After strong winds, roof damage may be easy to miss from the ground. A shingle can lift, crease, or disappear without leaving an obvious opening, while loose flashing may let water in around chimneys, vents, or roof edges. A careful visual check can help you catch problems early, but climbing onto a roof can be dangerous. Learn what to look for from a safe location and when to call a roofing professional for a closer inspection.
Look for Lifted or Missing Shingles
From the ground, scan the roof for shingles that look raised, curled, folded, or out of line with the surrounding rows. Wind can loosen a shingle’s fasteners or break its seal, leaving an edge vulnerable to further lifting. You may also see bare patches where shingles have blown away, or pieces of roofing material on the lawn, driveway, or around downspouts.
Use binoculars or a phone camera with zoom to inspect from a stable spot. Avoid ladders and do not step onto the roof, especially after a storm when surfaces may be wet or debris-covered. A shingle that appears intact from below can still have a crease or loosened edge, so treat unusual gaps and uneven rows as reasons to arrange a closer professional inspection.
Check for Exposed Roof Areas
Missing shingles can reveal the dark underlayment or roof deck beneath them. Look for newly visible patches, irregular color changes, or exposed sections near ridges, eaves, and roof edges. These areas may allow water to reach the materials below the shingles, even if you do not see a leak inside right away.
After the wind has passed, check ceilings and upper walls for fresh water stains, dampness, or peeling paint. Look in the attic only if you can reach it safely, and watch for daylight, damp insulation, or water marks around the roof structure. Do not touch wet electrical fixtures or wiring. If you find signs of water entry, limit further damage by moving belongings and contacting a qualified roofer promptly.
Inspect Flashing and Roof Edges
Flashing seals vulnerable joints where the roof meets a chimney, vent, skylight, or wall. From the ground, look for metal pieces that appear bent, lifted, missing, or separated from the roof surface. Also check whether shingles near these areas seem displaced. Wind can loosen flashing and create a path for water even when the main roof covering looks undamaged.
Pay attention to the roof edge, ridge, and corners, where wind can put extra stress on shingles and trim. Watch for sagging gutters, loose-looking metal, or debris caught along an edge. Do not pull at hanging material or attempt a temporary repair from a ladder. Keep people away from the area below loose components and ask a roofing professional to assess the damage safely.
Document and Arrange an Inspection
Take photos from the ground of visible damage, debris, and any interior water stains. Note when the wind event occurred and which areas look affected. If water is entering, place a container beneath a drip when practical and move valuables out of the way. Avoid covering roof openings yourself; an improvised repair can create a fall risk or worsen the damage.
Have a qualified roofer inspect suspected damage and explain what needs attention before work begins. If you plan to contact your insurer, keep your photos and inspection notes, and follow the insurer’s instructions for reporting a claim. Prairie Shield Roofing serves Winnipeg homeowners who need help assessing storm-related roof concerns.
Lifted shingles, exposed roofing, and loose flashing can all signal wind damage, even when there is no visible leak. Inspect from the ground, document what you find, and avoid climbing onto the roof. If anything looks displaced or water has entered your home, arrange a professional assessment to determine the safest next step.