Can you claim on insurance for wind damage to your roof or siding?
Short answer. Yes. Windstorm is a covered peril in most homeowners policies, so wind damage to your roof, siding, gutters, fences and other structures can be claimed, minus your wind and hail deductible. The keys are recognizing what wind damage actually looks like, documenting it with the storm date, and reporting it before it causes leaks.
What wind damage looks like on a roof
- Missing shingles or exposed underlayment, often near ridges, rakes and eaves
- Creased tabs: a horizontal line across a shingle where wind lifted it and bent it back. Creased shingles have lost their bond and are a common basis for replacement.
- Broken seal strips: shingles that lift easily by hand after a storm
- Lifted ridge cap and displaced vents
- Peeled back drip edge or flashing
What it looks like on siding
- Vinyl panels unlocked, cracked or blown off
- Loose or missing trim and soffit panels
- Impact marks from wind blown debris
Matching damaged siding can be a problem when the product is discontinued. See matching.
Documenting the claim
- Note the date and find wind reports for your area.
- Photograph debris in the yard, missing pieces and the house from all sides.
- Have the roof inspected up close; creases are hard to see from the ground.
- Tarp any openings.
- Report the claim and be present for the adjuster.
Where wind claims get denied
Shingles that blew off because they were nailed too high, roofs that were already failing, and leaks from wind driven rain without any physical damage. See wind damage roof claims and what adjusters look for.