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
