule a Professional Roofing Inspection

A professional inspection is the safest and most reliable way to identify all wind-related damage. Many issues, such as lifted shingles, hidden leaks, and flashing problems, cannot be seen from the ground.

When you schedule an inspection with Craig Gouker Roofing, you can expect the team to check:

• Shingle integrity

• Flashing around roof penetrations

• Roof decking stability

• Ventilation systems

• Skylight seals

• Gutter alignment

• Attic moisture and insulation

  
  

Expert findings help you prevent long-term damage and unnecessary repair costs.

Step 9: Make Temporary Repairs if Needed

If there is active leaking, professionals may apply temporary tarping until full repairs can be completed. This prevents further water damage in the meantime.

Step 10: File an Insurance Claim if Damage Is Significant

Wind damage is typically covered by homeowners' insurance. Filing promptly helps avoid complications.

Before filing:

• Gather photos of the damage

• Document the date and time of the storm

• Get a professional inspection report

  
  

Insurance companies prefer evidence that roof problems were caused by a specific storm event.

People Also Ask

How strong do winds need to be to damage a roof?

Roof damage can occur at speeds as low as 45 mph. Severe damage often happens above 60 mph.

Can wind damage my roof even if shingles are still in place?

Yes. Wind can lift shingles without tearing them off, breaking the seal underneath, and allowing water to enter.

How soon should I inspect my home after strong winds?

Check your home as soon as conditions are safe. Early detection prevents costly repairs.

What is the most common wind-related roof damage?

Lifted shingles, damaged flashing, and missing ridge caps are the most frequently reported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover windstorm roof damage?

Most policies cover wind-related damage, especially if reported promptly.

What if I only see a small amount of damage?

Even minor damage can lead to major leaks. It is best to schedule a professional inspection.

Can I wait until the next storm season to repair wind damage?

No. Delaying repairs increases the risk of leaks, mold, and structural deterioration.

Should I remove debris from the roof myself?

It is safer to let professionals remove debris to avoid falls and accidental damage.

How long does a wind damage inspection take?

Most inspections take one to two hours, depending on roof size and damage severity.

Protect Your Home After Strong Winds with Professional Roofing Help

Strong winds can create hidden roof vulnerabilities that lead to expensive problems if ignored. By inspecting your home, checking for moisture, and scheduling a professional evaluation, you can prevent leaks and keep your roof strong for the next storm.

If strong winds recently hit your home, contact Craig Gouker Roofing. Our team will inspect your roof thoroughly, identify hidden issues, and provide dependable repair solutions to protect your home.

Call (412) 664-7679 or fill out an online form to schedule your wind damage roof inspection today.