Heavy Winds Damage Shingles in Delaware, Ohio

April 21, 2025
Delaware gets hit by more than 40 thunderstorms every year. This makes professional roofers a must-have resource for local homeowners. Recent severe weather has brought wind speeds up to 33 miles per hour that wreaked havoc throughout our county.
These powerful winds can rip off roof flashing and tear away whole roof sections. Half of all homeowners make the mistake of waiting too long to fix wind damage. This delay leads to bigger problems and repairs that get pricey. Our team of Delaware Ohio roofers has seen wind gusts above 60 mph knock shingles right off homes. These damaged spots leave houses open to leaks and need quick wind damage repairs.
Let's look at how strong winds can damage your roof, what you should do after a storm hits, and why expert help is a vital part of protecting your home.
What Happens to Shingles During Heavy Winds
Strong winds can seriously damage your roof. I've watched secure shingles turn into dangerous projectiles in just minutes. You can spot potential damage early if you know what to look for.
How wind lifts and tears shingles
Wind damage follows a clear pattern on shingles. Air flowing over your roof creates a pressure difference—higher pressure below and lower pressure above the shingles. This pressure difference sucks the shingles upward from the roof deck.
A slightly lifted shingle lets more wind get underneath, which makes the lifting force stronger. Here's what happens next:
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The factory-applied adhesive breaks down
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The shingle lifts up, giving the wind more surface to push against
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The shingle bends and folds as it moves in the wind
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Strong enough winds can break off tabs or whole sections
Your roof can suffer damage at surprisingly low speeds, sometimes as low as 30mph. Asphalt shingles usually handle winds up to 60mph, though this depends on the type you have.
Why roof edges and corners are most vulnerable
Your roof doesn't face equal risk everywhere. The corners, edges, and ridges take the most damage from wind. These spots are weak points because wind moves up and over your roof with changing uplift pressure, which hits hardest at the corners.
Studies show these areas face much stronger wind forces. The wind creates turbulent patterns as it moves around these spots, which makes it easier to tear shingles away. You'll often see a "zipper" pattern of missing tabs going up from the eaves to the ridges.
My storm damage inspections in Delaware often show the first signs of problems in these weak spots. Older roofs face higher risks since age makes shingles more likely to fail in high winds.
Our team at Roof Revivers knows these trouble spots well. We check them carefully during every inspection. Many contractors miss these vulnerable areas, but we give them extra attention during repairs to prevent future wind damage. If recent storms have you worried about your roof, our Delaware Ohio team can give you a full picture of any wind damage before it gets pricey to fix inside your home.
First Steps After Wind Damage Hits Your Roof
Quick action after a severe windstorm can stop minor roof damage from turning into a major crisis. Your safety comes first when you check your roof for wind damage.
Check for visible signs from the ground
The best time to do a first check is right after the storm ends. A pair of binoculars will give you a better view while keeping you safe. Watch out for:
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Missing or curled shingles
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Debris on the roof surface
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Damaged flashing around chimneys and vents
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Granules collecting in gutters or downspouts
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Water stains on exterior walls
Your ceilings and attic might show water spots that point to roof leaks from wind damage. These inside signs tell you just as much as outside damage when you need the full picture of what's wrong.
Document damage with photos and videos
Good documentation is vital for insurance claims and expert assessments. Clear, high-resolution photos and videos from different angles will help. Here's what to do:
Start with wide-angle shots of the whole roof before you zoom in on damaged spots. Make sure your images have time and date stamps to verify when the damage happened. Write detailed notes about each damaged area, where it is, and what might have caused it.
Take pictures before and after any temporary fixes you make. Save receipts for all materials you buy for these quick repairs - your insurance might pay you back for them.
Avoid DIY inspections on unstable roofs
A structurally compromised roof needs a professional's touch. Delaware's professional roofers have the right safety gear and training to check damaged roofs.
Let the winds die down completely before you go near your house's exterior. Keep away from dangers like fallen power lines, broken glass, and loose roofing materials. A potentially unstable structure means you should leave and wait for expert help.
Roof Revivers' Delaware Ohio roofers give free complete inspections and can spot hidden wind damage you can't see from below. We'll help you document everything you need for your insurance claim and suggest budget-friendly wind damage repair solutions for your home.
When to Call Roofers in Delaware for Help
Storm damage to your roof is sometimes obvious, but many problems stay hidden and need expert eyes to spot them. You can save thousands in repair costs and prevent more damage to your home by knowing the right time to call professionals.
Signs you need a professional inspection
Untrained eyes can't always spot wind damage. You should call roofers in Delaware if you notice:
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Missing, torn, or lifted shingles scattered in your yard
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Granules collecting in gutters or downspouts
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Interior ceiling water spots or discoloration
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Sudden leaks during or after storms
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Visible structural issues like sagging
Small cracks or minor punctures need professional assessment too. Your safety comes first - let experienced Delaware Ohio roofers handle the inspection since they know proper safety protocols.
How Delaware Ohio roofers assess hidden damage
Delaware roofing experts can spot problems that most homeowners miss. Their inspection process includes:
They start by checking collateral damage around your property. Next comes a detailed look at roof components including gutters, shingles, flashing, and vents for dents or damage. The attic and ceilings get checked for water infiltration signs.
Professional assessments are a great way to get insights because roofers can detect hidden issues like compromised adhesive seals between shingles. These subtle problems could create bigger headaches if nobody fixes them. The documentation they provide helps tremendously with insurance claims.
What to expect during an emergency roof repair
Professional roofers jump into action quickly when you have wind damage. Their original step secures a sturdy, weather-resistant tarp over damaged areas. This temporary fix keeps the elements out while they develop a permanent repair plan.
Emergency repairs usually mean replacing missing shingles, fixing flashing failures, and addressing structural issues. Small repairs might take just hours, while bigger damage could need a full day or more.
Roof Revivers' Delaware Ohio team provides 24/7 emergency services for wind-damaged roofs. We document everything really well for insurance purposes and deliver reliable, high-quality repairs that stop future problems.
Navigating Repairs and Insurance Claims
Dealing with wind damage insurance claims can be one of the most stressful experiences for homeowners. The right knowledge and preparation will help you get fair compensation as you work through this process.
How to file a wind damage roof claim
Quick action matters after you find roof damage. Most insurance companies want notification within 30 days of the whole ordeal. Here's what you need to do to file your claim:
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Take photos and videos from multiple angles to document everything
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Report the damage to your insurance company right away
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Make quick repairs to stop additional damage
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Keep all receipts from temporary fixes
Having professional Delaware roofers present during the adjuster's inspection makes a real difference. They'll spot problems the adjuster might miss and add valuable insights to the assessment.
Understanding replacement cost vs. actual cash value
Your type of policy plays a huge role in what you'll receive from your claim. These are the two main types of coverage:
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): You'll get the full cost of a new roof minus your deductible. A $10,000 roof with a $1,500 deductible would net you $8,500.
Actual Cash Value (ACV): This covers your roof's worth at the time of damage, with depreciation factored in. That same 10-year-old roof might only get you $3,000 after the deductible.
Insurance companies often switch older roofs (15-20 years) to ACV coverage instead of RCV. This difference matters a lot when you file wind damage roof claims in Delaware.
Why professional documentation matters
Insurance companies respond better to claims supported by expert reports. Professional documentation gives you:
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Solid proof of damage extent and cause
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Accurate estimates based on current building codes
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Technical expertise that backs your claim
Roof Revivers, experienced Delaware Ohio roofers, will give you detailed documentation that boosts your chances of claim approval. Our full assessment provides the proof needed for proper compensation of all wind damage repairs, which helps prevent claim denials or disputes along the way.
Conclusion
Wind damage can seriously harm Delaware homes if nobody fixes it. Quick action after storms stops small problems from becoming big structural issues. A professional needs to check everything because damage often hides under minor surface problems.
Insurance claims make wind damage situations more complex. Local roofers who know both repairs and insurance paperwork can help you get better claim results. Their experience makes a real difference.
Your home needs expert care and fast response to handle wind damage properly. Roof Revivers has helped Delaware homeowners for decades. We do detailed inspections, document everything, and make repairs that last. Our team helps with emergency storm response and maintenance to protect your home from Delaware's tough weather.
Small wind damage can turn into a major crisis. Call Roof Revivers now to get a complete roof inspection at no cost. Let our professional roofing team protect your Delaware home.