Wind damage on a shingle roof shows up as creasing (broken seal strips), lifted tabs, or outright missing shingles. Even when shingles re-seat, broken seals leave the roof vulnerable to future wind events.
Key facts
- Wind ratings on shingles are typically 110–130 mph; storms below those speeds can still cause damage.
- Creasing — a horizontal break across the shingle tab — is the most common wind-damage signature.
- Lifted shingles may re-seat, but the adhesive seal strip is permanently broken.
- Carriers typically require slope-by-slope evaluation; damage on one slope may not equal full replacement.
- ASTM D3161 and ASTM D7158 are the wind-resistance test standards referenced in claims.
Step-by-step
- 1
Inspect after every major wind event
Storms with sustained winds over 50 mph warrant a roof check.
- 2
Look for ground debris
Tabs, granules, or shingle pieces in the yard indicate something lifted.
- 3
Have a contractor check seals
A finger-lift test on suspect shingles reveals broken seals invisible from the ground.
- 4
Document creasing per slope
Per-slope photos with a labeled grid show the extent for each elevation.
- 5
Pair with wind data
NWS or local airport METAR data confirms wind speeds for the date of loss.
Frequently asked questions
Can wind damage shingles even if they look fine?+
Yes. Wind can break the seal strip while the shingle re-seats visually. The roof is still compromised.
What wind speed damages a roof?+
Damage can start at sustained 50 mph winds with gusts. Roofs are rated up to 110–130 mph for certain shingles, but real-world performance varies with age and install quality.
Does insurance cover wind damage to shingles?+
Most HO-3 policies in Texas cover wind damage, often subject to a separate wind/hail deductible.
What is shingle creasing?+
A horizontal crack across the face of a shingle tab caused by wind lifting and folding the shingle back.