March 12, 2025
Energy-Efficient Roofing Solutions for Central West End Homes
Wind vs. Hail Damage: Understanding Common Roofing Issues in St. Louis
St. Louis homeowners are no strangers to severe weather, with unpredictable storms, high winds, and hail causing significant roof damage throughout the year. While wind and hail can both wreak havoc on a roof, they cause damage in different ways, and identifying the type of damage is crucial for proper repairs and insurance claims.
In this blog, we’ll break down how wind and hail impact roofs in St. Louis, how to spot the damage, and how Family First Exteriors can help restore your roof quickly and efficiently.
How Wind and Hail Damage Your Roof in St. Louis
Wind Damage: More Than Just Missing Shingles
High winds are a major concern in St. Louis, especially during spring and summer thunderstorms and fall tornado season. Wind damage to roofs often occurs in gusts rather than sustained winds, which means that some areas of your roof may be affected while others remain intact.
Signs of Wind Damage on Your Roof:
✅ Missing or lifted shingles – Strong winds can pull shingles loose, exposing the underlayment and roof deck.
✅ Creased or curled shingles – If shingles appear bent or folded, it indicates they’ve been loosened by the wind.
✅ Exposed nails or fasteners – Wind can lift shingles, revealing nails that can lead to leaks.
✅ Loose flashing or chimney damage – Wind can loosen metal flashing, leading to water leaks around vents, chimneys, and skylights.
✅ Gutter damage or detachment – Winds can tear gutters off or clog them with debris, leading to drainage problems.
💡 Did You Know? In St. Louis, wind speeds of 50+ mph are common during storms, and even winds as low as 30 mph can damage aging or poorly installed roofing.
Hail Damage: The Hidden Threat to Your Roof
Hailstorms are one of the biggest threats to St. Louis roofs, especially during spring and summer thunderstorms. Unlike wind, which can gradually loosen or remove shingles, hail causes sudden and direct impact damage that weakens the integrity of roofing materials.
Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof:
✅ Dented or bruised shingles – Hail impact leaves dents or soft spots that weaken shingles.
✅ Loss of granules – Asphalt shingles have protective granules that hail can knock off, exposing the underlying layers to UV damage and faster wear.
✅ Cracked or broken shingles – Large hailstones can fracture shingles, leading to leaks and deterioration.
✅ Dents on flashing, vents, and gutters – If metal roof components are dented, the shingles likely suffered damage too.
✅ Leaking inside the home – Hail can create micro-tears in shingles, leading to slow leaks over time.
💡 Did You Know? Hailstones as small as 1 inch in diameter can damage shingles, and St. Louis has recorded hailstones as large as 3 inches!
How to Tell if Your Roof Has Wind or Hail Damage
Sometimes, storm damage is obvious, like when you see shingles in your yard after a storm. Other times, the damage is subtle and may take weeks or months to develop into a leak.
Key Differences Between Wind and Hail Damage:
| Feature | Wind Damage | Hail Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Damage | Shingles lifted, curled, or missing | Dented, bruised, or cracked shingles |
| Shingle Appearance | Edges may be creased or bent | Random dents or loss of granules |
| Metal Components | Flashing or gutters may be loosened | Vents, flashing, and gutters dented |
| Leaks | Can develop if underlayment is exposed | Can occur over time as granules wear away |
If you’re unsure whether your roof has been damaged by wind, hail, or both, a professional roof inspection is the best way to assess the situation.
What to Do If Your Roof Has Wind or Hail Damage
1️⃣ Inspect Your Property – After a storm, check for missing shingles, dents on gutters, or leaks inside your home.
2️⃣ Take Photos – Document any visible damage to your roof, siding, gutters, and outdoor furniture for insurance claims.
3️⃣ Check Your Attic – Look for water stains, damp insulation, or signs of leaks that may not be visible from the outside.
4️⃣ Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection – Call Family First Exteriors for a free storm damage inspection to identify hidden issues.
5️⃣ File an Insurance Claim (If Necessary) – If the damage is extensive, we can assist with insurance claims to ensure you get the coverage you deserve.
How Family First Exteriors Helps St. Louis Homeowners
At Family First Exteriors, we specialize in storm damage repairs and full roof replacements for homeowners in St. Louis and surrounding areas. Our experienced team can quickly assess and repair wind and hail damage, preventing further issues down the line.
✅ Free Storm Damage Inspections – We provide thorough roof assessments after storms.
✅ Fast, Reliable Repairs – We use high-quality materials to restore your roof’s durability.
✅ Insurance Claim Assistance – We help you navigate the insurance process, making sure you get fair coverage.
✅ Emergency Tarping & Leak Protection – If you have immediate leaks, we provide temporary protection to prevent further damage.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Roof from Wind & Hail Damage
St. Louis homeowners must be proactive in protecting their roofs from wind and hail damage. Regular inspections, quick repairs, and choosing the right roofing materials can help prevent costly problems.
If your roof has suffered storm damage—or if you want a free inspection to catch problems early—contact Family First Exteriors today. We’re here to keep your home safe, secure, and storm-proof all year round.
📞 Call us today for a free roof inspection! 🚀🏡 or Fill the form below
