When a windstorm blows through the Twin Cities, you don’t need a ladder to spot early warning signs of roof damage. In fact, many of the best post‑storm checks can be done safely from the ground with nothing more than a flashlight and a pair of binoculars. This guide walks you through 15 simple, ground‑level inspections to catch problems fast, protect your home, and decide whether it’s time to call a professional. If you spot issues during these checks, schedule a quick roof repair assessment with our team to verify hidden entry points before they spread.
Safety first: Stay on the ground. Avoid standing on wet decks, leaning ladders against gutters, or stepping on slick surfaces. If anything looks unstable (trees, power lines, loose metal), keep clear and call a pro.
Why ground‑level checks matter in the Twin Cities
- High winds + debris: Gusts can lift shingle tabs, crease the mat, and blow off ridge caps.
- Freeze–thaw cycles: Even in fall and early winter, temperature swings can open gaps that wind‑driven rain exploits.
- Hidden leak paths: Water rarely appears where it enters. Ground observations help you triangulate the source before it becomes a ceiling stain. For troubleshooting by symptom, browse our Common Roof Problems hub for quick guides.
The ground‑level toolkit (no ladder)
- Binoculars (7x–10x) to inspect edges, caps, vents, and valleys from multiple angles.
- High‑lumens flashlight to graze ceilings/walls indoors and reveal subtle ripples or stains.
- Painter’s tape + notepad to mark and label interior spots so you can track growth after the next rain.
- Phone camera for time‑stamped photos and short videos; step back to show context, then zoom for close‑ups.
- Gloves & safety cones for clearing small ground debris and cordoning slippery areas.
Twin Cities wind realities (quick context)
- Prevailing W/NW gusts during fall fronts stress west‑ and south‑facing slopes first.
- Leaf load in late September–November raises overflow risks at eaves/soffits.
- Temperature swings accelerate sealant shrinkage at vents and flashing joints—expect small leaks to “wake up” after fronts.
The 15 checks (no ladder needed)
Note: Always document findings for insurance purposes and contact a licensed roofing contractor for confirmation.
- Shingle tabs and edges (binoculars)
Scan for tabs lifted like “flapped cards,” creases, or missing corners. Compare different slopes—wind pressure isn’t uniform.
- Ridge caps
Look for missing pieces, crooked lines, or cap shingles bent back by gusts. Caps take the brunt of wind.
- Hips and valleys
From the ground, follow these lines for debris piles, exposed metal, or uneven shingle cuts. Debris dams divert water sideways and can lead to pooled water after a storm.
- Eave line and drip edge
Sight along the lower edge for wavy lines, bent metal, or shingle overhang that looks too short. Misalignment invites wind‑driven rain.
- Gutters and downspouts
Are troughs sagging or freshly dented? Check for shingle granules gathering near downspout outlets—heavy granules can signal surface wear or recent damage—and look for loose hangers or gutter damage that can blow water behind fascia.
- Soffits and fascia
Look for loosened panels, staining, or fresh caulk lines. Wind can push water behind trim, showing up as faint streaks.
- Flashing zones (walls and chimneys)
From the ground, inspect where roof meets wall or chimney. Wavy metal, mismatched caulk, or rust lines can hint at step‑flashing issues.
- Skylights and sun tunnels
Check for cracked lenses, lifted frames, or water streaks on the exterior glass. Watch the ceiling below for staining over the next 48 hours.
- Roof vents and attic exhausts
Box vents and ridge vents should sit flat. If you see a vent cap twisted or missing, note the location and monitor the ceiling directly below.
- Fallen debris on the roof
Branches, holiday decorations, or loose hardware can puncture shingles. If debris remains, don’t climb—call for safe removal.
- Exterior walls directly below rooflines
Walk the perimeter and look for fresh streaks, bubbling paint, or efflorescence. These often appear beneath flashing issues or clogged gutters.
- Interior ceilings along exterior walls
Inside, check top corners of rooms and around light fixtures for yellowing or soft spots. Use a flashlight at a shallow angle to highlight irregularities, and consult our leaky roof checklist to narrow likely sources.
- Attic sniff test (from the hatch)
Without walking the attic, open the hatch and smell for musty air. Use a flashlight to scan for darkened sheathing or rusty nail tips near ridges and vents.
- Driveway and lawn for shingle pieces
Look for torn tabs, ridge‑cap fragments, or exposed fiberglass mats. Bag and date any fragments—you may need them for an adjuster visit.
- Fences, decks, and patio furniture
These can be “secondary indicators.” If you see wind damage here, your roof likely took a hit. Document everything.
Windstorm quick‑check cheat sheet (no ladder)
| What you see from the ground | Likely cause | Risk if ignored | Fast next step |
| Lifted shingle edges along eaves | Uplift broke the seal strip | Water driven under laps → interior stains | Schedule a roof repair assessment |
| Crooked/missing ridge caps | Nail pull‑through or cap crease | Wind‑driven rain at the ridge, widespread leaks | Call for inspection via Plymouth team |
| Debris piles in valleys | Leaves/branches damming flow | Water diversion under shingles | Clear safely; monitor for pooled water |
| Streaks on siding below roof‑wall junctions | Step‑flashing movement | Hidden leak behind wall sheathing | Document, then request repair |
| Granule piles at downspouts | Surface wear or creased tabs | Accelerated shingle aging, future leaks | Photograph; add to claim notes; see leaky roof guide |
| Sagging/dented gutters | Wind or ice impact | Blow‑back into soffits and attic wetting | Inspect for gutter damage |
| Musty air at attic hatch | Active wetting/poor ventilation | Mold growth and degraded insulation | Log dates; consider wind‑damage claim tips |
What to do if you spot potential damage
- Document first. Take clear photos from multiple angles and note the date, wind direction (if known), and where on the house you observed issues.
- Protect the interior. If you notice staining, move furniture, set a bucket, and increase ventilation.
- Avoid quick‑fix caulk. Smearing sealant over a flashing issue can trap water and void warranties.
- Schedule a professional assessment. A trained inspector can safely check laps, flashings, and fasteners you can’t see from the ground.
Building‑science basics: why wind exposes weak points
- Uplift and flutter: Gusts reduce air pressure over the roof, prying at tabs and caps; repeated flutter weakens adhesive bonds.
- Wind‑driven rain (pressure + direction): Horizontal rain rides siding/flashings and is forced into tiny gaps that vertical rainfall never reaches.
- Capillary action: Once water breaches the surface, it follows fasteners and overlaps, often showing up far from the entry point. For deeper testing data on gust effects, see the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety’s wind research.
Common Twin Cities wind‑damage patterns (and why they matter)
- South and west slopes show first: Prevailing winds often push rain into these faces. Expect earlier wear or lifted tabs on those slopes.
- Ridge and hip stress: Gusts focus pressure along high lines, loosening cap nails over time.
- Debris‑driven punctures: Small branches create pinholes that don’t leak until the next storm—photos help catch these delayed issues.
- Gutter blow‑back: Wind sends water over the back of the gutter into soffits, causing hidden staining and insulation wetting.
Pro tips from the field
- Use a level line: From across the street, sight the eave; sudden sags reveal loose fasteners or rotted fascia.
- Compare slopes at the same time of day: The low sun can reveal lifted edges with crisp shadows.
- Check after the next rain: If the ceiling spot grows, the entry point is active. Mark the edge with painter’s tape to track spread.
- Granule gauge: A handful of new granules at downspouts after a big wind is normal; piles are not.
Decision guide: what to do next
If you see…
- Lifted/missing ridge caps or twisted vents: Document and call a pro—these are high‑exposure components.
- Granule piles at downspouts but no leaks: Monitor, clean gutters, and schedule a non‑urgent assessment.
- Interior staining or musty attic air: Protect contents, ventilate, and request an inspection within 24–48 hours.
- Branches lodged on the roof: Stay off the ladder; schedule safe removal to prevent punctures.
DIY vs. professional help
Ground‑level checks are powerful, but some tasks should always be left to trained crews with proper fall protection and manufacturer‑approved materials.
You can safely observe and document from the ground, but only a pro should:
- Walk steep or wet roofs
- Re‑set ridge caps or replace torn tabs
- Re‑flash wall and chimney transitions
- Inspect or repair skylight and vent penetrations
- Diagnose attic ventilation or condensation issues
If you’re unsure, err on the side of a professional inspection—especially before winter freeze‑thaw magnifies small openings. For west‑metro homeowners, our local Plymouth roof repair team can document issues and outline options.
Insurance & documentation tips (homeowner‑friendly)
- Create a simple claim packet: exterior photos, interior ceiling shots, and a short timeline (“Windstorm on 10/14, staining noticed 10/16”).
- Label locations in photos (e.g., “south slope above living room”). Adjusters appreciate clarity.
- Avoid temporary fixes that alter evidence (e.g., painting stains) before documentation.
- Know what adjusters look for: our wind‑damage insurance guide explains terms like uplift, creasing, and discontinuity.
- Track new damage after subsequent rains to show progression.** after subsequent rains to show progression.
Seasonal prevention checklist (no ladder)
- Clear ground‑level leaf piles near downspouts so water can escape.
- Watch for icicle formation early; it often means heat loss and attic bypasses.
- From inside, confirm bath and kitchen fans actually exhaust (hold a tissue at the grille).
- Trim branches that swipe the roof in wind to prevent crease/puncture damage.
How NMC Exteriors can help
NMC Exteriors is a Minnesota‑based, family‑owned contractor serving the Twin Cities. Our storm team documents issues with photos and a clear plan, whether it’s targeted repairs or a full replacement when warranted.
What you can expect from our inspection:
- A roof‑edge and slope‑line scan from safe vantage points
- Attic‑hatch moisture and ventilation check
- Photo documentation of suspected entry points
- A plain‑English summary with next steps and options
Ready for peace of mind after a windstorm?
NMC Exteriors
Address: 14505 21st Ave N, Suite 226, Plymouth, MN 55447
Phone number: (763) 325‑8818
Website: nmcexteriors.com
FAQ
How soon should I check after a windstorm?
Same day if it’s safe, then again after the first rain that follows—some punctures reveal themselves later.
What if I can’t see my roof well from the ground?
Use binoculars from multiple angles, or have us perform a documented inspection.
Will small wind damage always leak?
Not immediately. Creased shingles and loosened caps often leak during the next wind‑driven rain event.
Do I need to call insurance first or a contractor?
If there’s interior damage, notify your insurer promptly. A contractor’s documentation often strengthens your claim by pinpointing cause and scope.
