Got Wind Damage? Here’s What Every Columbus Homeowner Needs To Know.

Got Wind Damage? Here’s What Every Columbus Homeowner Needs to Know.

Well, that was a fun night, wasn’t it? One minute we’re enjoying a peaceful Columbus evening, the next we’re listening to what sounds like a freight train trying to park in our maple tree. Ohio weather sure knows how to keep things interesting. If you spent the morning walking around your property, side-eyeing your roof and wondering what that new rattling sound is, you’re definitely not alone. We’ve all been there.

As the team at Roofing Pros, we’ve seen just about everything our Midwestern skies can throw at a home. From a few missing shingles to full-on tree-meets-roof situations, we’ve helped our neighbors navigate the aftermath more times than we can count. So, let’s grab a virtual coffee and talk about what wind damage really looks like, what you should do right now, and how to handle the repairs without losing your mind.

So, What Does Wind Damage Actually Look Like?

We know, we know. It’s not always as dramatic as a satellite dish in the neighbor’s pool. Most wind damage is sneaky. It’s the kind of thing you might miss from the ground, which is exactly why it’s so dangerous. That small, unnoticed issue today is a massive, expensive roof leak next month.

Let’s break down the most common signs. After a big blow, you’ll want to do a visual inspection from the safety of your yard. Binoculars are your best friend here. Don’t be that person on a wobbly ladder right after a storm, okay? Safety first.

The Tell-Tale Signs Your Roof Took a Hit

The Obvious Offenders
These are the signs you can’t miss, even if you try.

• Missing Shingles: This is the big one. You’ll see bare spots or notice a bunch of granule-covered shingle bits in your gutters or downspouts. It’s like your roof is losing its hair, and it’s a clear sign it needs some help.
• Cracked or Curling Shingles: High winds can get under the edges of shingles, loosen them, and cause them to crack or curl upwards. They might still be attached, but they’re basically waving a white flag.
• Granule Loss in Gutters: Check your gutters. A ton of black, sand-like granules means your shingles are getting worn down and losing their protective coating. It’s one of the earliest signs of wear from storm damage.

The Sneaky, Less-Obvious Stuff
This is where a professional eye from a trusted Columbus roofing company really comes in handy.

• Damaged Flashing: The metal strips around your vents, chimney, and skylights can get bent, loosened, or torn away. This is a prime spot for roof vent leaks to start.
• Dented or Hanging Gutters: Your gutter repair might now be a gutter replacement. If they’re pulling away from the house, they can’t do their job, which leads to water damage down the line.
• Dents on Vents or Fascia: Look at the metalwork and the board behind your gutters (the fascia). Dents and dings indicate a serious impact.

The First Thing You Should Do (After the Storm Passes)

Alright, you’ve spotted some damage. Your heart sinks a little. Take a deep breath. Here’s your game plan.

1. Document Everything (And We Mean Everything): Grab your phone and start taking pictures and videos from every angle. Get close-ups of the damaged areas and wide shots showing the whole roof line. This evidence is pure gold for your insurance claim.
2. Make Temporary Fixes Only: If you have a roof leak threatening your favorite couch, it’s okay to throw a tarp over the area. But please, be safe. If you can’t reach it easily, don’t risk it. This is just a band-aid, not a solution.
3. Call Your Insurance Company: Report the claim and find out what their process is. They’ll likely want to send an adjuster out to assess the damage.
4. Call a Local Roofer for a Professional Inspection: This is the most important step. IMO, you should always have a top-rated local pro like us at Roofing Pros give you a second opinion. We know what to look for and can often find damage the adjuster might miss. We’ll provide a detailed report you can use to ensure your insurance company covers the full cost of the necessary roof repair or roof installation.

Why Going Pro Beats the DIY Route Every Time

We get it. The internet is full of videos showing how to slap a shingle on a roof. It looks easy, right? How hard could it be? Let’s be real for a second: it’s incredibly hard, and dangerously so. Here’s why you always want to call a professional roofer.

• Safety: We can’t stress this enough. Roof work is the number one source of DIY homeowner injuries. We have the training, safety gear, and experience to do the job without a trip to the ER.
• The Right Diagnosis: What looks like a simple fix from the ground could be a symptom of a much larger problem. We identify the root cause, not just the symptom.
• Insurance Navigation: A good Columbus roofing company will work directly with your insurance adjuster to make sure everything is documented correctly and you get the coverage you’re entitled to. This alone is worth the call.
• Quality & Warranty: When we do a roof repair or roof installation, we back it with a warranty. That peace of mind doesn’t come from a DIY job or a fly-by-night contractor.

Repair, Restore, or Replace? The Big Question.

Once we’ve assessed the damage, we’ll lay out your options. It typically boils down to three paths.

Let’s Talk About the Elephant in the Room: Cost & Price

We’re all thinking about it, so let’s just address it head-on. The cost of fixing wind damage can vary wildly. It depends on:

• The extent of the damage
• The pitch and size of your roof
• The type of materials needed
• Whether it’s a repair or full replacement

FYI, this is where your insurance coverage should kick in. Most homeowners’ policies cover wind damage. A reputable company like Roofing Pros will provide a clear, detailed, and affordable estimate and help you maximize your insurance benefit to keep your out-of-pocket costs as low as possible. The goal is to get you a secure, dry home without breaking the bank.

This Isn’t Just For Houses (Looking at You, Business Owners!)

Hey, we see you business owners reading this too! Everything we’ve talked about applies to commercial roofing as well. A leaking roof or damaged facade can disrupt your business, damage inventory, and create a liability nightmare. If you manage a commercial property in Columbus, the same rules apply: document, call your insurance, and then call us. We handle commercial projects with the same care and precision as residential ones.

4 Questions We Hear All The Time (And Our Straight Answers)

Q: How long do I have to file an insurance claim for wind damage?
A: Most policies require you to file a claim within one year of the date of the storm. But don’t wait! The sooner you file, the sooner we can get your roof fixed.

Q: I can’t see any damage, but my neighbor got a new roof. Should I still get an inspection?
A: Absolutely. Every house is different. Wind can be bizarrely selective. A free inspection from Roofing Pros gives you peace of mind. It’s better to know than to wonder.

Q: What’s the difference between searching for ‘roofer near me’ and just calling you?
A: When you search for the nearest roofer, you might get a national chain with a local franchise or a random handyman. When you call us, you’re getting a locally-owned and operated Columbus team that knows our specific weather patterns and building codes. We’re your neighbors, and we stake our reputation on every job we do in this community.

Q: How long will the repairs take?
A: A typical roof repair can often be completed in a day. A full roof installation on a standard home usually takes 1-3 days, depending on size and complexity. We always give you a clear timeline upfront so you can plan.

Wrapping This Up (And What to Do Next)

Phew, that was a lot. But hopefully, you’re feeling more prepared and less overwhelmed. Dealing with wind damage is a hassle, but it’s a manageable one when you have the right team in your corner.

Remember, your roof is your home’s first and most important line of defense. Ignoring even minor damage is a gamble no Columbus homeowner should take.

So, what’s your next move? If you even suspect you might have damage, give us a shout at Roofing Pros. We’ll come out for a thorough, no-obligation inspection and give you the honest, straight-shooting assessment you deserve. Let us handle the stress and the heavy lifting, so you can get back to enjoying the (hopefully calmer) weather.