Hail gets the headlines, but straight-line wind from thunderstorms does a lot of roof damage in Oklahoma too. If high wind just hit Sand Springs and you are finding shingles in the yard, here is what to look for and what to do next.
Roofing in Sand Springs: what’s different
Sand Springs (19,874 residents in 2020) sits west of Tulsa on US-412 near Keystone Lake and the Keystone Ancient Forest, and wind — not just hail — is its roofing story: on June 17, 2023 the National Weather Service recorded 81-mph winds in Sand Springs that damaged a roof and felled trees, with gusts over 100 mph at Wekiwa just to the west. Lifted shingles, broken seals and missing ridge caps are what we look for after a wind event, because they leak long before they are visible from the ground. The city’s permit brochure states that non-structural roof work can be done without a building permit, while structural repairs are permitted and inspected; Neighborhood Services is at 918-246-2572.
Why wind damages roofs
The Oklahoma Mesonet notes that thunderstorm winds are responsible for most thunderstorm damage and affect a much larger area than tornado paths. On a roof, wind works on the edges, corners and ridges first. It lifts shingles and breaks the seal that holds each one down, and once that seal is broken, the next storm can tear the shingle off.
Signs of wind damage
01
Missing shingles
Bare spots or shingles in the yard are the most obvious sign.
02
Creased or lifted shingles
A line across a shingle where it folded back in the wind means the seal has failed.
03
Exposed nails or underlayment
Visible felt, synthetic underlayment or nail heads leave the roof open to water.
04
Damaged ridge caps
The shingles along the peak take the most wind and are often the first to go.
05
Loose drip edge or flashing
Bent or lifted metal at the edges lets wind and water get under the roof.
06
Limb and debris impacts
Falling branches can puncture shingles and crack the deck below.
How we assess wind damage
Missing ridge caps and a few torn tabs are often repairable. What decides it is the rest of the roof, so we go over every slope with extra attention on the edges, corners and ridges, check whether the shingles beside the damage still have their seal, and analyze whether the roof can be put right with a repair. If it reasonably can, we recommend the repair, not a replacement.
If it cannot, for example because broken seals run across whole slopes, we photograph what shows it and explain it to you before anything else is discussed. Should you decide to file a claim, those photos and our estimate are yours to hand to your insurer.
What to do after high wind
- Stay safe. Keep away from downed power lines and stay off the roof.
- Take photos from the ground of missing shingles, debris and anything that looks out of place.
- Cover open areas if water is coming in. For an active leak or an opening in the roof, see emergency roof repair.
- Schedule a free roof inspection. Wind damage is often more widespread than what shows from the ground.
- Check your policy and report a claim the way your insurance company requires.
Wind damage in Sand Springs?
Get a free roof inspection and honest advice on whether a repair will hold or the roof needs more.
Learn about storm damage roof repair and emergency roof repair.
Roofing and exterior services in Sand Springs
Frequently asked questions
Can a few missing shingles just be replaced?
Usually, yes, if the rest of the roof is in good condition and the shingles can be matched. We also check nearby shingles for broken seals that could fail next time.
What if water is coming in right now?
Call us at 918-703-3735. See emergency roof repair for steps you can take to limit water damage.
Do you work on Sundays?
Family Tree Roofing offers Sunday roof inspections, repairs, and scheduling. When needed, we may also arrange emergency roof tarping or roof replacements on Sundays, depending on crew availability and the situation. Call 918-703-3735 to discuss your needs.
Will my insurance cover wind damage?
That depends on your policy, including any wind or hail deductible and any exclusions, and only your insurance company decides what is covered. What we can do is document the wind damage, note whether the roof can be repaired and give you the photos and estimate to share with your insurer.
Can my next roof hold up better in high wind?
It can. Wind-rated shingles installed with high-wind nailing help, and a FORTIFIED Roof adds stronger deck nailing, a sealed deck and reinforced edges. We are FORTIFIED Certified, though no roof is storm-proof.
Nearby service areas
Source: Oklahoma Mesonet, Weather Hazards.