The short answer is yes, especially if your area experienced winds over 60 mph.
If your neighborhood recently saw wind gusts approaching 80 mph, your roof experienced a significant amount of stress, even if you don’t see shingles lying in your yard.
At Red Tail Roofing & Construction LLC, we’ve inspected many roofs after Oklahoma windstorms where the damage wasn’t visible from the ground. Catching these problems early can prevent much more expensive repairs later.
What Can 80 MPH Winds Do to a Roof?
High winds don’t always rip shingles completely off. In many cases, they cause damage that’s difficult to see unless you’re on the roof.
Common wind damage includes:
- Â Lifted or creased shingles
- Â Broken seal strips
- Â Missing shingles
- Â Damaged ridge cap shingles
- Â Bent or loose flashing
- Â Exposed roofing nails
- Â Damage around vents, chimneys, and skylights
- Â Loose gutters or fascia
Sometimes a shingle will settle back into place after being lifted, making the roof appear normal even though the shingle has been permanently weakened.
What Should I Look For From the Ground?
After the storm, take a slow walk around your home and look for:
- Â Shingles in your yard
- Â Pieces of ridge cap
- Â Granules collecting in gutters or downspouts
- Â Bent gutters
- Â Loose metal flashing
- Â Tree limbs on the roof
- Â New water stains inside your home
- Â Ceiling spots in the attic or garage
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional inspection.
Should I Get an Inspection Even If I Don’t See Damage?
Yes.
Many wind-damaged roofs look perfectly fine from the driveway. A trained inspector knows where to look for lifted shingles, broken seals, and hidden damage that could eventually lead to leaks.
Finding these issues early may allow for simple repairs before they become major problems.
Is It Safe to Inspect My Own Roof?
We don’t recommend climbing onto your roof after a major windstorm.
Shingles may be loose, the roof surface may be slippery, and hidden damage can make walking dangerous.
Instead, inspect from the ground using binoculars if available, or let a professional perform the inspection safely.
Will Insurance Cover Wind Damage?
Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover sudden wind damage, but every policy is different. All insurance carriers have different requirements to total your roof. Some require multiple slopes have shingles that have pulled through the nails and blown off. Some have what’s called a “brittle test”. So an inspection really can clear up your options and what’s recommended between a claim or a repair.
If damage is found, document it with photos before making temporary repairs. A qualified roofing contractor can help determine whether the damage appears consistent with a recent wind event and explain the next steps. Your insurance company will make the final coverage decision based on your policy and inspection.
How Soon Should I Schedule an Inspection?
The sooner, the better.
Small problems are easier and less expensive to address than leaks, wet insulation, mold, or damaged roof decking. After a major wind event, reputable roofing companies often become booked quickly, so scheduling an inspection early can help you avoid delays.
Need a Roof Inspection After the Storm?
If your home was in the path of Oklahoma’s recent 80 mph windstorm, we’re happy to inspect your roof.
At Red Tail Roofing & Construction LLC, we provide honest roof inspections, clear photos of any damage we find, and straightforward recommendations. If your roof is in good shape, we’ll tell you that too.
Whether you’re in Skiatook, Owasso, Collinsville, Bartlesville, Sperry, or anywhere in Osage County and the surrounding communities, we’re here to help you understand your roof after severe weather.
