Wind damage often shows up as lifted or curled shingle edges, shingles that are creased or cracked from flexing in the wind, exposed nail heads, or shingles missing entirely. Damage tends to be most visible along roof edges, ridges, and corners, where wind uplift is strongest. On metal roofing, high winds can loosen panels or seams. In severe cases, you may even see exposed roof decking where shingles have been torn away completely.

Standard asphalt shingles are typically rated to withstand winds of 60 to 70 mph, while architectural and high-wind-rated shingles can hold up to 110 to 130 mph when properly installed. Georgia regularly sees severe thunderstorm winds and, occasionally, the remnants of tropical systems that can exceed these thresholds. Even a well-installed roof can sustain damage in a strong enough storm, and an aging roof or one with improper installation is at even greater risk.

Yes. High winds can weaken or break a shingle's adhesive seal, or crease it, without fully lifting or blowing it off the roof. This kind of damage isn't visible from the ground and can create a hidden vulnerability that leads to a leak during the next heavy rain, even though the roof may look intact from the driveway. This is one of the main reasons a professional inspection after a windstorm is worth scheduling, even if nothing looks obviously wrong.

Start by staying safe. Don't climb onto the roof yourself to inspect it. If it's safe to do so, take photos of any visible damage from the ground for your records. From there, contact a licensed roofing contractor for a professional inspection and reach out to your insurance company to begin the claims process. Douglas Construction offers free storm damage inspections and can provide a detailed report to support your insurance claim.

Filing a roof claim with your insurance company involves several key steps. Here’s a general process to follow:

1. Document the Damage: After a storm or damaging event, it’s important to have a professional roofing company inspect and document the damage. While you can take photos or videos of obvious issues like missing shingles or leaks, a licensed roofer can provide a thorough inspection and a detailed report of the damage. This professional documentation will strengthen your claim and ensure that no issues are overlooked.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Once you have your documentation, call your insurance provider to report the damage. Most insurers have a 24/7 claims hotline or an online portal where you can file your claim. Be ready to provide details about the damage and submit any photos or reports you've gathered from the roofing professional.
3. Schedule an Adjuster Inspection: After filing your claim, your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage. The adjuster will assess the roof and determine whether the damage is covered by your policy. It's important to have your roofing contractor involved during this stage, as they can provide additional details and advocate for your case.
4. Review Your Insurance Policy: When you receive the claim decision from your insurance company, carefully review it to understand what’s covered, the payout amount, and how your deductible impacts the settlement. Be sure the amount matches the actual cost of repairs as estimated by your roofing professional.
5. Schedule Roof Repairs: Once your claim is approved, you can move forward with scheduling repairs or replacement. If your claim is denied, or you disagree with the insurer’s assessment, your roofing contractor can help with the appeals process or provide additional evidence to support your case.

By having a professional roofing company document the damage, you ensure a more accurate and comprehensive assessment, which can lead to a smoother claims process. We’re here to help you every step of the way, from the initial inspection to handling your insurance claim.

In many cases, homeowner’s insurance can cover roof damage, but it depends on the cause of the damage and the specifics of your policy. Typically, damage caused by sudden, unexpected events like storms, wind, or hail is covered. Here are some common scenarios:

1. Storm Damage: If a storm causes damage to your roof—such as missing shingles, leaks, or structural issues—your homeowner’s insurance may cover the cost of repairs or replacement. This is especially true if the storm is classified as a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or tornado.
2. Wind Damage: High winds can tear off shingles or even damage the underlying structure of your roof. Does Homeowner's Insurance Cover Wind Damage? Most standard homeowner's policies will cover this kind of damage, but it's important to check your policy for any specific windstorm exclusions or limits.‍
3. Hail Damage: Hailstorms can cause significant damage to roofs, leaving dents, cracks, or punctures in shingles. In many cases, this type of damage is covered by homeowner’s insurance. However, the extent of the damage will determine the payout, and you may need to meet your deductible before the insurance kicks in.

Important Considerations:

• Policy Coverage: Not all types of roof damage are covered. For example, if your roof has deteriorated due to age or lack of maintenance, it may not be covered. Some policies may also have exclusions or limits for certain types of damage or specific events.
• Deductible: Be aware that your deductible will apply before insurance coverage kicks in, so if the cost of repairs is lower than your deductible, you would be responsible for the full cost.
• Roof Maintenance: Regular roof maintenance and inspections can help ensure your roof is in good condition, which may help prevent issues that aren’t covered by insurance, such as damage due to neglect.

If you're unsure about your coverage, it's a good idea to contact your insurance provider to clarify what's included in your policy. If you've experienced storm, wind, or hail damage, a professional roofing contractor can help assess the extent of the damage and work with your insurance company to ensure you get the necessary repairs.

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