High winds are one of the leading causes of roof damage in New Brunswick. While severe storms can remove shingles or send tree branches crashing onto a home, many wind-related roofing problems are far less obvious.
In fact, some of the most expensive roof repairs begin with damage that’s nearly impossible to see from the ground.
A single lifted shingle, loosened flashing, or broken seal strip may continue protecting your home for weeks before allowing enough water to create a visible leak. By then, moisture may have already reached the roof decking, insulation, or interior finishes.
Knowing what to do immediately after a windstorm can help you identify problems early, reduce additional damage, and make informed decisions about repairs and insurance claims.
For homeowners in Fredericton and throughout Central New Brunswick, this guide explains the steps to take after high winds and why acting quickly can save both time and money.
Step 1: Don’t Assume Everything Is Fine
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is looking at their roof from the driveway and concluding nothing happened.
Wind damage isn’t always dramatic.
High winds can:
- Lift shingles without removing them
- Break the adhesive seal between shingles
- Loosen flashing
- Shift ridge caps
- Damage roof vents
- Dislodge roofing nails
- Create small openings where water can enter
These issues often remain invisible until the next heavy rainfall.
As experienced roofing contractors often say:
“The storm that damages your roof isn’t always the storm that causes the leak.”
That’s because water intrusion frequently occurs days or weeks after the original damage.
Step 2: Perform a Safe Ground Inspection
Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to go outside, walk around your property.
Look for:
- Missing shingles
- Roofing debris
- Pieces of flashing
- Fallen tree branches
- Damaged gutters
- Bent downspouts
- Debris lodged on the roof
Use binoculars if necessary.
Avoid climbing onto the roof yourself.
Many roofing injuries occur after storms when homeowners attempt their own inspections.
Step 3: Check Inside Your Home
Not all storm damage is visible from outside.
Walk through your home and inspect:
- Ceilings
- Attic spaces
- Upper floor walls
- Around skylights
- Chimneys
- Roof penetrations
Look for:
- Water stains
- Damp insulation
- Dripping water
- Musty odours
- Peeling paint
- Daylight visible through the roof structure
Even small changes may indicate the roofing system has been compromised.
Step 4: Document Everything
If you notice damage, begin documenting it immediately.
Take photographs of:
- Missing shingles
- Fallen branches
- Roof debris
- Damaged gutters
- Interior water stains
- Any visible structural damage
Also record:
- The date of the storm
- Approximate time
- Weather conditions
- Any emergency repairs completed
Good documentation creates an accurate timeline and may be helpful if insurance becomes involved.
Step 5: Prevent Additional Damage
If wind damage has exposed your home to the elements, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage while waiting for repairs.
Depending on the situation, this may include:
- Moving valuables away from leaks
- Placing containers beneath active drips
- Protecting furniture
- Contacting a roofing contractor promptly
Avoid attempting temporary roof repairs yourself unless they can be completed safely from the ground.
Walking on a wind-damaged roof often creates additional risks.
Step 6: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Many forms of wind damage simply can’t be evaluated from the ground.
A professional roofing inspection may identify:
- Lifted shingles
- Broken seal strips
- Flashing movement
- Wind creases
- Soft roof decking
- Hidden moisture intrusion
- Areas requiring immediate repair
Professional inspections often identify problems long before homeowners experience interior leaks.
Early repairs are almost always less expensive than repairing water damage later.
Why Wind Damage Can Be Deceptive
Unlike hail or fallen trees, wind doesn’t always leave obvious evidence behind.
Instead, it weakens the roofing system.
A shingle that’s partially lifted today may remain in place until the next major storm finally removes it.
By then, months of rain may already have entered beneath the roofing materials.
This delayed progression explains why homeowners sometimes believe a roof “suddenly started leaking” even though the original damage occurred much earlier.
Trees Continue to Pose a Risk After the Storm
Even after high winds have passed, damaged trees may remain unstable.
Watch for:
- Broken limbs suspended overhead
- Leaning trees
- Branches resting against the roof
- Damaged fencing
- Loose debris that could fall during future wind events
Addressing these hazards promptly helps reduce the likelihood of additional roof damage.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Following a windstorm, homeowners sometimes make well-intentioned decisions that create additional problems.
Avoid:
Climbing onto the roof yourself
Wind-damaged shingles may be loose, and roof surfaces may still be wet or slippery.
Ignoring small damage
One missing shingle rarely causes immediate structural damage.
Ignoring it for months often does.
Waiting for a leak
Water intrusion is often the last symptom of roof damage, not the first.
Waiting until water enters the home usually limits your repair options.
Assuming insurance will identify everything
Insurance adjusters and roofing contractors perform different roles.
A detailed roofing inspection provides valuable information about the condition of the roofing system itself.
Prevention Starts Before the Next Storm
While no roof can prevent every form of storm damage, homeowners can reduce their risk through routine maintenance.
Regular inspections help identify:
- Loose flashing
- Aging shingles
- Ventilation problems
- Minor repairs
- Tree hazards
- Drainage issues
Well-maintained roofs generally perform better during severe weather than roofs that have gone years without inspection.
Conclusion
Windstorms are a fact of life in New Brunswick, but extensive roof damage doesn’t have to be. Knowing what to look for after a storm, documenting potential damage, and arranging a professional inspection early can prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs.
At Altitude Roofing, we help homeowners throughout Fredericton and Central New Brunswick assess wind damage with detailed roof inspections and honest recommendations. Whether your roof has obvious storm damage or you simply want peace of mind after high winds, our experienced team is here to help protect your home before the next storm arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common signs include missing or lifted shingles, granules in gutters or on the ground, debris on the roof, dented or detached gutters, and ceiling stains inside the home. However, some wind damage isn't visible without a professional inspection — particularly lifted shingles that have partially resettled or damaged flashing.
In most cases, no. Roofs may have hidden structural damage, wet surfaces are slippery, and sharp debris can cause injuries. Document what you can from the ground and contact a professional roofing contractor for a proper inspection. Safety should always come first.
As quickly as possible. Wind damage that isn't addressed promptly can worsen with subsequent rainfall or additional storms. Minor damage that could have been repaired inexpensively can become a much larger issue if water infiltrates the roofing system. Prompt attention also supports any insurance claim you may need to file.
You can do both simultaneously. Arrange a professional inspection for an accurate assessment of the damage, and contact your insurer to understand the claims process. Having an independent inspection report actually strengthens your claim by providing detailed documentation of what occurred.
If it's safe to do so, covering exposed areas with a tarp can help prevent additional water entry. Move belongings away from areas where leaks are occurring and place containers to catch drips. Document everything before making any temporary repairs, and retain any roofing materials that have blown off the roof.
