Posted May 16, 2025 | Anderson Roofing
Storms with high winds have always been part of life in northwest Ohio. Harsh weather events are a reality that homeowners must expect to deal with. No matter how much you do to prepare, high winds have the potential to cause damage to your roof. Obvious damage is easy to see and recognize – if an entire section of your roof deck lifts in the wind or a tree comes down on the roof, you will know. If the storm passes without that damage, you may feel lucky, but that doesn’t mean you came through the storm unscathed. Loose shingles, damaged flashing, and other small vulnerabilities caused by high winds can lead to leaks and further damage down the road. After a storm with high winds, it’s important to know when to get an inspection to see if the wind has impacted your roof.
You may notice when shingles are missing, as there will be noticeable gaps where shingles have torn off. Shingles lifted in high winds can be harder to spot after a storm. However, once a shingle has been lifted, the underlaying layer of your roof has been exposed to the weather, and wind and water damage to the underlayment is much more likely. Look for shingles that aren’t seated as they were before the storm. If you notice anything that indicates that they are no longer sitting flush against the roof, contact your roofer to do an inspection and address any shingles that may be loose.
Another indication of damage to your shingles is missing granules. The granules on roofing shingles protect your roof from moisture and UV rays. High winds can strip the granules from the shingles. If you notice bald areas on the shingles or extensive granules in your gutters or downspouts, you need to inspect the shingles to make sure they haven’t been weakened.
Flashing is the metal around vents, chimneys, and skylights that keeps the joins in your roof waterproof. High winds can bend, loosen, or tear off this flashing, leading to water leaks and damage to your roof decking. After a storm, when you do your initial inspection, look for inconsistencies in the flashing. If you notice anything that doesn’t seem right, contact a roofing professional for an inspection and repair. The sooner you repair the damaged flashing, the less damage you will have to the roof decking, and your risk of water damage will be reduced.
Some debris from wind will cause damage that can’t be missed, but other damage from debris can be overlooked. Debris can cause punctures, cracks, or other damage. One of the biggest indicators of damage to your roof is visible debris left on the roof after the storm, but even if the debris is on the ground after the storm, it’s still important to check for signs of cracked shingles.
Severe weather events are unpredictable and fierce, increasing the risk of damage to your roof. Once it’s safe to do so, start by inspecting your roof for signs of damage. Damage isn’t always as evident as a hole from a tree falling. Look for missing shingles, visible damage to gutters or flashing, excess debris, like branches, on your roof, or a significant amount of granules from roofing shingles in your downspouts or around the edges of your home. After taking stock of the exterior of your roof, inspect the inside of your home for signs of roof damage. This usually means going into the attic for visible gaps, wet insulation, or other signs of moisture, but you may also see signs of damage on your interior walls and ceilings. Wet or discolored areas can indicate that water is getting in.
If you notice any signs of damage, it’s time to call a roofer for a professional inspection. Make sure you research to find a roofer you can trust rather than ending up with the first roofer to answer the phone. In the case of a severe weather event, even if you don’t notice any immediate or visible signs of damage, getting a professional inspection is still a good idea, as catching damage early is the best way to avoid costly repairs. The more quickly you can get the repairs done, the more subsequent damage you can avoid.
The best way to avoid expensive roof repairs is by not needing them. Some severe storms with high winds will cause damage you can’t prevent, but there are things you can do to minimize your risk. The best thing that any homeowner can do is to maintain the roof. This means cleaning your gutters, trimming branches that hang over the roof, keeping an eye on trees that may have been weakened from previous storms, and ensuring that everything attached to your roof is secured. In addition, the next time you repair or replace your roof, consider upgrading to wind-resistant shingles. Durable shingles can help your roof withstand stronger gusts.
You can’t stop the weather, but you can control how you react to the damage it can cause. Take the time to do everything you can before the storm to get your roof ready, and once the storm has passed, look at the damage and know the signs that it’s time to call the professionals for an inspection. When you address the damage quickly, you can minimize the impact and ensure your family is safe and protected from the elements.
Don’t wait for a minor issue to become a major repair. If your roof has been exposed to high winds, schedule a professional inspection with Anderson Roofing. We’ll assess the damage and help you protect your home with experienced repairs you can trust. Contact us today.
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