Stay Safe First, Inspect Later
The Inland Northwest sees some serious wind events. The November 2015 windstorm that knocked out power to much of Spokane County saw gusts well over 70 mph, and most years bring at least a few storms strong enough to lift shingles and snap branches. When the wind finally dies down, the instinct is to grab a ladder and go look. Please don't.
Wait until the storm has fully passed and conditions are calm. Then do your first assessment from the ground. Watch for downed power lines, hanging branches, and debris before you walk the perimeter of your home. Never climb onto a wet, wind-stripped, or damaged roof yourself — loose shingles and hidden soft spots cause falls every storm season. If you smell gas or see arcing lines, leave and call 911 and your utility.
Look for the Signs of Wind Damage From the Ground
You can spot most wind damage with your eyes and a phone camera. Walk around the house and look for:
- Missing or lifted shingles — bare patches, or shingles curled up at the edges where the seal broke.
- Shingle debris in the yard — granule piles or whole tabs in gutters, flower beds, or on the driveway.
- Creased or bent shingles that flapped in the gusts but didn't fully tear off (these often fail later).
- Damaged flashing, ridge caps, or vents around chimneys, valleys, and roof penetrations.
- Bent or detached gutters and downspouts.
- Interior clues — new water stains on ceilings, drips, or daylight visible in the attic.
Wind damage isn't always obvious. A shingle can have its adhesive seal broken without visibly moving, leaving it vulnerable to the next storm and to wind-driven rain. That's why a professional eye matters before you assume your roof is fine.
Document Everything Before You Touch It
Before any cleanup or repair, build a record. This is the single most important step for a smooth insurance claim. Take clear, dated photos and video of:
- The overall roof from several angles (use your phone's zoom from the ground).
- Every individual damaged area — close-ups and wide shots.
- Debris on the ground, in gutters, and around the property.
- Any interior water damage, stains, or wet insulation.
- Damaged gutters, fascia, siding, fences, and outbuildings.
Keep a written log with the date and approximate time of the storm. Local National Weather Service Spokane reports and news coverage of the wind event can help corroborate your claim. Save receipts for any emergency supplies or temporary repairs — most policies reimburse reasonable costs to prevent further damage.
Make Safe Temporary Repairs to Prevent Further Damage
Insurance policies generally require you to take reasonable steps to stop additional damage — this is called your duty to mitigate. If you have an active leak or exposed decking, a temporary tarp can save your interior. But only do this if you can do it safely from a stable position; otherwise call a professional.
A proper emergency tarp is anchored over the ridge and secured so wind and rain can't get underneath. Move valuables and electronics away from active drips and put down buckets and towels. Do not attempt permanent repairs yet — and don't throw away damaged materials your adjuster may want to see. Document the temporary repair with photos too. If you're not comfortable on the roof, a reputable local roofer can usually get a tarp on quickly after a storm.
Get a Professional Roof Inspection
Even if your roof looks okay from the yard, have it inspected by a licensed roofer after a significant wind event. A pro will check seal integrity, look for creased shingles and lifted edges, inspect flashing and penetrations, and assess the decking and attic for moisture. They'll give you an honest read on whether you're looking at a minor repair, a partial fix, or a full roof replacement.
At DG Contracting, we've inspected roofs across Spokane, Spokane Valley, Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho since 2013, and we offer free estimates with a clear written assessment. As a GAF Master Elite contractor — a certification held by only the top 2 to 3 percent of roofers nationwide — we can document damage thoroughly and explain your options without pressure. An inspection report also strengthens your insurance file.
When and How to File an Insurance Claim
Most homeowner policies cover sudden wind damage, but the details matter. Before filing, do a quick gut check:
- Compare the likely repair cost to your deductible. Many Inland NW policies carry separate wind/hail deductibles. If a small repair costs less than your deductible, a claim may not be worth it.
- Call your agent or carrier promptly and report the date of loss. Many policies have time limits for wind claims.
- Provide your documentation — photos, video, the inspection report, and your storm log.
- Meet the adjuster on-site if you can. Having your roofer present during the adjuster's visit helps make sure nothing is missed.
Be cautious of out-of-area crews that show up door-to-door right after a storm promising to "waive your deductible." Waiving a deductible is generally illegal and a red flag for storm-chasing scams. Work with a licensed, locally established contractor who will still be here next year.
Choose a Repair That Holds Up to Inland Northwest Weather
When it's time to repair or replace, build back stronger than before. Our climate throws everything at a roof — high wind, heavy snow load, freeze-thaw cycling, and ice dams along the eaves. The right system makes a real difference.
- High wind-rated shingles with proper sealing and nailing patterns resist the next gust far better than builder-grade materials.
- Quality underlayment and ice-and-water shield at the eaves and valleys protect against ice dams and wind-driven rain.
- Metal roofing is an excellent option for our region — it sheds snow, stands up to wind, and lasts for decades. See our metal roofing options.
DG Contracting backs our work with a 15-25 year workmanship warranty plus the GAF Golden Pledge (25 and 50-year coverage), and we include a 15-25 year workmanship warranty with a full roof replacement. We're licensed and insured in both Washington and Idaho, and flexible financing is available so a storm doesn't have to derail your budget.