Yes, wind damage can cause serious problems for your roof. Missing shingles, curling edges, and even subtle leaks are all signs of trouble. Knowing what to look for—and when to call a professional—can save you thousands in repairs.
Wind Damage Is a Common Threat to Roofs in Denver. Here’s How to Spot It—and What to Do Next
Colorado is notorious for its hail storms, but hail is far from the only threat to your roof. Here in Denver and across the Front Range, severe storms regularly bring high sustained winds and gusts that can cause significant damage to roofs in our area.
Wind damage to a roof can leave your home vulnerable—so it’s essential to know the signs to look for and schedule repairs promptly when needed. At Elite Roofing & Solar, part of our job is to keep our customers and the local community informed about their roof and how to care for it.
Whether your home was affected by storm damage or if you’re simply looking to be prepared, here’s what you need to know about wind damage to your roof in Denver.
How Does Wind Damage a Roof?
When a wind storm hits, your roof isn’t impacted evenly. Different areas, depending on their height and orientation, take on varying levels of stress.
Typically, ridgelines and corners sustain the most damage. Loose shingles are also very vulnerable. If a gust lifts shingles or tears them off completely, your underlayment is exposed—leaving your home susceptible to leaks.
Not only can strong winds cause direct damage to your roof, but they can also send debris flying, which can damage your roof.
From falling trees to flying debris, windstorms can pose a major threat to your property.
Visible Signs of Wind Damage
After a storm passes, homeowners should walk around their property to spot signs of damage. There are many signs of wind damage to look for when surveying your property, including:
Loose or Missing Shingles
The fastest way to spot wind damage is to look for loose or missing shingles. If you notice shingles that are out of place or completely gone, chances are, wind is to blame.
Loose Granules
Check your gutters and the ground around your home for loose granules. This is a sign that the protective outer layer of your shingles is being eroded, a common result of wind damage.
Damage or Lifted Flashing
Strong wind gusts can wreak havoc on your flashing. Take a look at the flashing around your chimney as well as the seams of your roof. If it appears to have lifted or sustained damage from debris, schedule a roof inspection right away.
Curling or Lifted Shingles
Lifted or curled edges of shingles are signs of roof wind damage. If you see curled shingles on your roof, this leaves an opportunity for rainwater to intrude.
Less Obvious Indicators of Wind Damage
Not all signs of wind damage will be immediately apparent. Some less obvious indicators include:
- Interior Leaks: Wind damage can leave your roof more vulnerable to moisture penetration, eventually causing leaks and water damage.
- Yard Debris: While wind can directly damage your roof, it can also cause damage by flinging debris against your home. If you notice a high volume of debris around your property, there’s a strong chance that your home sustained wind damage.
- Damage to Siding: Damage to siding can be easier to spot from the ground and often correlates with damage to your roof.
How to Confirm Wind Damage
To identify these signs of damage, homeowners should take a walk around their property and carefully survey everything they can.
Don’t walk on your roof. Many signs of damage can be identified safely from the ground.
Other ways to confirm wind damage include:
- Check weather reports: Wind damage can occur at speeds as low as 45–60 mph (especially if shingles were already loose). Speeds above 60 mph are more likely to cause visible damage, depending on your roof’s wind resistance.
- Schedule a professional inspection: This is the best way to confirm whether your roof sustained damage—or to ensure it escaped unscathed.
What to Do Next if You Suspect Wind Damage
- Schedule a professional inspection.
- Decide whether to pay out of pocket or file an insurance claim.
- Consider upgrading to wind-resistant shingles if replacement is needed.
If an inspection reveals that your roof has sustained wind damage, the next step is to determine if a roof insurance claim is needed. For minor damage, the best course of action may be to simply pay for the repairs out of pocket. For significant damage, homeowners should contact their insurance provider to file a claim quickly.
While insurance provides a window in which to file a claim, this window can vary significantly. It’s always better to file sooner rather than later to ensure your roof does not sustain further damage.
If a roof replacement is needed for your home, consider installing wind-resistant shingles such as Owens Corning Duration FLEX or GAF Timberline HDZ. These and other storm-resistant products can help your roof weather high winds and other threats more easily.
Choose a Local Denver Roofer: Elite Roofing & Solar
From inspections to repairs and navigating the insurance claims process, it’s always best to work with a reputable local roofing company. These companies have much more experience with roofing in the Denver area, including knowledge of the best products for your roof and often familiarity with local insurance representatives.
If your home was damaged by high winds, it’s best to resolve the issue quickly and protect your home from future storms. Book a free wind damage inspection with Elite Roofing & Solar today.
