Will homeowners insurance cover roof damage from wind, and how much wind does it take?

Shingle wind ratings

Asphalt shingles are tested under standards such as ASTM D3161 and ASTM D7158. Common classifications include D3161 Class F (tested at 110 mph) and D7158 Class H (rated for higher design wind speeds). Many architectural shingles carry these ratings when installed to the manufacturer's high wind specifications.

Why roofs fail below their rating

• Seal strips that never bonded, common when shingles are installed in cold weather and never get warm enough to seal
• High nailing above the nail line, which reduces holding power
• Aged shingles whose sealant has dried out
• Edges and ridges, where wind uplift is strongest

Note that insurers may treat installation defects as excluded workmanship, while a sound roof that lost shingles in a storm is a covered loss.

How adjusters judge wind damage

They look for creased tabs, broken seals, missing shingles, lifted ridge cap and damage consistent with wind direction. They may lift tabs by hand to test the seal. Thunderstorm gusts in North Georgia commonly reach speeds that damage roofs, and local storm reports help establish the date. See wind damage roof claims and date of loss.

Next steps

Tarp any openings, photograph the damage and debris, and get an inspection that documents every creased shingle, since a handful of missing shingles is rarely the whole story.