What is Wind Damage?
Property wind damage refers to harm, destruction, or loss caused to buildings, structures, and assets as a result of strong winds. Wind damage can occur during severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, or high-wind events. The intensity and type of wind damage can vary based on factors like wind speed, the duration of the event, and the structural resilience of the affected property.
Common types of property wind damage include:
Roof Damage: High winds can cause damage to roofs by lifting shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials. In extreme cases, strong winds can lead to the partial or complete removal of the roof.
Siding Damage: The exterior siding of buildings can be damaged or torn off by powerful winds, leaving the underlying structure vulnerable to further harm.
Window and Door Damage: High winds may result in broken windows and doors, compromising the building’s integrity and allowing wind-driven rain to enter.
Structural Damage: Wind forces can exert pressure on the entire structure, leading to structural damage such as leaning or collapsing walls, weakened foundations, or compromised support structures.
Flying Debris: During windstorms, debris such as tree branches, signs, or other objects can become projectiles, causing damage to buildings, windows, and other structures.
Power Outages: Strong winds can lead to power outages by causing damage to power lines, utility poles, and electrical infrastructure.
Fallen Trees and Limbs: Trees can be uprooted or lose limbs during high-wind events, causing damage to buildings, vehicles, and other structures in their path.
Property owners may take preventive measures to minimize the risk of wind damage, such as securing loose objects, trimming overhanging tree branches, and reinforcing vulnerable areas of the property. Insurance policies, such as homeowners’ or commercial property insurance, may provide coverage for wind damage, depending on the terms and conditions of the policy. It’s essential for property owners to review their insurance coverage and take appropriate measures to safeguard their properties against potential wind-related risks.
45 – 57 mph Wind Damage:
The National Weather Service states that gusts up to 45 mph can start to cause minor damage, but this speed range is regarded as “non-severe”. These weak winds may break some tree limbs and harm shingles that are already loosened or vulnerable.
58 – 74 mph Wind Damage:
When the wind becomes particularly strong, buildings and landscape sustain serious damage. At this range, wind will uproot trees, peel off shingles that were in good shape, damage chimneys, and take down entire tree limbs.
75+ mph Wind Damage:
At this speed, wind will significantly damage the roofs of homes and businesses as well as cause widespread damage to trees and mobile homes.
Call Chad T. Wilsom Law Firm, PLLC.
Speak with a property damage attorney if you’re having trouble getting your claim processed or if the insurance company is attempting to pay less for the claim than is reasonable.
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Chad T. Wilson is an attorney whose firm specializes in property insurance disputes.
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