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Key Takeaways
- Strong winds don’t play fair—they rip off shingles, weaken structures, and turn minor leaks into full-blown disasters.
- A badly installed roof is an open invitation for wind damage—proper nailing, sealing, and regular checkups keep it storm-proof.
- Reinforce weak spots like ridges and gable ends before wind turns them into escape routes for your shingles.
- Insurance can cover wind damage, but only if you’ve got receipts—document, inspect, and file claims fast.
- At Apex, we install storm-ready roofs that stand strong when the wind tries to call the shots.
Don’t Let the Wind Win
Strong winds can become your roof’s worst enemy. One minute, your shingles are secure, the next, they’re airborne like a flock of startled pigeons. If you’re not prepared, a single storm can turn a small issue into a full-blown catastrophe: leaks, mold, costly repairs—you name it.
But here’s the good news: windproofing your roof isn’t rocket science. Let’s look at the best ways to keep your roof right where it belongs—on top of your house!
| Apex Restoration & Roofing: Your Roofing Specialists in Colorado Located in Englewood, Colorado, Apex Restoration & Roofing offers expert residential and commercial roofing services. With over 27 years of experience, we specialize in roof replacements, repairs, and storm damage restoration, using only the highest quality materials. Our A+ BBB rating and a 5-star rating on Google from satisfied customers ensure your project meets the highest standards of quality and satisfaction. See the Apex difference today! |
How Strong Winds Damage Your Roof
- Shingle Uplift & Loss: The wind loves a good heist. It starts at the edges, loosens shingles, then yanks them off like a magician pulling a tablecloth.
- Flashing & Seal Damage: Strong gusts force water into any tiny gap, and suddenly your roof is letting in rain.
- Structural Weakening: Even if it looks fine now, repeated high winds are a slow-motion wrecking ball, loosening nails, fasteners, and your roof’s overall strength.
- Debris Impact: Wind doesn’t come alone—it brings flying branches, lawn furniture, and whatever else wasn’t tied down. And your roof? It’s the landing zone.
Key Ways to Windproof Your Roof
1. Choose the Right Roofing Materials
| Roofing Material | Wind Resistance | Lifespan | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
| Asphalt Shingles | Up to 130 mph | 20-30 years | $7 – $9 |
| Metal Roofing | 140+ mph | 40-70 years | $12 – $18 |
| Concrete & Clay Tiles | 120+ mph | 50-100 years | $12+ |
| Slate | 110-130 mph | 80+ years | Varies a lot |
Note: These estimates represent the price for materials only and do not include labor, permits, or any potential repairs required to the underlying structure.
Pro Tip: Want a roof that doesn’t flinch when the wind gets rowdy? Go for Class 4 asphalt shingles or standing seam metal roofing.
2. Ensure Proper Roof Installation & Maintenance
- Nail It Right: Skimping on nails? Bad idea. High-wind areas need 4-6 nails per shingle.
- Stick It Down: Extra roofing cement at the edges and ridges gives your shingles a “seatbelt.” If the wind tries to take them for a ride, they’re staying put.
- Routine Checkups = Fewer Surprises: Give your roof a once-over twice a year, always after a storm.
DIY Windproofing Inspection: What to Look For
- Shingle Check: Curling, loose, or missing? Time to replace them before they take off.
- Flashing Patrol: Chimneys, vents, skylights—these are weak spots. If the flashing looks sketchy, it’s gotta go.
- Water Stain Watch: Spot stains in the attic? That’s your roof crying for help. Don’t ignore it.
- Gutter Duty: Clear those gutters unless you want a rooftop swimming pool.
3. Reinforce Roof Components
Key Reinforcement Techniques:
- Hurricane Straps & Clips: These metal fasteners strap your roof to your home’s frame, making it way harder for wind to rip it off.
- Ridge & Hip Reinforcements: Your roof’s ridges and hips (the peaks and edges) take the hardest hits. A few extra nails or sealants? That’s the difference between “still standing” and “blown to bits.”
- Gable End Bracing: Gable roofs look great, but they fold like cheap lawn chairs in high winds if they aren’t reinforced. Adding extra framing keeps them sturdy, strong, and storm-proof.
Pro Tip: Live in a hurricane or tornado zone? Upgrading to a fortified roofing system adds serious durability and can even lower your insurance premiums!
4. Trim Trees & Clear Debris
How to Keep Your Roof Out of a Tree’s Hit List:
- Keep Trees at a Safe Distance: Trim branches at least 10 feet away from your roof. If they’re close enough to high-five your shingles, it’s time for a trim.
- Ditch Deadweight: Weak, dead, or storm-damaged branches? They’re a liability. Cut them down before the wind does it for you.
- Clear Your Gutters: A gutter clogged with leaves and debris means water pools on your roof. High winds can turn that mess into serious structural problems.
The Role of Insurance & Professional Inspections
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wind Damage?
Short answer—usually, yes. But not all policies are created equal, so it pays to read the fine print before a storm tests your roof’s patience.
What’s Covered vs. What’s Not
| Typically Covered | Usually NOT Covered |
| Shingles that took flight in a windstorm. | Old roofs on their last leg—insurance isn’t a maintenance plan. |
| Roof damage from wind-blown debris (tree branches, rogue patio furniture, you name it). | Damage caused by years of neglect (because, let’s be honest, that’s on you). |
| Leaks caused by wind-driven rain sneaking under damaged roofing. |
How to Get Your Insurance to Pay Up
- Document Everything: Take photos before and after storms—because “trust me, it was fine before” won’t cut it with adjusters.
- Get Pro Inspections: A roofing expert’s report carries more weight than your best guess. Plus, it helps prove your roof was in good shape before disaster struck.
- Act Fast: File your claim ASAP—with clear photos and detailed reports—so you don’t get stuck in claim purgatory.
Lock It Down Before It’s Gone With the Wind
A windproof roof keeps your home standing strong while Mother Nature throws a tantrum.
Pick the right materials. Reinforce weak spots. Stay on top of maintenance. Do that, and your roof won’t just survive storms—it’ll laugh in their face.
With the right prep, you can stop worrying about the wind and start enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a rock-solid roof.
At Apex, we specialize in roofs built to withstand extreme weather. From impact-resistant shingles to reinforced fasteners and expert installation, we’ve got the tools, materials, and experience to keep your roof where it belongs.
Why Choose Us?
- Free, No-Obligation Roof Inspections: Spot issues before they turn into costly problems.
- Expert Installations & Reinforcements: Proper nailing patterns, hurricane clips, and ridge bracing ensure your roof stays locked in place.
- Insurance Assistance: We help you manage claims so you get the coverage you deserve.
Get a FREE roof inspection and storm-proof your home with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What roofing materials are best for high-wind areas?
If you want your roof to stay put when the wind picks up, go for Class 4 impact-rated asphalt shingles, standing seam metal roofing, or concrete and clay tiles. And metal roofing? It can handle winds up to 140 mph and sticks around for decades.
How can I reinforce my roof against strong winds?
Your roof will need a solid defense to take on strong winds. Here’s how to bulk it up:
- Hurricane Straps & Clips (locks your roof to your home’s frame).
- Ridge & Hip Reinforcements (keeps your roof’s peaks from peeling off).
- Gable End Bracing (prevents your gable roof from folding in a windstorm).
- Sealing & Adhesives (keeps shingles where they belong—on your roof).
Does homeowners insurance cover wind damage to roofs?
Most policies cover wind damage, but not everything makes the cut. Here’s what’s usually in and what’s out:
Covered:
- Shingles ripped off by wind.
- Structural damage from flying debris.
- Roof leaks caused by wind-driven rain.
Not Covered:
- Pre-existing wear and tear.
- Poorly maintained roofs—if it was already falling apart, that’s on you
Can I install wind-resistant features on an existing roof?
Absolutely! You don’t need a brand-new roof to get serious wind protection. You can upgrade your current setup with extra nails & fasteners; hurricane straps & clips; sealing adhesives; and gable end bracing.
Need expert reinforcements? At Apex, we install top-quality materials and reinforcements to keep your roof locked down. Get a FREE inspection today!
