The importance of wind damage roof estimates cannot be overstated. High straight-line winds can cause significant damage to a roof installation, leaving homeowners with costly major repairs and even structural issues.
A professional assessment of severe storm damage can help homeowners assess the extent of the damage, plan for roof repair, and even make a claim on their homeowner’s insurance with Xactimate.
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In this article, you’ll learn the factors that affect a roof’s susceptibility to wind damage, the wind speeds required to cause different types of damage, and how a professional can assess and estimate storm damage.
You will also learn whether homeowners should make a wind damage roof insurance claim and what types of coverage exist for wind damage in the homeowner’s insurance.
How Much Wind Does It Take to Damage a Roof and Cause Roof Leaks?
The amount of wind required to damage a roof can vary depending on many factors, including the design, age, and condition of the rooftop and the type of roofing materials used.
Older, Damaged Roofs are More Susceptible to Damage
Older roofs with worn or missing shingles are more susceptible to windstorm damage than newer rooftops with intact shingles.
Similarly, roofs made from weaker materials, such as asphalt shingles, may be more vulnerable to defects than those made from durable materials like metal or tile.
Strong Winds are Dangerous
In general, winds of around 40-60 mph are capable of causing minor damage to roofs, such as missing or damaged shingles.
However, much stronger winds, such as those seen in a Category 1 hurricane (74-95 mph), can cause significant impairment to a roof, including structural damage.
Determining the extent of wind damage to a roof can be difficult, as damage may not always be visible from the ground; for example, strong winds may cause structural damage to a roof that is not immediately apparent, such as damage from tree branches.
A local roofing contractor with experience assessing storm damage can provide a more accurate estimate.
They will look for damage, such as lifted or missing shingles, cracked or broken tiles, and punctured or dented metal roofs, and check for any signs of water leaks or other moisture damage.
It is essential to have a roofing company assess your roof as soon as possible to prevent further damage. A roofing company will provide a written wind damage roof repair estimate, which you can use to make a claim on your homeowner’s insurance or budget for the roof repairs.
Moreover, it is also essential to take precautions to prevent wind damage to your roof. Regular maintenance and inspections can ensure that your roof is in good condition and less susceptible to damage from high winds.
Keeping gutters and downspouts clear of roof debris can also help to reduce the risk of storm damage to your rooftop, as clogged drains can lead to water build-up, which can cause damage over time.
Can 40 Mph Winds Damage a Roof?
40 mph winds can cause damage to a roof, mainly if the top is in poor condition or has weaker materials such as asphalt shingles.
Also, 40 mph winds can lift or tear off shingles, leading to roof leaks and water damage. It can also cause damage to the roof, such as breaking or cracking tiles or missing chimney flashing in the metal roofs.
As minor as the speed of 40 mph wind is, you’ll need to do a complete roof replacement if your roof depends on missing or damaged shingles. A well-maintained, properly designed, and new roof with good-quality shingles or tiles may resist 40 mph winds without any damage.
A home’s location and surrounding environment can also affect the likelihood of wind damage. Homes in areas prone to high winds, such as coastal regions or mountainous areas, are more likely to be damaged by winds of 40 mph.
Similarly, homes near large structures, such as skyscrapers or mountains, can be more susceptible to wind damage due to channeling and intensifying wind.
Generally, it is wise to assume that winds of 40 mph can damage a roof and that you or a roofing company should do a proper roof inspection and maintenance to minimize the potential risks.
Any local domestic roof construction contractor can estimate the potential damage and recommend repairs or upgrades to strengthen the roof against wind damage.
Homeowners should be aware of the weather events in their region and take appropriate precautions when winds over 40 mph are expected, such as securing loose objects around the house and closing and boarding up windows if necessary.
Such actions can help prevent additional wind damage and protect your home and the safety of the people inside it.
Should I Make a Claim for Wind Damaged Roof Repair?
Deciding whether to claim wind damage to your roof can be difficult as there are several factors to consider.
On the one hand, making a claim can help cover the estimated cost of repairs and help protect your home and its value.
However, on the other hand, making a claim can lead to higher insurance rates in the future and may even lead to your policy being canceled.
Before making a claim, it’s essential to assess the extent of the damage to your roof. If the damage is minimal, paying for repairs out of pocket may be more cost-effective than making a claim.
However, if the damage is significant and affects the roof’s structural integrity, it is generally advisable to make a claim.
It’s necessary to have a written estimate of the cost of repairs from a roofing company to make a claim.
This estimate will serve as the basis for your claim and help the insurance adjuster determine the amount of coverage you are eligible for because of the damage.
When filing the claim, it is essential, to be honest, and provide all the necessary documentation and pictures of the damage. It’s also essential to keep all the receipts, invoices, and other essential documents, such as the damage report, that can prove the damage and the repairs. Remember that misrepresentation of the damage or loss can make your insurance claim process denied.
After you fill out the insurance claim, the insurance company usually takes a few days to process it. An insurance adjuster will come to assess the roof damage and determine the coverage. Once the assessment is done, the insurance provider will notify you of its decision and the amount covered under the claim.
Remember that the insurance claim process can take a while, so patience is essential. Also, be aware that if your insurance company does not cover the total cost of repairs, you will be responsible for the remaining amount.
It’s also important to consider that claiming your homeowner’s insurance policy may increase your premiums, so it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons before deciding.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage from High Winds?
Homeowners’ insurance generally covers damage to a roof caused by high winds, but it is crucial to understand the details of your policy and any coverage limits that may apply. Most standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for wind damage, but the coverage amount can vary depending on the specific policy.
Typically, homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for the roof repair cost and any related damage to the home’s interior caused by wind-driven rain or other water damage. This process can include the cost of new roofing materials, labor, and other repairs required to restore the entire roof to its pre-loss condition.
However, it’s also essential to remember that there may be limits on coverage for wind damage. Some policies may have a maximum amount they will pay out for wind damage, such as a dollar amount per square foot of roofing or a cap on the total coverage.
Another thing to consider is the exclusions, which are the circumstances the insurance provider will not cover. Some policies may exclude coverage for damage caused by certain types of wind, such as damage caused by a tornado or hurricane.
Additionally, certain materials, such as flat roofs, may not be covered under specific policies. It is essential to read your policy carefully and understand what types of wind damage are covered and excluded.
Also, there may be conditions that you need to meet to qualify for coverage. The insurance adjuster may require proof that the roof was in good condition before the wind storm damage or that you must make a roof replacement to prevent future wind damage.
Documenting the damage with photographs or videos and keeping written receipts or invoices from the roof repair is also essential. This proof will be necessary when filing a claim. A written wind damage roof estimate of the cost of repairs from a roofing tradesperson is also crucial for the residential insurance company to process the claim.
Summary
Hopefully, this article has provided you with a better understanding of the factors that affect a roof’s susceptibility to wind damage and the steps you can take to protect your home and finances. Remember, regular maintenance, inspections, and keeping your gutters and downspouts clear are essential steps to help reduce the risk of wind damage to your roof.
Contact Our Team for a Quote
In the case of severe damage, homeowners insurance can help cover the cost of repairs, but it is crucial to understand your policy’s coverage limits, exclusions, and conditions. If you have any doubts or need more information on a roofing contractor for repair, please contact a roofing contractor at Water Damage and Roofing of Cedar Park and your insurance agent to help you make an informed decision.