Wind Damage Repair

Wind Finds Every Weak Point

Wind damage starts at the edges. A 60-mph gust lifts shingles at the eaves and rakes where the sealant strip has the least resistance. Once one shingle lifts, the wind works underneath the next row, and the damage spreads inward like a zipper. By the time you notice shingles in the yard, multiple courses may have been compromised. The damage is not just cosmetic — lifted shingles expose nail heads, underlayment, and eventually the deck to rain.

We repair wind damage on homes, townhomes, and light commercial buildings. Our crews are trained to assess the full extent of wind damage, not just the obvious missing shingles, and to restore the roof’s wind resistance to its rated capacity.

How Wind Damages a Roof

Wind damage follows patterns that a trained inspector can read.

• Shingle lift — wind breaks the sealant bond and lifts the shingle; the shingle may look intact from the ground but is no longer attached
• Creased shingles — lifted shingles that are pushed back down develop creases along the fold line; the mat is fractured and will crack further
• Missing shingles — completely torn away, leaving the underlayment or deck exposed
• Displaced flashing — step flashing at walls, counter flashing at chimneys, and ridge vent can be pushed out of position by high wind
• Ridge cap failure — the ridge cap shingles are the most exposed; wind lifts them first on many roofs
• Gutter damage — wind pulls gutters away from the fascia, bends hangers, and separates joints
• Soffit and fascia damage — wind-driven rain can force behind the fascia, or gusts can detach soffit panels

Wind Damage Patterns by Roof Area

The roof does not experience uniform wind force. Certain areas take more damage:

• Windward edges — the side facing the prevailing wind takes the most force
• Rake edges — the sloped edges of a gable roof are the first point of lift
• Ridge line — the highest point of the roof experiences the fastest airflow
• Corners and transitions — where the roof meets walls, dormers, or changes direction, turbulence creates localized high-pressure zones
• Behind obstructions — chimney, HVAC units, and vents create turbulence that can lift shingles on the leeward side

How We Repair Wind Damage

The repair approach depends on the extent and age of the existing roof.

Spot Repair

If the roof is relatively new and the damage is localized, we replace individual shingles with matching material, re-seal flashing, and re-secure ridge cap. This is the most common repair for moderate wind events.

Section Replacement

If wind damage covers a large area or the shingles are too aged to match, we replace the damaged section with new underlayment and shingles. The new section is tied into the existing roof with proper overlap and sealant to prevent a visible seam or future leak point.

Full Replacement

If the roof is near end of life and wind damage is widespread, replacement is the more cost-effective investment. Repairing an old roof after wind damage is a temporary fix that delays the inevitable while risking additional water damage.

We always match shingle color and profile when possible. If the original shingles are no longer available, we explain the options and let you decide.

Wind Damage Repair Costs

Damage level	Typical range
Minor — a few shingles, edge damage	$500 – $2,000
Moderate — multiple courses, flashing displacement	$2,000 – $6,000
Severe — large area, ridge cap, structural	$6,000 – $15,000
Full roof replacement	$8,000 – $35,000+

Most wind damage is covered by homeowners insurance when the wind event is documented. We provide the damage report and photos your insurer needs.

What to Do After Wind Damage

• Do not go on the roof — damaged shingles are loose and the surface is dangerous
• Check the attic — look for daylight through the deck or water stains; this tells you the damage has progressed beyond the surface
• Document from the ground — take photos of missing shingles, debris, and any visible damage
• Call us — we will inspect the roof, document the damage, and begin the repair or insurance process
• Secure the area — if shingles or debris are on the ground, keep children and pets away; nails may be scattered
• Cover interior damage — place buckets under active leaks and move furniture away from wet areas
• Do not tarp the roof yourself — professional tarping uses lumber, screws, and specific anchoring techniques that keep the tarp secure in subsequent winds; a poorly secured tarp can cause more damage

Preventing Wind Damage

• Schedule a pre-wind-season inspection to catch loose shingles and failing sealant
• Choose high-wind-rated shingles (110 to 130 mph) in wind-prone regions
• Ensure starter shingles and ridge cap are properly sealed with factory sealant
• Re-seal any lifted shingles immediately — a lifted shingle that stays down without sealant will lift again in the next storm
• Secure loose gutters and downspouts before high-wind season
• Trim trees and remove dead limbs that could become projectiles
• Install hurricane straps or clips in high-wind zones to improve roof-to-wall connections
• Consider impact-resistant shingles in areas prone to both wind and hail

Wind Speed and Shingle Performance

Wind speed rating	Typical shingle class	What happens
Up to 60 mph	Standard 3-tab	Seals may lift; granule loss possible
60 – 80 mph	Architectural (standard)	Some tabs may lift; sealant holds most shingles
80 – 110 mph	High-wind rated	Shingles hold with proper sealant activation
110 – 130 mph	Class H / hurricane-rated	Designed for coastal and tornado-prone areas

Most wind damage occurs at the roof edges, ridge, and corners where wind turbulence is greatest. Starter shingles and ridge cap are the first components to fail because they experience the highest uplift forces. We use high-wind installation techniques including six-nail patterns, enhanced sealant strips, and starter strips at all eave and rake edges.

Common Wind Damage Patterns

• Lifted tabs — shingle tabs that have lifted and re-laid without re-sealing; the sealant strip is compromised
• Missing ridge cap — the most vulnerable part of the roof; ridge cap takes the full force of wind from any direction
• Displaced starter strip — wind catches the eave edge and peels starter shingles back
• Shingles in the yard — full shingles blown off indicate sealant failure or improper nail placement
• Creased shingles — shingles that were lifted and bent back show a horizontal crease line; the mat is fractured

Wind damage your roof? Call us or request a free inspection — we will assess the full extent of the damage and restore your roof’s wind resistance.