WIND DAMAGE CASE STUDY

Photo from a roofer on a roof showing a shingle that has been torn off due to wind damage.

Wind Damage to Roof: My Real Story at Whitaker Roofing Company

“…One loose tab led to this.’ If we’d inspected months earlier, we could’ve caught it before the OSB got damaged, avoiding some repair costs.

Hi, I’m Levi, one of the roof specialists at Whitaker Roofing Company, which has been dealing with wind damage since 2017. Operating in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, we see plenty of stormy weather, and I recently worked on a job in Stone Mountain, Georgia, that really hit home. This case study is about how a single torn shingle tab turned into a bigger issue—and how we stepped in to make it right. Let me share my experience, show you the photos, and explain why I think you should let us help with your wind damage worries.

The Case Study: A Shingle Tab’s Hidden Trouble

I recently visited a home in Stone Mountain where the owner had me look over his roof. Here’s what I found, with photos I took during the repair:

  • The Before Scene:
    • When I checked it out, the damage wasn’t obvious from the ground. In the first photo, you’ll see a shingle where just one tab—called the “dragon’s tooth”—had been torn away. It wasn’t a big, exposed gap, and you might not catch it without a close look. “This didn’t happen in one storm,” I told the homeowner. “It took multiple windy days to loosen that tab. All that time, water was sneaking in, soaking the OSB, and even causing issues inside.” The damage was subtle but growing with each gust.
  • The Damage Exposed:
    • During the replacement, the second photo showed the real story. The OSB underneath had a water-stained board with a large hole—proof of rot and water intrusion from that tiny exposed spot. I said, “One loose tab led to this.” If we’d inspected months earlier, we could’ve caught it before the OSB got damaged, avoiding some repair costs. It’s why I push for yearly checks to stop problems early.
Image of a hole on a sheet of OSB on a roof after removing the shingles that was caused by wind damage to roof.
Photo of a roofer repairing a wind damage roof that led to a water leak and a hole in the roof.

The Fix:

My team and I replaced the roof with Atlas Pinnacle Pristine Pewter Asphalt Shingles, chosen for their durability and style. As an Atlas Pro+ Diamond Select Contractor, I was able to give the homeowner a Limited Lifetime Manufacturer warranty, ensuring their peace of mind. We swapped out the damaged OSB, sealed it with waterproof underlayment, and dried out the attic. The interior damage could have been way worse and potentially cost thousands more if we hadn’t caught it and replaced the roof when we did.

Image of a roof being replaced after wind damage
Image of a roof being replaced after wind damage
Image of a roof newly replaced after wind damage
Image of a roof newly replaced after wind damage

Why Wind Damage to Roof Needs Attention

  • Slow but Sneaky: Wind doesn’t smash like hail—it lifts tabs slowly, letting water seep in unnoticed until the damage is serious, as I saw here.
  • Hidden Risks: Water from wind damage can rot OSB or invade attics, creating holes and mold—exactly what I found under that shingle.
  • Regional Challenge: With wind speeds hitting 70-100 mph in our storms, even a small tab lift can start trouble across Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.

How Whitaker Roofing Makes a Difference

Since 2017, we’ve been storm damage experts, and my story shows our edge:

  • Yearly Inspections Are Key: This job proved to me why a yearly check-up catches wind damage early. We offer free inspections with drones to spot loose tabs or weak spots safely.
  • Precision Repairs: We use top materials and techniques, like reinforced underlayment, to fix wind damage and prevent future leaks.
  • Insurance Navigators: As denied claim specialists, we document damage (like those photos) and work with adjusters to secure coverage, easing your costs.
  • Trusted Since 2017: With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, we’re a reliable name—not a here-today-gone-tomorrow outfit.

Takeaways from My Job

  • Catch It Early: That loose tab could’ve been a quick fix if spotted months earlier, avoiding OSB damage and some repair costs.
  • Watch for Signs: After a windy spell, look for loose tabs or attic dampness—give us a call if you notice these.
  • Safety First: Don’t climb up yourself—let my trained team handle it with the right gear.

Conclusion

Wind damage to roof can start with a single loose tab and end with a holey mess, as I saw in Stone Mountain. At Whitaker Roofing Company, we’ve been your storm damage experts since 2017, offering free inspections and top-notch fixes across Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. Don’t let wind take control—let us stop it early with the care and expertise I bring to every job.

Got wind damage worries? Reach out to me at 206-886-4321 or email me at levi@wrcroofing.com. Let’s protect your roof and keep your home safe!

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