How Wind Can Cause Damage to Your Home

Did you know that wind can cause major damage to your home? In fact, it is one of the most common causes of property damage in the United States. Below are some of the ways that wind can damage your home, what you can do to prevent it, and what to do if you do experience wind damage.

Wind speeds of at least 40 miles per hour are considered high-wind events. If your home is damaged by wind speeds that are below this threshold, you may not be able to file a claim with your insurance company.

There are a few different ways that wind can damage your home. Some of the most common types of wind damage include:

• Roof damage – This is one of the most common types of wind damage, and can include things like roofing material being blown off, shingles being ripped off, and so on.
• Window damage – Windows can be blown out by high winds, and they can also become damaged or cracked from the pressure of the wind.
• Siding damage – The force of the wind can cause the siding to come loose or blow away completely.
• Damage to trees and other landscaping – Trees and other plants can be uprooted or damaged by high winds.

If you experience any of this type of damage, it is important to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. It is also important to document the damage as thoroughly as possible, so make sure to take pictures and keep track of all the damages.

There are a few things you can do to help prevent wind damage to your home:

– Inspect your roof regularly and fix any problems – Make sure all of your roofing material is securely attached and that there are no leaks or cracks.

– Install storm windows and doors – Storm windows and doors can help keep the wind from entering your home and causing damage.

– Reinforce your roof with hurricane straps or clips – If you live in an area that is prone to high winds, it is a good idea to reinforce your roof with hurricane straps or clips. This will help keep it from being blown away in a storm.

– Anchor your roofing material to the structure of your home – If your roofing material is not anchored to the structure of your home, it can be blown away in a high-wind event.

By taking these precautions, you can help minimize the risk of wind damage to your home.

If your home is damaged by wind, the first thing you should do is make sure everyone in your household is safe. Once you have ensured safety, there are a few things you can do to start mitigating the damage:

– Shut off all utilities – If any of your utilities are damaged, it is important to shut them off immediately to prevent further damage.

– Board up windows and doors – If there is any structural damage to your home, you will want to board up the windows and doors to prevent rain and wind from entering.

– Clean up debris – There will likely be a lot of debris scattered around your property after a high-wind event. Make sure to clean it up as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.

If the damage to your home is severe, you may need to evacuate until it can be repaired. In some cases, you may also need to file a claim with FEMA if you do not have wind damage insurance.

Contact your insurance as soon as possible and have documentation (including photos and videos) of all damage to ensure an efficient claim process. 

If you are in the Reno/Tahoe area and the wind has damaged your home, give us a call. We can help you navigate the process of working with insurance and finalizing what needs to be repaired. Our quotes are fair and we pride ourselves on finishing your repairs quickly and professionally.