Here’s something we’ve learned from working on hundreds of homes across Dover — wind damage doesn’t always look dramatic. After a storm, your roof might look “fine” from the driveway, but behind the scenes, things could be loosening up, literally. One lifted shingle can quietly turn into a roof leak, water damage, or even mold in your attic if it’s left unchecked.
That’s why storm damage roof inspection isn’t just a box to check — it’s a smart move, especially after high winds. At Grand Exteriors, we offer honest, fast, and no-pressure Dover roof repair services that help you understand what’s really going on up there before it gets expensive.
What You’ll Learn in This Post:
- How to identify wind damage on your roof (even if it’s subtle)
- What a proper roof inspection after a storm should include
- How to handle insurance, permitting, and material choices
- What Grand Exteriors does differently when repairing storm-damaged roofs
Need help now? Grand Exteriors offers free roof inspections in Dover.
Why Wind Damage Is a Serious Threat to Dover Roofs
Let’s be real — wind can tear up a roof just as fast as hail. In Dover, we see gusts topping 40–60 mph multiple times a year, especially in storm season. Even newer roofs can take a beating from that kind of force.
The problem is, wind damaged shingles don’t always break off and land in your yard. More often, they get lifted, cracked, or creased — and then water gets in.
Key Wind Damage Terms You Should Know
We don’t expect you to be a roofer, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Shingle uplift – The wind gets under the edge and breaks the seal
- Creasing – The shingle bends back and forms a visible crack
- Granule loss – Protective coating wears off, exposing the shingle
- Flashing failure – That metal around vents or chimneys can get shifted, leading to leaks
Why Dover Homes Are at Higher Risk
We’ve seen it all across Kent County:
- Roofs over 15 years old holding on by a thread
- Tree branches rubbing shingles loose
- Homeowners who didn’t know storm damage was even covered by insurance
Add in the fact that Dover building codes require properly installed underlayments and wind-rated materials — and you’ve got real reasons to take post-storm roof damage seriously.
What to Know Before Hiring a Roof Repair Company in Dover
If this is your first time dealing with wind damage, it can feel overwhelming. But like anything else, once you understand the basics, it gets easier to make the right decision.
1. Budget: What Roof Repairs Typically Cost
Here’s a straight breakdown of average costs in Dover:
- Minor shingle repairs: $300–$800
- Partial replacements: $2,000–$4,500
- Full roof replacements: $8,000–$18,000+
If this wasn’t something you planned for, you’re not alone. We offer financing to help spread out the cost without sacrificing quality.
2. Permits: What Dover Requires
- Small repairs? No permit usually needed.
- Full replacements? You’ll need one, but we take care of the paperwork.
3. Insurance: Know Your Policy
Most homeowners we work with don’t know what’s covered — until they need to. If wind from a named storm or significant weather event caused the damage, your policy may cover it. The key is a proper storm damage roof inspection report from a certified contractor.
We work directly with insurance adjusters to make sure everything is documented the right way.
4. Materials: Know What’s on Your Roof
We see a mix in Dover:
- Architectural shingles – Durable and common
- Metal roofing – Holds up great in wind, more popular on newer homes
- TPO/EPDM membranes – Found on flat or low-slope commercial buildings
Not sure what you’ve got? We’ll identify it during your inspection and explain how it holds up to storms.
5 Real Signs of Wind Damage You Can’t Afford to Ignore
You don’t have to be a contractor to spot signs of roof trouble. But you do have to look carefully — and usually from closer than street level.
1. Shingles That Curl, Lift, or Flap
This is a red flag. If you can slide your fingers under a shingle edge, wind already has — and it’ll do it again.
2. Creased or Folded Shingles
If you notice what looks like a horizontal bend across a shingle, that’s a crease. It can’t be repaired. It needs to be replaced.
3. Granules in Your Gutters
Check your downspouts. That gritty, sand-like material? It used to be on your shingles protecting them from sun and rain.
4. Flashing That’s Moved or Detached
It doesn’t take much wind to knock flashing out of place. And when it goes, water gets in.
5. Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls
This is what happens when a small leak gets ignored. If you’ve got stains, act fast — the damage is already inside your home.
What Happens During a Storm Damage Roof Inspection?
This isn’t just a walk-around with a flashlight. When we inspect your roof, we’re looking for every sign of trouble, even the ones other contractors might miss.
Here’s what we include:
- Full exterior inspection of shingles, flashing, and ridges
- High-res drone photos of hard-to-reach areas
- Attic or ceiling check if you suspect moisture
- Written report with photo documentation for your insurance company
- Honest feedback on what needs fixing and what doesn’t
Want to see what a certified inspection looks like? Click here.
How Grand Exteriors Helps You Recover After Wind Damage
At Grand Exteriors, we’re not here to scare you into replacing your roof. We’re here to give you the facts, help you understand your options, and do the job right if you decide to move forward.
We live here, too. We know the codes, the neighborhoods, the weather, and how to deal with local insurance carriers. We’re certified by the biggest names in roofing, and we back up our work with a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Our Roof Repair Process After a Storm
- Schedule your free inspection
- On-roof and drone evaluation
- Clear documentation for your insurance claim
- Transparent quote and timeline
- Repairs or replacement — done by trained, certified crews
We also offer emergency tarping and financing, because when wind damage hits, it doesn’t wait for payday.
Dover Roofing Storm Damage FAQs: Common Questions Homeowners Ask After High Winds
What do wind damaged shingles look like?
Wind damaged shingles typically appear lifted, creased, curled at the edges, or missing granules. These signs indicate that the shingles have been compromised by high winds and are no longer providing proper protection for your roof.
Should I replace or repair my wind-damaged roof?
You should replace or repair your wind-damaged roof based on the extent of the damage and the age of the existing materials. Minor damage to a newer roof may be resolved with a localized repair, but widespread issues or older roofs often require full replacement to prevent future problems.
Will insurance cover the cost of wind repairs?
Insurance will often cover the cost of wind-related roof repairs if the damage is caused by a qualifying storm and properly documented. A professional storm damage roof inspection and detailed report from a certified contractor are typically required for claim approval.
How long does a roof repair usually take?
A roof repair usually takes between one and two days, depending on the scope of the work and weather conditions. Full roof replacements in Dover generally take three to five days to complete.
Do I need a permit to fix my roof in Dover?
You may need a permit to fix your roof in Dover if the work involves a full replacement. Minor repairs typically do not require a permit. At Grand Exteriors, we handle all permitting and ensure all work complies with Dover’s local building codes.
What’s the best roofing material for wind resistance?
The best roofing materials for wind resistance are architectural asphalt shingles and standing seam metal roofs. Architectural shingles offer better durability than 3-tab shingles, while properly installed metal roofing provides superior wind protection.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm Hits
Wind damage isn’t always loud or obvious. A few shingles out of place today can mean major repairs tomorrow. Getting a storm damage roof inspection now means peace of mind later — and often, a free repair or replacement covered by your insurance.
At Grand Exteriors, we believe in honest work, clear communication, and doing the job right. Our team is certified, insured, and committed to making Dover roof repair services easy to understand and easier to trust.
Schedule your free inspection today. Get started with Grand Exteriors
