When strong winds from natural disasters hit your home, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Scattered debris, broken windows, and damaged roofing leave many homeowners wondering where to start with wind damage repair. Taking the right steps immediately after a storm helps protect your property from further damage and gets your restoration process moving smoothly.
How Does Wind Damage Your Property?
Strong winds from tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe thunderstorms can cause extensive damage to your property. High winds commonly tear off shingles, break windows, damage siding, and turn everyday objects into dangerous projectiles. The extent of wind damage depends on several factors including wind speed, storm duration, and your property’s construction quality.
Common signs of wind damage include missing shingles, broken glass, damaged gutters, exposed nails, cracked siding, and fallen trees. Wind damage often occurs alongside other problems like flood damage, hail damage, and power outages when power poles fall. Standing water from damaged roofing or windows can quickly lead to mold growth and additional structural problems if not addressed immediately.
What Should You Do if Your Home Is Damaged Due to Wind?
Step 1: Stay Safe and Assess the Damage
Safety comes first when dealing with storm damage. Check local news for emergency updates and safety warnings before going outside. Fallen power poles, exposed electrical lines, and gas leaks create serious hazards that require professional attention immediately.
Conduct a thorough inspection while staying alert for dangers. Broken glass, debris, and exposed nails make walking hazardous, so wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing. Standing water near electrical equipment poses electrocution risks that require immediate professional intervention.
Document all damage with photographs and videos. Your insurance provider needs detailed evidence to process your claim accurately. Take wide shots showing overall damage and close-up images of specific problems like missing shingles, broken windows, damaged siding, and debris impact marks.
Check both exterior and interior areas systematically. Look for roof damage, damaged gutters, cracked walls, and fallen trees. Water stains on ceilings and walls indicate roof penetration that needs immediate attention. Note any smoke damage if fires occurred during the storm, as this requires specialized restoration techniques.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
Most insurance policies require prompt notification of storm damage, so contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after ensuring your safety. Many insurance companies offer 24-hour claim reporting through phone systems or online portals.
Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to evaluate the damage and determine what repairs are covered under your policy. Be prepared to provide detailed information about when the damage occurred, what you’ve observed, and any emergency measures you’ve taken.
Understanding your insurance policy helps set realistic expectations for repair costs and coverage. Most standard homeowners policies cover wind damage, but flood damage often requires separate coverage. Review your policy terms carefully and ask your adjuster to explain anything unclear about the claims process.
Keep detailed records of all communications with insurance representatives. Write down names, dates, times, and discussion topics during each conversation. File your insurance claim promptly and provide all requested documentation including photos, videos, and written descriptions of damage.
Step 3: Prevent Further Damage with Emergency Repairs
Don’t wait for insurance approval to protect your property from additional damage. Board up services can secure broken windows and damaged doors using plywood or specialized materials that keep weather and intruders out.
Cover damaged roof areas with heavy-duty tarps to prevent water from entering your home. Secure tarps properly using furring strips rather than just nails or staples. Consider hiring professionals for complex roof damage, as improper tarping can cause additional damage if materials blow off during subsequent storms.
Remove debris from gutters and drainage systems to prevent water backup that could damage your foundation and exterior walls. Clear fallen branches and other materials that could block water flow or become projectiles during future wind events.
Address standing water immediately using pumps, wet vacuums, or professional water removal services. Increase air circulation with fans and dehumidifiers to dry affected areas thoroughly within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Step 4: Hire Qualified Contractors for Repairs
Choose contractors with specific experience in storm damage services and wind damage repair. Look for proper licensing, insurance coverage, and references from recent customers. Verify that contractors carry liability insurance that protects both you and workers on your property.
Get written estimates from at least three different restoration companies. These estimates should break down repair costs clearly, showing materials and labor separately. Compare prices, scope of work, and completion timelines from each contractor.
Avoid contractors who appear at your door immediately after storms demanding full payment upfront. Legitimate professionals typically require only small deposits and accept progress payments as work advances. Be wary of door-to-door solicitors who pressure you to sign contracts immediately.
Step 5: Complete Restoration
Work with your restoration company and insurance adjuster to ensure all repairs meet professional standards and return your property to its pre loss condition. Quality workmanship in roof repairs, window replacement, and siding restoration helps your property withstand strong winds in future storms.
Obtain warranties from contractors for their work and materials. Keep these documents with your home records for future reference and potential warranty claims. Professional contractors stand behind their work and provide guarantees that protect your investment.
Schedule final inspections with your insurance company to close your claim officially. Complete all required paperwork promptly to avoid delays in final settlement payments. Your adjuster may need to verify that completed work matches approved repair estimates.
Factors That Affect Wind Damage Repair Costs
Wind damage hits every home differently, and the repair bills can vary just as much. According to Angi, wind damage restoration cost ranges from $180 to $17,600, depending on the extent of damage to your property. Minor repairs like replacing a few missing shingles or fixing small sections of damaged siding fall on the lower end of this range, while major roof repairs, complete siding replacement, or structural damage push costs significantly higher.
Preventing Future Wind Damage
Taking steps to protect your property from future wind damage can save you thousands in repair costs and help your home withstand strong winds better during the next storm.
Strengthen Windows and Entry Points
Install impact-resistant windows and storm shutters to protect against flying debris. Consider upgrading to reinforced garage doors, as these large openings are particularly vulnerable to wind pressure. Properly sealed and reinforced entry points help maintain your home’s structural integrity during high winds.
Upgrade Your Roofing System
Have your roof inspected annually and replace any loose or damaged shingles before storm season. Consider upgrading to impact-resistant shingles designed to withstand strong winds and hail. Proper installation with adequate fasteners helps shingles stay attached during severe weather events.
Reinforce Siding and Metal Components
Check that all metal roofing panels and siding are properly fastened with appropriate screws and clips. Loose metal components can become dangerous projectiles during high winds while also exposing your home’s structure to further damage. Regular maintenance ensures these materials remain securely attached.
Maintain Your Landscape
Remove dead or weakened branches that could fall on your home during storms. Keep trees properly pruned and consider removing large trees that pose significant threats to your property. Healthy, well-maintained trees are less likely to cause damage during wind events.
Secure Outdoor Items
Store or anchor patio furniture, grills, trampolines, and other outdoor equipment that could become projectiles during high winds. Install permanent anchoring systems for items you can’t easily move indoors before storms arrive.
Inspect and Clean Gutters Regularly
Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris to ensure proper water drainage during storms. Damaged or clogged gutters can cause water backup that leads to additional property damage during wind and rain events.
Get Expert Wind Damage Repair
Wind damage can feel scary and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be when you know what to do and have the right help. The key is taking control of the situation immediately and working with professionals who understand both storm damage and insurance claims.
Royal Restoration specializes in cost-effective repairs that mitigate further damage to your property, prevent potential injuries, and restore your home to its pre-loss condition. Don’t let wind damage compromise your family’s safety or your property’s value. Call today for a FREE inspection and let us handle everything from insurance claims to complete repairs.
