The short answer
Common Wind Damage Scenarios
Strong winds can cause a variety of immediate problems around your home. Windows may shatter from flying debris, or pressure changes can lift and tear shingles from your roof. Siding can rip away, and fences or outbuildings may collapse. Even sturdy doors can be forced open, allowing rain and more wind inside, which leads to secondary water damage.
After the wind dies down, it's important to assess the damage safely. Look for obvious breaches like holes in the roof or broken windows. Also check for less visible issues, such as lifted flashing around chimneys or vents. Water stains on ceilings or walls inside often point to a hidden roof leak that started during the storm.
Essential Temporary Repair Supplies
Having a basic kit ready before a storm can make emergency repairs much easier. Key items include heavy-duty tarps, a staple gun or nails, and duct tape or specialized waterproof tape. You should also have work gloves, safety glasses, a ladder, and a hammer. Plywood or boards are useful for boarding up broken windows or reinforcing damaged doors.
A roll of plastic sheating can cover large interior areas if water is coming in. For minor roof leaks, roofing cement or sealant can provide a temporary patch. It's wise to store these supplies in a dry, accessible place. Being prepared for wind events at any time of year is a sensible practice for any homeowner.
- Heavy-duty polyethylene tarps and rope or bungee cords.
- Plywood sheets, 2x4 boards, nails, and a hammer.
- A sturdy ladder that reaches your roof eaves safely.
- Duct tape, waterproof sealing tape, and a caulk gun.
- Work gloves, safety glasses, and a headlamp for visibility.
- Roofing cement or asphalt sealant for small punctures.
Step-By-Step Temporary Fixes
For a broken window, carefully remove loose glass shards first. Cover the opening from the outside with a piece of plywood cut to size, and secure it by nailing into the window frame. From the inside, you can add a layer of plastic sheeting taped to the wall to further block drafts and rain. This creates a double barrier that is more effective.
To patch a roof leak, access the area safely from inside your attic if possible. Push a nail through the ceiling at the leak point to mark it on the roof outside. Cover the damaged section with a tarp, extending it over the roof ridge. Weigh down the tarp's top edge with boards and nail the sides securely into the roof sheathing.
When to Call a Professional
Temporary tricks are not permanent repairs. They are a stopgap to protect your home from further weather and water intrusion. You should contact local water damage pros and other qualified tradespeople for a proper assessment and permanent solution. Delaying professional repair can allow mold to grow or structural weaknesses to worsen, leading to more extensive and costly damage.
Signs you need a pro include sagging ceilings, large sections of missing roofing, or water actively pouring inside. If you smell gas or see damaged electrical wiring, leave immediately and call the utility company. For structural damage to walls, foundations, or major roof framing, a qualified contractor is necessary to ensure the repair is safe and meets building codes.
Preventing Future Wind Damage
Regular maintenance is your best defense against wind damage. Inspect your roof annually for loose, cracked, or missing shingles and have them repaired. Trim tree branches that hang over your house or near power lines. Ensure all exterior doors, including garage doors, have strong, functioning deadbolts and that their frames are solid. Reinforce garage doors with retrofit kits if you live in a high-wind area.
Check the seals and caulking around windows and doors each fall. Install storm shutters or have plywood pre-cut to fit your windows for quicker deployment. Secure loose outdoor items like patio furniture, grills, and garbage cans before a forecasted wind event. These steps won't stop a major storm, but they can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your property.
Water damage does not wait
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Call Now (208) 537-2633Frequently asked questions
Can I just tarp my roof from the ground?
It is not safe or effective. A tarp must be secured over the ridge of the roof and nailed into the sheathing to withstand wind. This requires working on a ladder and the roof itself, which is hazardous after a storm. It's a job best left to the pros with the right equipment and safety training.
Will my homeowners insurance cover wind damage repairs?
Most standard policies cover sudden wind damage to the structure of your home and detached structures. They typically cover the cost to repair the damage and may cover temporary fixes. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. You should report the damage promptly and document it with photos before making any repairs.
What if wind damaged my siding and water got inside the walls?
This is a serious situation that requires professional water damage restoration. Water inside wall cavities can lead to mold growth and rot the wooden framing. Local water damage pros have tools like moisture meters and fans to dry the structure properly. They can also coordinate with a siding contractor for the exterior repair.