After a windstorm sweeps through the Twin Cities, your roof might be hiding damage you can’t see from the ground. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, roof damage is one of the top insurance claims homeowners file after severe weather. That’s no surprise—things like lifted shingles, cracked flashing, or even debris on your roof can start small but turn into major leaks if you wait too long.
You’ll learn the 10 key signs your roof’s been hit, how to tell when it’s time to bring in a pro, and how we at Crown Exteriors handle wind damage roof repair the right way across the Twin Cities.
10 Warning Signs of Wind Damage After a Storm
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are usually the first thing you notice after a windstorm. Strong gusts can tear them off completely, especially if they were already loose or your roof’s seen better days.
In early spring, when winds in the Twin Cities pick up speed, neighborhoods with older roofs are often hit hardest. If you spot shingles on your lawn or bare patches on your roof, don’t ignore it—it’s a signal that your roof isn’t doing its job.
What to do: Check your roof from the ground. If anything’s missing, call a pro for an inspection.
Lifted Roof Edges or Corners
This one’s sneakier. Wind can work its way under the edges of your shingles, lifting them just enough to break the seal. You might not even see it from the ground, but it compromises the whole system.
That lift gives water a way in. Over time, that little gap turns into a leak—and it’s not just water damage you’re risking. Exposed underlayment also lets warm air out, which means higher heating bills.
What to do: If your shingles look warped or bent at the corners, it’s time for a closer look.
Roof Leaks After Windstorm
Leaks might not show up immediately, but when they do, it’s usually in the form of attic moisture, water stains on the ceiling, or even a funky smell in the house.
The longer you wait, the more damage you’re stacking up. What starts as a slow drip can turn into insulation rot, mold, or major drywall issues, and those repairs can cost two to three times more if you wait.
What to do: Go up to your attic with a flashlight. If anything feels damp or smells musty, don’t shrug it off.
Debris on Roof
Tree branches, shingles from your neighbor’s roof, or even random objects like patio furniture—yeah, wind’s powerful enough to toss all that onto your roof.
Even if your shingles are intact, heavy debris can cause impact damage or add weight stress that weakens your structure. Plus, anything scraping across your roof can wear away protective layers.
What to do: If you see debris up there, have someone inspect for hidden damage before brushing it off.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the metal stuff around your chimney, vents, and skylights. If it’s loose or cracked, that’s another entry point for water, and once moisture gets behind it, problems multiply fast.
Roofing pros prioritize flashing in every post-storm inspection for a reason: It’s often the weak link.
What to do: Look for gaps, rust, or missing pieces near the roof’s joints. This is not a DIY job—get a roofer involved.
Granule Loss on Shingles
Your shingles are coated in protective granules that guard against UV damage. Strong winds can strip these granules, even if the shingles stay intact.
What to do: Check your gutters and downspouts—if you find a pile of black sand-like material, that’s a sign your roof is aging faster than it should.
Sagging or Uneven Rooflines
This one’s harder to spot but more serious. A sagging or drooping roofline is a warning sign that you might need wind damage roof repair, especially if wind has shifted the framing or affected the structure underneath.
It’s a bigger concern in older homes around the Twin Cities, especially if your roof is pushing 20 years.
What to do: Stand back and look at your roof from the street. If it doesn’t look straight, that’s your cue to call a pro.
Interior Ceiling Spots or Stains
If you see yellow or brown stains on the ceiling, that’s water making its way through your roof. It may take a while to appear, but once it does, the leak has already done some damage.
Those stains usually show up days or even weeks after the storm, long after you’ve stopped thinking about your roof.
What to do: Inspect ceilings and walls regularly after a windstorm, even if you didn’t notice damage right away.
Gutter and Downspout Separation or Overflow
Wind can loosen gutters, misalign downspouts, or clog the whole system with debris. That means water spills over the edges instead of being directed away from your home.
This kind of damage can lead to foundation issues, ice damming, or even basement leaks.
What to do: After a storm, walk around your home and look at the gutter system. Overflowing or detached parts need attention.
Cracked, Broken, or Loose Soffits and Fascia
Soffits and fascia protect your roof from moisture and help with attic ventilation. Wind can crack or shift them, letting in damp air, and once that moisture’s inside, mold isn’t far behind.
This is especially common in homes with wood fascia boards or older materials.
What to do: Look at the trim near your roofline. If anything’s cracked or gapped, you’ll want it repaired fast.
When You Need Professional Wind Damage Roof Repair?
You can catch the obvious stuff, but some damage stays hidden until it snowballs into a bigger (and more expensive) mess. If there’s anything above the roofline you can’t reach, inside the attic you’re unsure about, or structural issues you’re not trained to spot, don’t take chances.
Delaying repairs can lead to wood rot, insulation damage, higher energy bills, and mold that spreads behind your walls. That’s why getting a proper post-wind storm roof inspection is a must in Minnesota, especially since another storm could be right around the corner.
Watch out for storm chasers. Out-of-state crews might promise fast fixes, but they often:
- Don’t have Minnesota licenses
- Skip inspections and go straight for replacement
- Use materials that won’t hold up in our weather
Stick with a licensed, insured Twin Cities roofing repair contractor who knows the local codes and will be around for warranty support. Minnesota weather isn’t forgiving. One storm often leads to another. Acting fast is the smart move.
Crown Exteriors: Twin Cities Roofing Repair Experts
When your roof’s been hit by a storm, you need a local crew you can count on—and that’s where we come in. At Crown Exteriors, we’re Minnesota-based, community-rooted, and focused on helping homeowners and businesses bounce back fast.
From emergency repairs to full roof replacements, we handle it all and follow strict building codes, including IBC and Minnesota Residential Code. You’ll get warranty-backed work, support with insurance claims, and storm damage roof repair services tailored to your needs.
Call 651-236-9227 or book your inspection now—it’s fast, free, and hassle-free.