Signs of wind damage
- Shingles missing, or pieces of shingle in the yard or the street
- Creased shingles: a straight line across a tab where it folded back in the wind and dropped
- Tabs that lift or flap when the wind picks up
- Missing or loose ridge caps along the peak
- Flashing bent back around a chimney or wall
- Branches or debris on the roof after the storm
Why a creased shingle matters
When wind lifts a shingle, it can break the seal strip that holds it down, and fold the shingle hard enough to crack it. It may lie flat again afterward and look fine from the ground. But it's no longer sealed, so the next wind lifts it more easily, and water can get underneath. This is why a roof that lost a few shingles in one storm often loses more in the next one.
What to do after a wind storm
- Look from the ground for missing shingles and shingle pieces in the yard
- Take dated photos of anything you find
- If shingles are gone and rain is coming, ask a roofer about a temporary tarp
- Check your policy. Wind damage is often covered like hail, with its own deductible on some policies. Our insurance guide covers the steps