Wind Damage Definition
Wind damage is damage to roofing materials caused by high winds lifting, tearing, or displacing shingles and other roof components. Wind can break the seal between shingles, tear them completely off the roof, or drive debris into the roof surface, compromising the roof’s protective function and creating potential for water infiltration.
In simple terms: Wind damage is what happens when high winds rip, tear, lift, or break your shingles and other roof components.
Table of Contents
- How Wind Damages Roofs
- Types of Wind Damage
- How to Identify Wind Damage
- Wind Damage in Colorado Springs
- What Insurance Covers
- Wind Damage vs. Hail Damage
- Why Wind Claims Get Denied
- Common Questions
- Related Insurance Terms
How Wind Damages Roofs
Wind affects roofing materials through uplift forces, direct pressure, and debris impact. Understanding how wind damages roofs helps identify and document claims properly.
The Physics of Wind Damage
How wind creates roof damage:
1. Uplift Force
Wind flowing over your roof creates lower pressure above the roof than below (similar to airplane wing lift). This pressure difference creates uplift force that:
- Pulls shingles upward against their fasteners
- Breaks adhesive seal strips between shingles
- Lifts edges and corners where uplift is strongest
- Can completely tear shingles from roof deck
2. Direct Wind Pressure
High-speed winds push directly against roof surfaces:
- Drives rain under lifted shingles
- Bends and creases shingle tabs
- Stresses fastener points
- Pushes against vertical surfaces (walls, dormers, chimneys)
3. Wind-Driven Debris
Wind picks up and propels objects into your roof:
- Tree branches, limbs, or entire trees
- Neighbor’s shingles or building materials
- Patio furniture, trash cans, playground equipment
- Any loose objects in the path of high winds
Areas Most Vulnerable to Wind Damage
Wind damage typically concentrates in specific roof areas:
1. Roof Edges and Perimeter
- Eaves (bottom edge of roof)
- Rakes (sloped edges along gables)
- Ridges (peak of roof)
- Reason: Wind speeds and uplift forces are highest at edges
2. Corners
- Roof corners experience the highest wind pressure
- Wind “wraps around” building corners, creating turbulence
- Often see damage starting at corners and progressing inward
3. Leeward Slopes
- Slopes facing away from prevailing wind direction
- Wind flows over ridge and creates strong suction on back side
- Can see more damage on “protected” side than wind-facing side
4. Roof Penetrations
- Areas around chimneys, skylights, vents
- Wind creates turbulence and pressure changes around obstacles
- Flashing and edge details are vulnerable
Wind Speed and Damage Potential
Typical wind damage thresholds for asphalt shingles:
- 40-50 mph: May lift shingle edges on poorly sealed or older roofs
- 50-60 mph: Can damage properly installed shingles, especially at edges
- 60-75 mph: Likely to cause damage to most residential roofs
- 75+ mph: Severe damage, missing shingles, potential structural damage
- 100+ mph: Catastrophic damage, complete roof failure possible
Factors affecting actual damage:
- Shingle age and condition
- Quality of original installation
- Roof pitch (steeper roofs shed wind better)
- Building exposure (trees, neighboring buildings provide wind breaks)
- Duration of high winds (sustained vs. gusts)
Types of Wind Damage to Roofs
1. Missing Shingles
Description: Shingles completely torn off and gone from the roof.
What you’ll see:
- Exposed underlayment or roof deck
- Gaps in shingle pattern
- Shingles found in yard, gutters, or neighbor’s property
- Rectangular or tab-shaped bare spots
Severity: High – immediate water intrusion risk
Insurance coverage: Usually covered if caused by wind event meeting policy threshold
2. Lifted or Creased Shingles
Description: Shingles pulled up but not completely removed, often with visible creases or bends.
What you’ll see:
- Shingle tabs lifted or curled upward
- Horizontal creases across shingles where they bent
- Broken seal between shingle layers
- Visible gaps or openings under shingles
Severity: Moderate to high – compromises waterproofing and increases future blow-off risk
Insurance coverage: Often covered, though some carriers may claim “cosmetic only” if shingles haven’t torn
3. Torn or Ripped Shingles
Description: Shingles partially torn, with portions missing but base still attached.
What you’ll see:
- Shingle tabs torn off while base remains
- Irregular tear patterns
- Exposed nail heads or fastener areas
- Hanging or flapping shingle pieces
Severity: High – creates water entry points and weak spots
Insurance coverage: Typically covered as functional damage
4. Broken Seal Strips
Description: Adhesive seal between shingle layers broken, allowing shingles to lift in future winds.
What you’ll see:
- Shingles appear normal from ground level
- Upon close inspection, seal strip separation visible
- Shingle tabs can be lifted easily by hand
- May see slight gaps or lifting at shingle edges
Severity: Moderate – increases vulnerability to future wind damage
Insurance coverage: Often disputed as “cosmetic” or not meeting damage threshold
5. Damaged Flashing
Description: Metal flashing around chimneys, vents, valleys, or edges bent, torn, or displaced by wind.
What you’ll see:
- Bent or creased flashing
- Flashing pulled awa
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5. Damaged Flashing (CONTINUED)
Description: Metal flashing around chimneys, vents, valleys, or edges bent, torn, or displaced by wind.
What you’ll see:
- Bent or creased flashing
- Flashing pulled away from attachment points
- Missing or torn counterflashing
- Exposed nail heads where flashing lifted
- Gaps between flashing and roof surface
Severity: High – flashing protects critical water entry points
Insurance coverage: Usually covered as functional damage
6. Granule Loss from Wind Abrasion
Description: Protective granules worn off shingle surface by wind-driven debris or prolonged high winds.
What you’ll see:
- Darker colored areas where granules are missing
- Exposed asphalt base layer
- Granules collected in gutters (more than normal)
- Shiny or slick appearance on affected areas
Severity: Moderate – accelerates aging and reduces shingle life
Insurance coverage: Often disputed unless severe or accompanied by other damage
7. Soffit and Fascia Damage
Description: Wind damages the underside of roof overhangs (soffit) and the vertical boards at roof edge (fascia).
What you’ll see:
- Torn or missing soffit panels
- Bent or damaged fascia boards
- Water staining behind damaged areas
- Loose or separated trim pieces
Severity: Moderate – affects home appearance and allows pest/water entry
Insurance coverage: Usually covered if part of wind event damage
How to Identify Wind Damage
Visual Inspection from Ground Level
Look for these signs:
- Missing or obviously damaged shingles
- Shingles hanging off roof edges
- Debris on roof or in gutters
- Damaged or missing ridge caps
- Bent or damaged flashing visible from ground
Close-Up Roof Inspection
Recommended after any severe wind event:
- Check all shingle edges and corners
- Look for lifted shingle tabs
- Inspect seal strips between shingles
- Examine flashing around penetrations
- Check for debris impact damage
- Document with photos from multiple angles
Signs Inside Your Home
Wind damage may show up indoors:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Drips or active leaks during rain
- Light visible through roof deck (in attic)
- Increased energy bills (air infiltration)
Wind Damage in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Wind Patterns
- Chinook Winds: Warm, dry downslope winds reaching 60-100+ mph
- Prevailing Winds: Generally from west/northwest
- Peak Season: Late fall through spring (October-April)
- Common Events: 50-70 mph gusts several times per year
Local Wind Damage Considerations
Colorado Springs experiences unique wind challenges:
- High elevation increases wind speeds
- Mountain terrain creates wind tunnels and gusts
- Rapid temperature changes stress roofing materials
- Dry climate makes shingles more brittle and vulnerable
Recent Wind Events
Major wind events in Colorado Springs area:
- January 2024: 80+ mph winds caused widespread roof damage
- December 2021: 100+ mph gusts (Marshall Fire area)
- Multiple 60-70 mph events annually
What Insurance Covers for Wind Damage
Typical Policy Coverage
Most homeowners policies cover:
- Sudden wind damage from covered storm events
- Replacement of damaged materials (shingles, flashing, etc.)
- Collateral damage (gutters, siding damaged by roof debris)
- Interior damage from water infiltration after wind damage
Common Policy Requirements
- Wind speed threshold: Some policies require minimum wind speeds (often 50-70 mph)
- Proof of wind event: Documentation that qualifying winds occurred
- Timely reporting: File claim within policy timeframe (typically 1 year)
- Depreciation: ACV policies pay depreciated value initially
What’s Usually NOT Covered
- Pre-existing damage or poor maintenance
- Gradual deterioration from repeated minor wind exposure
- Damage below policy wind speed threshold
- Cosmetic-only damage that doesn’t affect function
Wind Damage vs. Hail Damage
Key Differences
| Wind Damage | Hail Damage |
|---|---|
| Tears, lifts, or removes shingles | Creates dents/bruises in shingle surface |
| Often affects edges and corners first | Random pattern across entire roof |
| Directional (follows wind direction) | Vertical impact from above |
| Missing shingles common | Missing shingles rare |
| Flashing often damaged | Flashing less commonly affected |
Why the Distinction Matters
Insurance companies treat them differently:
- Different policy language and coverage
- Different documentation requirements
- Different claims processes
- May have different deductibles
Combined events: Colorado storms often produce both wind and hail, complicating claims.
Why Wind Claims Get Denied
Common Denial Reasons
1. Insufficient Wind Speed
- Policy requires 70 mph, but recorded winds were 65 mph
- No documented wind event on date of loss
- Weather data doesn’t support claim
2. Pre-Existing Condition
- Insurer claims damage existed before wind event
- Poor maintenance or aging caused damage, not wind
- Previous damage not repaired properly
3. Cosmetic-Only Designation
- Lifted shingles deemed “cosmetic”
- Broken seals “don’t affect function”
- Carrier claims roof still weathertight
4. Maintenance Issues
- Roof not properly maintained
- Previous damage not addressed
- Shingles beyond normal lifespan
5. Documentation Problems
- Can’t prove wind speeds occurred
- No photos showing damage
- Delayed reporting raises questions
How to Avoid Denials
- Document immediately: Photos before and after storms
- Report promptly: File claim within days of damage
- Get professional inspection: Roof consultant documentation
- Weather data: Obtain official wind speed records
- Maintenance records: Show roof was properly maintained
Common Questions About Wind Damage
How do I know if I have wind damage?
After any high wind event (50+ mph):
- Inspect from ground for obvious damage
- Check for shingles in yard or gutters
- Look for lifted or missing shingles
- Schedule professional roof inspection
Will my insurance cover wind damage?
Most policies cover sudden wind damage, but:
- Check your policy’s wind coverage details
- Verify if there’s a wind speed threshold
- Confirm your deductible amount
- Review any exclusions or limitations
How long do I have to file a wind claim?
Typical timeframes:
- Report damage: Within days to weeks of storm
- File formal claim: Usually within 1 year of loss
- Check your specific policy: Deadlines vary by carrier
Best practice: Report and file as soon as damage is discovered.
Can I just repair damaged sections?
Possible, but consider:
- Insurance may pay for full replacement if damage is extensive
- Partial repairs may not match existing shingles
- Underlying damage may exist beyond visible areas
- Full replacement may be more cost-effective
What if wind lifted shingles but didn’t remove them?
Lifted shingles are legitimate damage:
- Broken seals compromise water protection
- Creates vulnerability to future wind damage
- Insurance should cover repair/replacement
- Don’t let adjuster dismiss as “cosmetic only”
Related Insurance Terms
Also see these glossary entries:
- Hail Damage – Impact damage from hailstones
- Claim Denial – When insurers refuse to pay claims
- Pre-Existing Condition – Damage that existed before covered event
- Supplemental Claim – Additional claim for missed damage
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) – Depreciated payment amount
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV) – Full replacement without depreciation
- Recoverable Depreciation – Amount withheld then paid after repairs