Strong winds can create stress points on a roof that, over time, can weaken and become 
compromised. When the shingles lift, the sealant between each layer can be broken, leading to leaks.
High winds do not hit your roof evenly across the surface. The corners, the edges of the roof, and the ridge line are especially susceptible to damage from high winds.
Here are a few key ways to spot roof damage after a wind storm:
- Roof Leaks: These are perhaps the easiest to find, simply because there is water coming into your
house where it shouldn’t. Look in your attic or on your top floor for wet spots or water
dripping from the ceiling. Be sure to call an expert roofer immediately! - “Lifting” Shingles: Difficult to see unless you’re actually looking for them, the shingles look intact from the ground. However, the nails have loosened, “lifting” the shingle up, and potentially breaking the sealant between each shingle layer, leading to an increase in the likelihood of a leak
- Missing Shingles: Strong winds, heavy rain, or falling tree branches can pull off your roof’s shingles
- Curling Shingles: Curling shingles are most often found at stress points on the roof, i.e. the edges, the corners, near the chimney, at the ridge, etc. When shingles are curled, they can no longer keep water from leaking through the roof, although these are harder to find than a shingle which is simply missing.
- The Gutter: High winds and heavy rains can wash away the granules from the shingle, and load them into the gutter. Look for excessive shingle granules in the gutter, and if you find them, call a reputable roofer to come out and check your roof for repair.
- Perform an Indoor Inspection: Moisture marks, brown, yellow, or grey stains, and peeling paint on walls and/or ceilings could all indicate a damaged, leaking roof. Also check your attic for damp rafters or leaks. And if you experience a sudden surge in energy costs, it could be a sign that your roof ventilation has been compromised.
