Wind Damage to Roofs: What to Look For

Massachusetts and Rhode Island experience powerful wind events throughout the year - nor'easters in winter, severe thunderstorms in summer, and occasional tropical storm remnants in fall. High winds are among the most common causes of roof damage in our region.

How Wind Damages Roofs

Wind damage to shingles doesn't always work the way most people imagine. Wind doesn't simply peel shingles off the roof wholesale. Instead:

**Uplift forces** create negative pressure on the roof surface - essentially trying to pull the roof upward. The weakest points (inadequately fastened shingles, already-compromised areas) lift first.

**Edge effects** are particularly strong at the eaves, rakes, and ridges. Wind wrapping around the roof edge creates significantly higher uplift forces at these perimeter areas than at the field of the roof.

**Progressive damage** is common: one shingle lifts, allowing wind to get under adjacent shingles, progressively lifting and peeling back entire sections.

**Seal line failure** is another common mode: asphalt shingles have a self-sealing adhesive strip that bonds to the shingle below. When this seal fails (due to age, cold weather installation, or improper nailing), wind can lift shingles that appear visually intact.

Wind Damage Indicators

Obvious Signs (Visible From Ground)

• •Missing shingles creating visible dark patches on the roof
• •Shingles visible in the yard, in the street, or against the house
• •Lifted, curled, or flapping shingle corners
• •Visibly displaced ridge cap pieces
• •Bent or detached gutters (even 60-70 mph gusts can lift gutters off fascia)
• •Debris on the roof from neighboring trees or structures

Less Obvious Signs (Requires Closer Inspection)

• •Shingles that appear intact but have broken the seal - lying flat but not sealed down
• •Cracked or broken shingles at the seal line (not easily visible from ground)
• •Lifted step flashing at wall transitions
• •Displaced or cracked pipe boot collars
• •Ridge cap shingles that have lifted at one edge but not blown off

Wind Ratings and Roofing Systems

Asphalt shingles are tested and rated for wind resistance:

| Wind Rating | Speed | Designation |

|---|---|---|

| Standard | 60-90 mph | Minimum code in most areas |

| Class D | 90 mph | ASTM D3161 |

| Class F | 110 mph | ASTM D3161 |

| Class G | 120 mph | ASTM D7158 |

| Class H | 150 mph | ASTM D7158 |

For coastal Massachusetts (South Shore, Cape Cod, North Shore) where nor'easter wind gusts regularly exceed 80 mph, specifying Class F (110 mph) minimum is recommended. For the most exposed coastal locations, Class H (150 mph) is worth the premium.

Important: wind rating is only achieved when the shingles are properly installed. Incorrect nailing (too high, too low, or too few nails) negates the wind rating regardless of what's printed on the package.

Documenting Wind Damage for Insurance

Wind damage claims in Massachusetts and Rhode Island require documentation similar to hail claims:

**Weather records:** Download wind gust data from Weather Underground for your specific location on the storm date. NOAA Storm Data documents significant wind events. NWS may have issued wind advisories or warnings - save those records.

**Photography:** Photograph all missing shingles (from ground showing bare roof area), shingles found in yard or street, any other wind-related damage (gutters, fencing, landscaping).

**Professional inspection:** A roofing contractor's inspection report documenting:

• •Number and location of missing, lifted, or creased shingles
• •Pattern of damage (edge vs. field distribution typical of wind uplift)
• •Condition of seal strips on adjacent shingles
• •All secondary damage (flashing, gutters, pipe boots)

Roofing Doctors provides wind damage assessments and insurance-formatted inspection reports for Massachusetts and Rhode Island homeowners.

After a Wind Event: Immediate Steps

1. Photograph everything before touching anything

2. Make only emergency temporary repairs (if shingles are missing, a temporary tarp prevents further water damage while the claim proceeds)

3. Document any temporary repairs you make (photographs and receipts)

4. File your insurance claim promptly

5. Schedule a professional inspection before the adjuster visit