Tornado Season: What To Do After High Winds Hit Your Area

When the winds die down and the sky clears, you might feel relieved to see your home still standing. Tornadoes strike fast and hard, carving devastating paths. While your home may have not been directly in the tornado’s path, it can still experience serious damage from strong winds, flying debris, and nearby structural shifts.

Checking for damage right away — visible or hidden — is a smart move for any homeowner. While some storm damage is easy to spot, other damage can be difficult to see. From structural shifts to roof leaks, wind damage can hurt the safety, comfort, and value of your home. That’s where a thorough home inspection can help.

Here’s what to know (and do) after high winds hit your area.

What Damage Can a Tornado Cause?

Tornadoes and strong winds can damage your home in ways that aren’t obvious. Here are some of the most common issues to look for:

• Roof Damage – High winds can rip off shingles, lift flashing, and create soft spots that lead to long-term water damage. Even small tears in roofing material can let moisture seep in over time.

• Siding and Gutters – Flying debris or wind pressure can crack, dent, or completely remove siding panels. Detached gutters might not channel rainwater properly, which increases the risk of water pooling near your foundation.

• Windows and Doors – Strong gusts can cause windows to shift or break. Even if the glass stays intact, wind pressure can damage the seals. Those damaged seals often lead to air and moisture leaks, reduced energy efficiency, and mold growth.

• Foundation Damage – Shifting soil and intense vibrations can cause small cracks in your foundation. These might seem cosmetic at first, but the small cracks can expand over time and compromise the building’s structural integrity.

• Water Intrusion – Torn-off shingles, dislodged flashing, and broken siding make it easy for water to enter your attic or crawl space. Once inside, water can soak insulation, damage wood framing, and create an environment that encourages mold.

• Detached Structures – Garages, sheds, porches, fences, and playsets are often more vulnerable during storms. They could shift, lean, or collapse from wind pressure or debris impact.

Taking a closer look after a storm could help spot problems that aren’t visible from the curb.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tornado Damage?

Most home insurance policies have coverage for tornado and windstorm damage, but the protection you can get can vary a lot from policy to policy. Here’s a breakdown of how different types of damage are typically handled:

• Tornado and Wind Damage: These are generally included under the “windstorm” clause in standard policies. In some high-risk areas, though, policies might not cover wind damage or they will charge higher deductibles.

• Roof Damage from Wind: If your roof was in good condition before the storm, insurance will usually cover wind damage like torn-off shingles, structural damage, and leaks caused by the wind. The insurer could deny or reduce coverage, though, if the roof is already old or has been neglected.

• Wind Damage to Siding: Sudden damage from wind or flying debris is often covered. This type of damage includes cracks, holes, and sections of siding being torn off. Insurers may also cover repairs or replacements if there's a cosmetic inconsistency caused by mixing new and old materials.

Tip: Policies differ from one homeowner to another, so it’s always wise to review your coverage annually and clarify any windstorm exclusions with your insurance provider. You might also consider getting a wind mitigation inspection—it can identify features in your home that help resist wind damage and may even qualify you for insurance discounts, especially if you live in a high-risk area.

What Is the Average Cost to Repair Tornado Damage?

The financial impact of a tornado can vary widely depending on how strong the storm was and how well your home was maintained beforehand. Here's a general range:

• Minor Repairs ($2,000–$5,000): Includes cosmetic siding fixes, gutter replacements, and minor roof patching. These are often covered by insurance, but your policy might require you to meet a deductible before it starts paying out.

• Moderate Damage ($10,000–$20,000): Common when parts of the roof or siding are heavily damaged, windows need replacing, or water intrusion has affected insulation and drywall.

• Severe Damage ($30,000+): Typically includes extensive structural repairs, full roof replacements, foundation repairs, and mitigation of major water damage or mold.

Keep in mind that the longer damage is left unaddressed, the more expensive repairs tend to become — especially when moisture or mold is involved.

Why a Post-Storm Inspection Is Crucial

After a major weather event, it's tempting to take a "wait and see" approach. It’s hard to admit that your home might have been damaged. That’s a risky move, though, because some damage caused by wind or water isn't immediately visible. The longer you wait to make repairs, the more money the job could end up costing.

Here’s why a professional post-storm inspection is so valuable:

• Hidden Damage Detection: Not all damage is visible from ground level. Similarly, the untrained eye could miss some signs of damage. For example, loose shingles may only be noticeable when viewed from above, and small water leaks can soak insulation long before drywall begins to stain. In many cases, inspectors use drones to safely assess roofs that may be unstable or compromised. Drones can capture high-resolution video and, with thermal scanning, even detect hidden leaks or cracks that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

• Insurance Documentation Support: A home inspector can provide a detailed, unbiased report of storm-related damage. This documentation can strengthen your claim and help you get fair compensation from your insurance company.

• Prevent Costly Repairs: Catching issues early makes it easier to fix problems while they’re still manageable. Waiting too long can lead to mold growth, electrical issues, or structural failure, which will only add to repair costs.

Think of a post-storm inspection as a health check for your home. It can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

How to Prepare for Future Storms

While we can't control the weather, we can take steps to reduce the risk of damage. Here are a few tips to protect your home before the next storm:

• Secure Outdoor Items: High winds can turn patio furniture, grills, or trash bins into dangerous projectiles. Bring these items inside or anchor them down when storms are forecasted.

• Trim Trees and Overhanging Branches: Weak or overgrown trees near your home can break and fall onto your roof or siding. Pruning helps reduce this risk.

• Inspect Roofing and Siding Regularly: Have your roof and siding checked each year to identify signs of wear or damage. Replacing old shingles or siding before storm season can prevent bigger issues later.

• Seal Openings: Ensure that windows, doors, and attic vents are properly sealed to keep out wind-driven rain.

• Schedule Routine Home Inspections: Regular inspections help you catch issues early and keep your home in peak condition, storm or no storm.

How WIN Home Inspection Can Help

At WIN Home Inspection, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a storm can be. That’s why we offer Post-Storm Home Assessments to help you identify issues early and make informed decisions about what steps you take next.

• Advanced Tools for Deeper Insight: We use high-tech tools such as infrared (IR) cameras, drones, moisture meters, and sewer scope cameras to find hidden damage that isn’t visible to the naked eye. That means we can locate water intrusion, heat loss, and structural issues without invasive procedures.

• Fast, Detailed Reports: Our inspection reports are delivered within 24 hours to give you clear, actionable insights into your home’s condition. We design our reports for the average person, so they’re easy to understand. You can also share them with your insurance provider or contractor to get price estimates and schedule timely repairs.

• Thorough Assessments, Clear Guidance: Every WIN inspection is focused on educating you, not just listing defects. We explain what we find, why it matters, and what you can do about it. Whether the issue is minor or urgent, we show you a clear path forward. Through the Property Care List (PCL), we categorize findings into Repair or Replace to help you prioritize repairs and communicate with contractors. Our transparent, organized approach makes it much easier to determine what services you need and manage your next steps.

With decades of experience, cutting-edge tools, and a commitment to your safety, WIN Home Inspection is here to support you through recovery, from assessment to action.

FAQ: Tornado & Wind Damage

Q: Does homeowners insurance cover tornado damage? A: Yes, most standard policies cover damage from tornadoes. This includes structural repairs, roof replacement, and more. Check your policy for windstorm coverage specifics.

Q: What is the average cost of tornado damage? A: Storm-related repairs typically cost $2,700 to over $22,000, depending on the severity of the storm and the areas impacted. In some cases, repairs could cost as much as $60,000.

Q: Does homeowners insurance cover wind damage to roof and siding? A: In most cases, yes. Sudden and accidental damage from wind is generally covered. However, general wear and tear or poor maintenance could affect the amount of money you get from your insurer.

Final Thoughts

Tornadoes and high winds can take a serious toll on your home. Getting a professional inspection soon after the storm helps protect your home and ensures you have the documentation you need to file an insurance claim.

If your area was recently hit by a storm, take the first step toward recovery with confidence. Schedule a Home Inspection with WIN today. Let us help you protect Your Home, Your Health, and Your Future.