Colorado’s Front Range is no stranger to powerful winds. From Chinook winds racing down the mountains to intense gusts during thunderstorms, high winds can take a toll on your roof. Knowing how to identify wind damage early is essential for Colorado homeowners. By catching problems sooner, you can arrange timely repairs and prevent minor issues from turning into major leaks. In this guide, we’ll cover common signs of wind damage on a roof and outline the steps you should take to get your roof back in shape after a windstorm.
Colorado’s High-Wind Threats to Roofs
In our state, winds can easily reach 50-80 mph during severe weather events. These strong gusts often accompany spring and summer storms, and foothills communities can experience fierce downslope winds in winter. Such wind forces are capable of loosening shingles, bending flashing, and even tearing off parts of your roof. Unlike a gentle breeze, a windstorm can exploit any weakness in your roofing materials. Even newer roofs in Denver, Aurora, or Fort Collins may sustain damage when extreme winds roar through. It’s important to be vigilant after any big wind event because what might look like an intact roof from the ground could be hiding problem areas.
Common Signs of Wind Damage
After a windstorm, do a careful visual check of your roof (using binoculars from the ground for safety). Here are some telltale signs of wind damage to look for:
- Missing or Lifted Shingles: One of the most obvious signs is shingles that have blown off entirely. You might spot bare patches on your roof where shingles are gone, or notice shingles hanging at an odd angle where the wind has lifted them.
- Creased or Cracked Shingles: Very strong winds can crease shingles or cause them to crack. If you see lines across asphalt shingles or pieces that appear broken, those shingles have been compromised.
- Damaged Flashing or Gutters: Winds often tug at metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and roof edges. Bent, loose, or missing flashing pieces are a red flag. Additionally, check your gutters – wind may have pulled sections loose or twisted them.
- Debris on the Roof or Ground: Tree branches or other debris hitting the roof can create impact damage. If you find branches on the ground or caught on your roof, inspect the area beneath where they fell for possible shingle damage or punctures.
- New Leaks or Water Stains: Sometimes, the evidence of wind damage appears inside your home. After a storm, keep an eye out for water stains on your ceiling or in the attic. Wind may have lifted shingles enough to let rainwater blow underneath, leading to leaks.
Immediate Steps After a Windstorm
If you suspect your roof has wind damage, acting quickly can minimize problems:
1. Perform a Safe Inspection: As mentioned, look from the ground for obvious damage. Avoid climbing onto a storm-damaged roof yourself, as it may be unstable. If you can safely use a ladder to check your gutters or eaves, you might discover shingle pieces or granules that indicate damage.
2. Protect Exposed Areas: If there are sections of your roof where shingles are missing and you can safely access them, you might do a temporary cover using a tarp to prevent water intrusion. (Many Colorado homeowners keep an emergency tarp handy for this reason.) This is a short-term fix until professional repairs are made.
3. Document the Damage: Take photos of any visible issues. This can be useful for insurance claims if the windstorm was severe enough to warrant filing a claim. Colorado’s frequent hail and wind events often have insurance coverage, and clear documentation will help your case.
4. Call a Professional Roofer: It’s wise to have a trusted Colorado roofing contractor assess the damage. They can perform a thorough inspection, including hard-to-see spots, and provide a plan for repairs. Minor-looking issues like lifted shingles can lead to major leaks, so a professional opinion is invaluable.
Professional Wind Damage Roof Repairs
Once an inspection is done, it’s time to fix any problems. A qualified roofer will replace missing or broken shingles and resecure any that were loosened. For asphalt shingle roofs, matching the replacement shingles is important both for appearance and to maintain your roof’s integrity. Additionally, damaged flashing will be refastened or replaced to ensure chimneys, vents, and valleys are properly sealed. If gutters were pulled loose by the wind, they should be reattached to keep your drainage system working.
Colorado Preferred Roofing specializes in roof repairs for wind and storm damage. We often combine wind damage repairs with a full inspection for other issues, since high winds often come with hail or heavy rain. Our team will make sure that all aspects of your roof, from shingles to flashings, are restored to good condition. We also know the importance of acting fast; a quick repair can prevent subsequent spring rainstorms from causing water damage inside your home.
Be Prepared: Strengthening Your Roof Against Wind
While you can’t stop the wind, you can reinforce your roof to better withstand it. During your next roofing service or maintenance check, ask about improvements for wind resistance. This might include using enhanced shingles rated for higher wind speeds or adding extra nails to secure shingles more firmly. Keeping your roof well-maintained – replacing aging or loose shingles before the next storm – will also help. Trim any overhanging tree limbs around your roof to reduce the risk of branches falling and puncturing the roof during wind events.
Don’t Wait to Address Wind Damage: Colorado’s weather can be fierce, but prompt action after a windstorm will protect your home. If you’ve noticed any signs of wind damage on your roof or if a recent storm has you concerned, reach out for a professional inspection. At Colorado Preferred Roofing, our experienced team is ready to help with efficient, high-quality wind damage repairs. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or reach out online for a free consultation. We’ll ensure your roof is sturdy and secure, ready to face the next round of Colorado winds.
