How Much of an Impact Can Wind Have on Your Home and Roof?

Stephen Griswell • December 12, 2022

Atlanta’s summer storms can bring about heavy rains, hail and strong winds. Unfortunately, when these winds are especially strong, the impact they have on your home’s roof can be significant.

High winds can cause structural damage to a home, leading to expensive repairs. If a roof isn’t properly secured it can even be lifted (this is most common in severe hurricane- or tornado-strength wind conditions).

High winds can also cause debris, such as tree branches, to be hurled at your home, potentially damaging siding, windows and shingles. Strong winds can cause shingles to be ripped off a roof, allowing water to leak in and greatly increasing the risk of mold growth.

If your roof been subjected to strong winds, a heavy downpour or hurled debris, after which you notice roof damage, it’s important to have your roof inspected and fixed by an expert roofing specialist. A detail-oriented inspection by a knowledgeable and skilled roofer can prevent the problem from getting worse.

How Strong Does Wind Have to Be to Damage a Roof?

The strength of the wind necessary to damage a roof will vary depending on roofing materials and the condition of the roof. Your roof’s ability to weather high-speed winds may also be impacted by its age.

Generally, wind speeds of 40 to 50 mph are enough to cause damage to asphalt shingle roofs, particularly those which are older or in poor condition. Higher wind speeds can cause even more severe roof damage, including total roof collapse.

In the Atlanta Metro area, severe weather accompanied by powerful sustained wind and wind gusts is not uncommon, which means your roof can suffer serious damage and require repairs.

What Damage Can Your Roof Suffer from Strong Winds?

Shingle Loss

High wind speeds can uplift shingles and cause them to be torn away. Even if strong winds don’t lift or tear off shingles, they may contribute to other damage like curling or buckling. Shingles may also be damaged by flying debris, such as sticks and branches, which can penetrate the roof and cause leaking.

Damage to Flashing

Roof flashing is a thin waterproof material, usually metal, that is installed around roof features (vents, chimney, skylights, etc.) and the edges of a roof to protect the attic and interior of your home from water damage. Although the materials are typically metal, they can also be made of rubber, plastic or various composites.

Strong winds can damage roof flashing by causing it to lift, pull away from the roof or become completely detached. Wind can also cause the flashing to become bent and distorted, resulting in gaps and crevices that allow water to penetrate the roof and the interior of the building.

Damage to Gutters

Powerful winds can damage roof gutters by loosening or yanking at the gutters and pulling out the nails and/or screws that hold the gutters in place. High-speed winds can break the gutter itself, especially older style seamed gutters, and pull the gutters off the roof entirely. Additionally, winds can cause debris to accumulate in the gutters, clogging them and preventing proper drainage. Clogged gutters can lead to landscaping damage, foundation damage or water damage in the home.

Leaky Roof

When high winds damage or blow off roof shingles, they create opportunities for water to enter your home. Strong winds can cause debris like tree branches to hit the roof, damaging shingles and exposing the roof decking. The exposure of the underlying layers of your roof can allow water to soak in and leak through to your attic. High winds can also cause the roof to expand and contract, creating gaps in the roofing material that can allow water to seep in.

Signs of a leaky roof include:

Discoloration or water stains on ceilings and walls
Dark streaks or splotches on exterior walls
Sagging Roofing
Peeling paint or wallpaper inside the home
Mold or mildew
Strong odors
Granules in the gutters
Missing or damaged shingles
Wet insulation in the attic
Sunlight shining through the roof

How to Prevent Roof Damage from Strong Winds

You can do several things to minimize the impact of strong winds on your roof. When severe weather is in the forecast, make sure to follow these tips:

Install roof straps or roof ties to prevent roof lifting in high winds
Trim trees around your home to reduce the risk of branches or debris flying into your roof
Install or upgrade your gutter system to ensure proper drainage (consider having Gutter Guards installed)
Invest in ridge vents or other ventilation systems to reduce the pressure that can build up during high winds
Have your roof inspected by a roofing professional to confirm it’s able to withstand high winds