Roof Wind Damage: What to Check After a Georgia Storm
Roof wind damage is easy to miss. After a hard storm rolls through Holly Springs, Woodstock, Canton or Marietta, most homeowners look for hail dents and fallen limbs. Wind leaves quieter clues: a lifted shingle, a strip of granules in the gutter, a corner of flashing that does not sit flat anymore.
Left alone, those small problems let water in. Here is what wind does to a roof, what to check from the ground, and what to do next.
How Wind Damages a Roof
Wind does not push evenly across a roof. It pulls hardest at the edges, the corners and the ridge. That is why damage usually starts there.
A strong gust can get under the bottom edge of a shingle and lift it. If the seal strip lets go, the shingle can crease, tear or blow off entirely. Even if it lays back down, a broken seal means the next storm can lift it again.
Shingles are tested and rated for wind resistance, and the residential code requires that testing. The rating only holds up when the shingles are installed the way the manufacturer specifies, including the right number of nails in the right spot.
Signs of Wind Damage You Can Check From the Ground
Do not climb on the roof. Walk the yard with a pair of binoculars or your phone camera zoomed in and look for these:
- Missing shingles. Bare spots, exposed underlayment or a dark patch where a shingle used to be.
- Creased or lifted shingles. A straight line across a shingle, or tabs that look like they are standing up slightly.
- Shingles in the yard. Pieces on the lawn, driveway or in the flower beds are a clear sign.
- Damaged ridge caps. The shingles along the peak take a beating. Look for gaps or pieces turned sideways.
- Loose flashing or drip edge. Metal around chimneys, walls and roof edges should sit tight and flat.
- Heavy granules in the gutters. A sudden pile of sand-like grit after a storm can mean shingles were scuffed or torn.
- Fallen limbs. North metro Atlanta's tall pines and hardwoods drop heavy branches in high wind. Even a limb that rolled off can crack shingles or decking.
Check Inside, Too
Go into the attic with a flashlight on a dry day. Look for daylight through the boards, damp insulation or fresh water stains. Inside the house, check ceilings near outside walls and around chimneys.
What to Do Right After a Wind Storm
1. Stay safe
Keep away from downed power lines and do not go on the roof. Wet shingles and loose debris make it dangerous even for experienced people.
2. Take photos
Photograph anything you can see from the ground, plus any debris in the yard and stains inside. Note the date of the storm.
3. Prevent more water damage
If water is coming in, put down buckets and move valuables. A roofer can tarp the damaged area to protect the house until repairs are made.
4. Get a professional inspection
A lot of wind damage, like broken seal strips, cannot be seen from the ground. A roofer can check each slope, test whether shingles are still sealed, and photograph everything.
Wind Damage and Your Insurance Claim
Many homeowner policies cover sudden wind damage. Wear and tear from age usually is not covered. That is why clear, dated photos and an inspection report matter.
Some policies also have a separate wind or hail deductible, so check your declarations page before you file. We walk through the full process in How a Roof Insurance Claim Works, Step by Step.
This is general guidance, not legal or coverage advice. Your policy decides what is covered, so confirm the details with your adjuster or carrier.
Repair or Replace After Wind Damage?
A few missing shingles on a newer roof can often be repaired. When damage is spread across several slopes, or the roof is older and the shingles will not reseal, a replacement may make more sense. Our post Repair or Replace? Five Questions to Ask About an Aging Roof can help you think it through.
If you do replace, a new roof from Tatum's Roofing carries our 5-year workmanship warranty along with the manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty. Extended options are available through GAF System Plus and Owens Corning Preferred Protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong does wind have to be to damage a roof?
It depends on the shingle, its age and how it was installed. Older shingles and roofs with weak seal strips can lose tabs in gusts well below their original rating.
Can I just glue a lifted shingle back down?
A roofer can sometimes reseal a lifted shingle. If it is creased or torn, it should be replaced, because a creased shingle will not hold up to the next storm.
How long do I have to report wind damage to my insurance company?
It varies by policy. Report damage as soon as you reasonably can, and confirm your deadline with your carrier.
Will a few missing shingles cause a leak?
Not always right away, but exposed underlayment is not built to be the main barrier. Get it covered or repaired before the next rain.
Get a Free Wind Damage Inspection
Tatum's Roofing is based at 2210 Holly Springs Pkwy #26 in Holly Springs and serves homeowners across Cherokee and Cobb counties and the rest of north metro Atlanta. If a recent storm has you wondering about your roof, we will inspect it for free, show you the photos, and tell you what we found. See our storm and hail damage repair and roof repair services, or call 470-298-2288 to book your free inspection.