The howling of the wind, the banging of loose shutters, the rustling of leaves – these can be the harbingers of an impending gale, capable of wreaking havoc on your home. But should you worry about wind damage? The answer is a resounding yes. Wind damage is not just an aesthetic problem, but a structural one that can compromise the safety of your home.
High winds can pose a significant threat to the structural integrity of your home, causing damage to roofs, siding, windows, and doors. Understanding the potential impact of wind damage on your home is the first step in protecting it.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding wind damage and assessing potential risks to your home can help protect it.
- Taking action to repair existing wind damage, such as seeking the services of a professional roofer, and prevent future issues is important.
- Navigating insurance claims for wind damage requires careful review of coverage limits and exclusions in one’s homeowners policy.
Understanding Wind Damage and Its Impact on Your Home
Wind and hail damage refers to the destruction caused by severe weather events, such as strong winds, including:
- Gale force winds
- Thunderstorms
- Tornadoes
- Hurricanes
These damaging winds are generated by variations in atmospheric pressure, moving from areas of higher pressure to those of lower pressure. However, the damage caused by wind isn’t solely dependent on wind speed. The direction and duration of wind, the design and location of your home, and the condition of surrounding trees and structures can all contribute to the extent of wind damage.
The damage inflicted by windstorms can be extensive, ranging from minor cosmetic issues to serious structural damage. High winds can cause:
- Fallen branches
- Uprooted trees
- Torn down power lines
- Structural damage to homes
Therefore, understanding the different types of damaging winds and common areas in your home that are susceptible to wind damage can help you protect your home and make sure that any possible damage is covered by your insurance.
Damaging Winds: Types and Effects
When we think of damaging winds, we often picture tornadoes or hurricanes. However, “damaging winds”, also known as “straight line winds”, are defined as winds exceeding 50 to 60 mph, and they have the potential to reach up to 100 mph. Severe thunderstorm winds are one example of these powerful wind speeds that can cause significant damage, from lifting and tearing off shingles to causing falling objects and debris such as tree branches and downed power lines.
While it might seem that only older or weak roofs would be susceptible to wind damage, even new and secure roofs can be torn away in very high winds. Moreover, wind damage to roofs can lead to other problems, such as water exposure which can result in leaks or rot. Gaining knowledge about the types and impacts of damaging winds can assist you in preparing for and effectively protecting your home.
Common Areas of Vulnerability
While winds can cause damage to any part of your home, certain areas are more vulnerable than others. Here are some areas that are typically susceptible to wind damage:
- Roofs
- Siding
- Windows
- Doors
Most roof damage starts at the edge, where wind can loosen or completely remove roofing materials. This can lead to damage to your roof, water damage, and potential pest infiltration.
Being aware of these common areas of vulnerability can assist you in prioritizing your home maintenance and inspection efforts.
CoMo Exteriors: Your Trusted Partner in Roof Repair and Protection
When dealing with wind damage, it’s beneficial to have a dependable partner for roof repair and protection. CoMo Exteriors, a professional, licensed, and insured service provider, specializes in:
CoMo Exteriors is equipped to address all your roofing needs.
Customer satisfaction is at the heart of CoMo Exteriors’ operations. They strive to deliver prompt, professional, and timely service, and even offer assistance with insurance claims to make the process easier for customers. With CoMo Exteriors, you can rest assured that your roof is in capable hands.
Professional Services and Warranties
In terms of professional services, CoMo Exteriors distinguishes itself with its wide range of offerings and warranties. Their 1-Year Clean-Up Guarantee ensures that any debris or materials left behind after a job is completed will be cleaned up within one year of the job’s completion. They also provide specific warranties for their products, further assuring customers of the quality of their work and materials.
CoMo Exteriors’ dedication to professional standards and customer satisfaction is reflected in their A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This rating is a testament to their commitment to quality service, and provides customers with peace of mind that they are working with a reliable and trustworthy contractor.
Service Areas and Customer Satisfaction
Serving various Mid-Missouri areas, including:
CoMo Exteriors is committed to reaching out and providing their professional services to a wide range of customers. They believe in the importance of customer satisfaction and employ project management methods to ensure professional standards.
Whether it’s roof repair or replacement, CoMo Exteriors strives to deliver top-quality service that meets the key service traits that customers expect in exterior remodels.
Inspecting Your Home for Wind Damage
With respect to wind damage, early detection is essential. By conducting regular inspections of your home, you can identify potential problems before they escalate, saving you both time and money in the long run. Inspecting your home for wind damage involves checking:
- the roof for missing shingles, lifted or curling shingles
- the siding for cracks or loose panels
- the windows for cracks or broken glass
- the doors for gaps or loose hinges
- the interior for signs of water leakage
By regularly inspecting these areas, you can catch wind damage early and take the necessary steps to repair and prevent further damage.
Nonetheless, not all wind damage is easily discernable without proper training. Minor damage may only be observable when closely inspecting the roof, whereas severe damage may be visible from the ground. As such, it’s often recommended to seek the services of a professional roofer to evaluate the damage.
Roof Inspection Tips
Examining your roof for wind damage is a key step in maintaining the structural soundness of your home. When conducting a roof inspection, look for missing, lifted or curling shingles, which are clear indicators of wind damage. Even minor wind damage can lead to water damage, which can cause a rapid deterioration of the roof structure.
In addition to inspecting the loose shingles, also check the gutters, chimneys, and surrounding homes for any signs of damage. Damage to these areas may not directly impact your home, but they can provide clues to the severity and direction of the wind during a storm, helping you better understand and assess the potential damage to your home.
Siding, Windows, and Doors Inspection
While the roof is often the first line of defense against wind damage, other parts of the home are also vulnerable. Siding, windows, and doors should also be inspected for signs of wind damage. Cracks, dents, or broken glass could indicate that wind has damaged these areas.
By conducting a thorough inspection of these areas, you can identify potential issues and take necessary steps to repair them, preventing further damage to your home.
Taking Action: Repairing Wind Damage and Preventing Future Issues
Once wind damage has been identified, it’s important to take steps to repair the damage and prevent future problems. This involves finding a reliable contractor and taking preventative measures to protect your home from wind damage. Remember, a quick and effective response to wind damage can help prevent further damage and save you significant costs in the long run.
Securing a dependable contractor is a key part of this process. With their expertise in wind damage repair and insurance claims, a good contractor can:
- Ensure proper compliance
- Protect you from fraudulent activity
- Help you navigate the repair process, from estimating the cost of repairs to working with your insurance company.
Finding a Reliable Contractor
In the realm of wind damage repair, experience is of great significance. A reliable contractor should have:
- A proven track record in wind damage repair
- The ability to provide references or examples of past work
- The necessary licenses and insurance to conduct roof repair work
By working with a reliable contractor, you can ensure that your roof is repaired properly and efficiently, reducing the likelihood of future issues.
However, finding a reliable contractor isn’t just about checking qualifications. Communication is key in any repair project. A good contractor should be able to:
- Explain the repair process to you
- Provide regular updates
- Answer any questions you may have
- Provide a detailed estimate of the repair costs, giving you a clear understanding of what to expect before the work begins.
Preventative Measures for Wind Protection
Of course, the best way to deal with wind damage is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Regular home maintenance, such as replacing missing shingles and securing loose objects, can go a long way in protecting your home from wind damage.
Other preventative measures, such as trimming trees and installing storm shutters or reinforced glass, can also help protect your home from the damaging effects of high winds. By taking these proactive measures, you can ensure that your home is well-prepared to withstand wind speeds and weather any storm.
Navigating Insurance Claims for Wind Damage
In the unfortunate event that your home does sustain wind damage, having a good insurance policy can provide much-needed financial relief. Nonetheless, managing an insurance claim for wind damage can be a complicated process. It involves reviewing your homeowners insurance policy, filing a claim, and working with adjusters to ensure proper coverage and reimbursement.
A good homeowners insurance policy should cover damage to the structure of your home, including the roof, siding, and windows, caused by windstorms. Homeowners insurance typically covers such damages; however, coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions can vary greatly between different policies. As a result, you should carefully review your policy and fully comprehend what is covered before you file a claim.
Reviewing Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
When reviewing your homeowners insurance policy, pay close attention to the coverage for wind damage. A standard homeowners insurance policy typically has wind damage covered for the structure of the home, such as the roof, siding, and windows. However, coverage limits can generally reach up to 70% of the policy’s dwelling coverage limit, and the deductibles for wind damage are typically set at 1%, 2%, or 5% of the home’s dwelling coverage limit.
It’s also important to note any exclusions in your policy. Some policies may exclude cosmetic damage, have windstorm exclusions in high-risk areas, or include limitations on coverage along the Atlantic or Gulf coasts. By understanding these details, you can ensure that you receive the full benefits of your insurance policy should you need to file a claim for wind damage.
Filing a Claim and Working with Adjusters
After you’ve reviewed your policy and verified that you have coverage for wind damage, you can proceed with filing a claim. This typically involves:
- Contacting your insurance company
- Providing comprehensive information about the damage
- Having an adjuster inspect the damage
- Obtaining repair estimates
- Obtaining funds to cover the repairs or replacement
During this process, it can be helpful to work with a public adjuster, who can act as your advocate and assist you in obtaining a fair settlement.
Summary
Awareness and preparedness are your best weapons against wind damage. Understanding the potential impact of wind damage on your home, identifying vulnerable areas, and taking preventative measures can go a long way in safeguarding your home. When damage does occur, having a reliable contractor and a comprehensive insurance policy can ease the repair process and provide financial relief.
In the face of damaging winds, remember that you are not alone. With professional services like CoMo Exteriors, a thorough understanding of your homeowners insurance policy, and the tips and strategies outlined in this blog post, you can confidently navigate the storm and protect your home from wind damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the damage caused by wind?
Wind can be incredibly destructive, capable of causing serious damage such as fallen branches, uprooted trees and torn down power lines, as well as structural damage to homes.
What are damaging winds called?
Damaging winds are often referred to as “straight-line” winds, distinguishing them from tornado damage. They can result from strong thunderstorm winds caused by a variety of processes.
What are examples of damaging winds?
Examples of damaging winds include those with speeds 55-63 MPH, which can blow over small trees, and winds 64-75 MPH, which cause widespread wind damage, possibly leading to large trees being blown over. Even more extreme wind speeds, such as hurricane force winds (over 75 MPH) can result in severe damage to roofs and windows. Downbursts are also powerful damaging winds, with speeds up to 150 MPH similar to a strong tornado.
What is wind damage and how can it affect my home?
Wind damage can cause considerable damage to roofs, siding, windows, and doors of your home, affecting its structural integrity. It is caused by strong winds like gale force winds, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
How can I inspect my home for wind damage?
To inspect your home for wind damage, check the roof, siding, windows, and doors for signs of damage. It may be beneficial to hire a professional roofer to assess the damage.
