Wind damage on a roof usually shows up as missing or torn shingles, shingles with lifted or curled edges where the seal has broken, creased shingles, exposed or damaged flashing, and debris on the roof. Some of it is visible from the ground, but the broken seals that lead to future leaks often are not — so after a major windstorm in Central Mississippi, a free professional inspection is the safest move.
High winds are one of the most common causes of roof damage, and also one of the most underestimated. A strong storm doesn't have to tear half your roof off to cause a real problem — sometimes all it takes is breaking the seal on a few shingles to set up a leak months down the road.
"Did the wind actually damage my roof, or did I come through it fine?"
It's a question we hear constantly at MS Premier Roofing & Remodel. Here's how to spot wind damage on your roof and know when it's time to act.
Here's what wind damage actually looks like on your roof:
The most obvious sign. If you can see bare spots, gaps, or shingles lying in your yard after a storm, wind has pulled them off and your roof has exposed areas that need attention fast.
Wind often gets under the edge of a shingle and breaks the adhesive seal without removing the shingle entirely. Look for shingles that appear slightly raised, curled at the corners, or that no longer lie flat. Even though they're still in place, they're no longer sealed — and water can get underneath.
When wind flips a shingle up and it falls back down, it can leave a horizontal crease across it. That crease is a permanent weak point where the shingle will eventually crack and fail.
The metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights can be loosened or peeled back by strong wind. Damaged flashing is one of the most common entry points for leaks.
Branches, limbs, and other debris blown onto the roof can damage shingles on impact and should be cleared and inspected.
Wind damage doesn't always announce itself on the outside. Sometimes the first clue shows up indoors:
A brown or discolored spot can mean wind broke a seal and water is now getting in.
If you can see light coming through the roof boards or feel a noticeable draft in the attic, you likely have an opening that needs to be addressed.
Here's the trap with wind damage: a roof can look completely normal from the ground while the seals on dozens of shingles have been broken. Those shingles aren't going anywhere today, but they're no longer protecting your home the way they should, and the next storm can peel them right off. Because the damage is often invisible from below, a lot of homeowners assume they came through the storm fine when they didn't.
There's also a timing issue. Most insurance policies have a limited window to file a wind or storm damage claim. If you wait until a leak finally shows up, you may have missed the window — and end up paying out of pocket for damage that would have been covered.
If a major windstorm just came through, or you notice any of the signs above, get a professional roof inspection. A trained roofer can spot broken seals and lifted shingles that are nearly impossible to see from the ground, and document everything properly for an insurance claim.
We'll inspect every inch of your roof and document any wind damage for your insurance claim — at no cost to you. We've helped over 350 Central Mississippi homeowners get their roofs replaced through insurance after storm damage.
Schedule Your Free InspectionNo obligation. No pressure. Just honest answers.