After a major windstorm, it can be hard to know what to do next. While some damage is obvious, other issues might be hidden. A quick and thorough response is key to preventing further harm to your home. This guide will help you understand how to assess the damage, what to expect from common repairs, and when it’s time to consider a full roof replacement.
Assessing Wind Damage
Before any repairs can begin, a complete and accurate assessment of the damage is crucial.
Visual inspections
Start by safely inspecting your property from the ground. Look for missing or loose shingles, especially on the edges and corners of your roof. Also, check your yard for any pieces of shingle or debris that may have been blown off. Look at your gutters and siding for any signs of damage, as these can be indicators of a powerful wind event.
Hidden structural concerns
What you can’t see is often the most dangerous. While missing shingles are obvious, a strong wind can cause creases or cracks in shingles that are still attached, weakening them and allowing water to seep in. A professional roofer will be able to identify these subtle signs, as well as check the flashing around chimneys and vents, which can easily be bent or loosened by strong winds.
Common Repairs After Windstorms
For minor wind damage, repairs are often a quick and cost-effective solution.
Replacing missing shingles
One of the most common repairs is simply replacing the missing shingles. A professional will source matching shingles and properly secure them, ensuring they are sealed to the surrounding ones. This helps restore the roof’s integrity and aesthetic.
Fixing flashing and sealing leaks
Wind can dislodge or bend the metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents. A contractor will repair or replace any damaged flashing and re-seal the area to prevent future leaks. For any visible leaks in the attic or on the ceiling, this repair work is a top priority.
Gutter and siding repairs
Often, gutters and siding are also affected by high winds. While these repairs don’t directly protect the roof, they are important for proper water drainage and overall home protection. Many roofing contractors can also handle these related repairs.
Cost of Wind Damage Repairs
The cost of a wind damage repair can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and your location.
Average per square foot
Minor repairs, such as replacing a handful of shingles, can be relatively inexpensive. A small repair might cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. The cost will depend on the type of shingle and the complexity of the repair.
Factors that raise costs
The cost of your repair will be higher if there is more extensive damage, such as a compromised underlayment or water damage to the decking. The type of roofing material also plays a big role—specialty shingles or metal roofs are generally more expensive to repair than standard asphalt shingles.
When to Consider Roof Replacement
While repairs are a great solution for minor issues, there are times when a full replacement is the better choice.
Severe or recurring wind damage
If your roof has suffered from extensive damage, with a large number of missing or compromised shingles, or if it has been repeatedly hit by windstorms over the years, a full replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run. Continual patching can lead to mismatched repairs and a less durable overall roof.
Aging roofs with multiple issues
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan (typically 20-25 years for asphalt shingles), a significant repair after a storm is a good opportunity to consider a replacement. An aging roof is more vulnerable to future damage, and a new roof will give you peace of mind and better protection.
Need an expert assessment of your roof’s wind damage? Masterpiece Roofing provides free, detailed inspections and can help you navigate the repair or replacement process. Contact us today to get started.