Did you know that high winds can cause severe damage to your roof, even without rain, hail, or other harmful elements? High winds can cause several types of roof damage, starting from roof leaks and missing shingles to gutter problems.

But, if you live in an area prone to high winds and storms, you should occasionally inspect your roof for wind-driven rain damage. Dunsmore Exteriors are residential roofing experts with years of experience in roof repairs caused by wind damage and heavy rain.

Here is what you should know about wind damage, how to proceed after severe storms, and how to check your roof for wind-rain damage.

What Is Wind Driven Rain?

Wind-driven rain is the sudden and temporary entry of snow, rain, ice, or sleet pushed into your home by wind without causing damage to the exterior. The roofing system and roofs are designed to redirect snow and water flow vertically. Shingles move the water from one layer to the next without wetting the inner layer. If during heavy rain strong winds blow horizontally, rainwater gets stuck between the inner layer and causes structural damage over time.

How to Spot Wind Damage?

Wind damage can lift, curl, or blow away your shingles, and affected or bare spots will eventually lead to slow roof leaks. When inspecting your roof, except for checking for water leaks and assessing the condition of your shingles, you should also check the gutters, bathroom vent, roof vents and your chimney flashing.

Roof Leaks

Roof leaks are obviously the easiest to spot. If you notice wet spots or water dripping from the ceiling, your roof has sustained extensive damage, and you should call an expert roof immediately. Wet spots, peeling paint or discoloration are also signs of a leaky roof.

If it’s still raining, the expert will use a roof sealant as a temporary fix and come back to do extensive, more permanent repair like a new roof installation.

White spots on the ceilings or walls

When water seeps into the roof and settles on your home’s wall or flat ceiling, white sports start forming. The white spots are formed by salt deposits that come through to the ceiling from under the shingles.

Also, damp walls are a sign of wind-driven rain roof damage. If the walls get noticeably wet, you need to act fast and call in a roofing professional. If your home insurance policy covers the damages from light rain, file a claim immediately.

Dark streaks leaking from under the roofing shingles

A common sign of water damage is black streaks from under the shingles. The black streaks may form water stains on the ceiling or wall. Generally, dark streaks point to a larger problem than white spots since it means the waterproof membrane is damaged and needs immediate attention by a roofing expert.

The Gutter and the Chimney Flashing

Look for shingle granules in the gutter. If you find any, your roof has sustained damage from inclement weather, and it’s important to contact a reliable roofer to check your roof for repair. The same applies if your chimney flashing is missing or split.

Damaged fascia or soffit

Like roof shingles, fascia and soffit are designed to protect the roof from water damage. When they get damaged, water and stray critters find a way in.

Note: Wet spots, peeling paint or discoloration are also signs of a leaky roof. Installing a peaked roof or a roof overhang reduces damage by wind-driven rain. According to experts the size of your home’s overhang corresponds to the chance of rain-related damage.

How to Proceed after Wind-driven Rain Damage?

To look for signs of wind-driven rain damage, visually inspect your roof after a severe storm. If you suspect wind damage, contact a roofing company such as Dunsmore Exteriors to check your roof and possible roof replacement. Roof inspections are free, along with a cost estimate. An average roof replacement takes a couple of days to finish when weather conditions are conducive.

After you schedule the inspection, call your insurance company and find out what your insurance covers. Typically, homeowner’s insurance covers water damage from wind-driven rain. Also, take a look at what is covered by the manufacturer warranty and contractor warranty. If your roof sustained damage due to poor quality materials or sloppy workmanship, you may also use these two warranties.

Does flood insurance cover wind rain damage?

Most homeowners assume water damage in their homes is covered by flood insurance. But if the damage results from wind-driven rain, it’s not covered. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, damage from rain that finds its way into your home through wind-damaged door or window, a leaky roof or wall is wind-driven rain related instead of flood-related.

Generally, flood insurance covers water overflow of tidal or inland waters and a rapid and unusual run-off water or accumulation of surface water from a source. Also, the flood should be a temporary condition of a complete or partial overflow of water on over two acres of otherwise dry land.

Hire the Right Roofing Contractor

If your roof has sustained extensive wind damage, you need one of the best roofing contractors in the area to assist you. Dunsmore Exteriors have completed numerous roofing jobs and have equally satisfied homeowners in Howard County, Carroll County, Ellicott City, Westminster, Columbia, Sykesville, and the surrounding areas, and we will repair your roof at an affordable price.

Contact us today to schedule a free roof inspection!