Wind Damage Calculator

Assess wind-specific roof damage by type (missing, lifted, creased shingles), estimate repair costs, and calculate your expected insurance payout

Assess wind damage extent and severity by type

Quick presets

sq ft
shingles

Trusses/Rafters Needed

31

24" spacing • 18.1 ft rafter length

PRO

Professional Calculator

Calculate insurance claim payout with depreciation and deductible

sq ft
years
$
50%

Estimated Materials

60 bundles

Roof Area

1,792 sq ft

Squares

17.9

Detailed Breakdown

Roof Area1,792 sq ft
With Waste1,971 sq ft
Roofing Squares17.9
Bundles60
How to Use This Calculator
The Wind Damage Calculator helps you assess wind-specific roof damage, estimate repair costs, and calculate what your insurance will pay.

Damage Assessment tab: Enter the sustained and gust wind speeds from the storm event, your roof area, and count the damage: shingles completely missing, shingles lifted but still attached, and shingles creased or bent. The calculator correlates wind speed with expected damage severity, estimates total affected area, and categorizes damage as minor (cosmetic), moderate (functional compromise), or severe (structural risk). This assessment language matches what insurance adjusters use.

Repair Estimate tab: Enter specific damage quantities — missing shingles, lifted shingles, creased shingles, exposed underlayment area, deck damage, ridge cap damage, and flashing condition. The calculator provides an itemized repair estimate: cost per missing shingle replaced, cost to reseal lifted shingles, cost to replace creased shingles, underlayment repair, deck replacement, ridge cap, and flashing repair. All prices reflect 2026 professional repair rates.

Insurance Claim tab: Enter the total repair cost (from the Repair Estimate tab or a roofer's estimate), your policy type (RCV or ACV), roof age, deductible, and whether you have a percentage-based deductible. The calculator shows your expected payout after depreciation (if ACV) and deductible, and flags whether the claim is worth filing based on the payout-to-deductible ratio.

The Formula
The wind damage calculator uses these formulas:

Damage Area Estimation: - Missing shingles: count × 3.5 sq ft per shingle (standard architectural) - Lifted shingles: count × 3.5 sq ft (50% may need replacement, 50% can be resealed) - Creased shingles: count × 3.5 sq ft (100% need replacement — crease = failure point) - Damage percentage = Total affected area ÷ Total roof area

Repair Cost by Type (2026 pricing): - Replace missing shingles: $15-$25 per shingle (includes labor, match, and sealant) - Reseal lifted shingles: $5-$10 per shingle (roofing cement + nail) - Replace creased shingles: $15-$25 per shingle - Underlayment repair: $4-$8 per sq ft (remove damaged, install new + shingles) - Deck replacement: $4-$6 per sq ft for OSB/plywood + $4-$8/sq ft for new shingles - Ridge cap: $8-$12 per linear ft installed - Flashing repair: $150-$400 per location (minor), $400-$1,200 (severe)

Insurance Payout (ACV): Depreciation = Roof Age ÷ Expected Lifespan ACV = Repair Cost × (1 - Depreciation) Payout = ACV - Deductible

Insurance Payout (RCV): Payout = Repair Cost - Deductible

Percentage Deductible: Deductible = Dwelling Coverage × Percentage Example: $300,000 × 2% = $6,000 deductible
Example Calculation
Example: Severe Thunderstorm Damage in Oklahoma

A derecho with 75 mph sustained winds and 95 mph gusts hit Jennifer's 2,000 sq ft home with 12-year-old architectural shingles.

Step 1: Damage Assessment
• Missing shingles: 20 (mostly along south-facing edge and ridge)
• Lifted shingles: 40 (adhesive strips failed, tabs flapping)
• Creased shingles: 25 (bent backwards by wind, granule cracking at crease)
• Underlayment exposed: 60 sq ft (where missing shingles clustered)
• Ridge cap missing: 15 linear ft
• Flashing: 1 pipe boot lifted
• Damage area: (20 + 25) × 3.5 + 60 = 217.5 sq ft direct replacement + 40 lifted
• Damage percentage: ~11% of roof — classified as moderate

Step 2: Repair Estimate
• Replace 20 missing shingles: 20 × $20 = $400
• Replace 25 creased shingles: 25 × $20 = $500
• Reseal 40 lifted shingles: 40 × $8 = $320
• Underlayment repair (60 sq ft): 60 × $6 = $360
• Ridge cap (15 ft): 15 × $10 = $150
• Flashing repair (1 pipe boot): $250
• Service call / mobilization: $350
• Total repair estimate: $2,330
• Contingency (15%): $350
• Total with contingency: ~$2,680

Step 3: Insurance Claim
• Jennifer has an ACV policy with $2,500 flat deductible
• Roof: 12 years old, 30-year architectural shingle
• Depreciation: 12/30 = 40%
• ACV of repair: $2,680 × (1 - 0.40) = $1,608
• Payout: $1,608 - $2,500 = negative — claim does not exceed deductible
• Recommendation: Do not file. Pay out-of-pocket $2,680 to avoid a CLUE record. If Jennifer had RCV: $2,680 - $2,500 = $180 payout — still not worth filing for $180 and a claims record. Consider filing only if damage worsens or additional damage is discovered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is wind damage different from hail damage on a roof?
Wind damage and hail damage present very differently. Wind damage shows directional patterns: shingles are lifted, creased, or torn off from the same direction. You see missing shingles, lifted tabs, exposed underlayment, and damage concentrated on the windward side and at edges/ridges/corners. Hail damage shows random impact patterns: circular dents in shingles, displaced granules leaving dark spots, cracked or fractured shingles, and dents in metal flashing/vents. Wind damage is primarily mechanical (pulling force), while hail damage is impact-based (compression force). Insurance adjusters look for these distinct patterns to classify the damage type, which can affect coverage and payout.
Should I file an insurance claim for wind damage?
File a claim if the estimated repair cost significantly exceeds your deductible — generally at least 2x your deductible to make it worthwhile. For example, with a $2,500 deductible, file if damage exceeds $5,000. Do not file for minor damage under or barely above your deductible because: (1) the claim goes on your CLUE report for 5-7 years, (2) your premiums may increase 10-25% at renewal, and (3) multiple claims can lead to non-renewal. Document everything with photos and get a written estimate from a licensed roofer before calling your insurer. File promptly — most policies require reporting within 60-90 days of the event.
What wind speed causes shingle damage?
Shingle damage begins at approximately 45-60 mph depending on shingle type, age, and installation quality. At 45-57 mph: older or poorly adhered shingles begin lifting, ridge caps may blow off. At 58-74 mph: standard 3-tab shingles suffer widespread tab lifting and loss, architectural shingles begin to lift at edges and ridges. At 75-95 mph: significant shingle loss on any roof, underlayment exposed, possible flashing damage. At 96-110 mph: expect 25-50% shingle loss, deck exposure likely. Above 111 mph: catastrophic damage possible, structural deck failure in severe cases. New Class H shingles (150 mph rated) with 6-nail patterns hold up significantly better than older or standard-nailed shingles.
How does this calculator differ from the Storm Damage Calculator?
This Wind Damage Calculator focuses exclusively on wind-caused damage: missing shingles, lifted tabs, creased shingles, and wind-driven debris impact. It uses wind speed data to correlate expected damage patterns and provides repair estimates specific to wind damage types. The Storm Damage Calculator is broader — it covers wind, hail, fallen trees, water intrusion, and combined damage scenarios from any storm type. Use this calculator when your damage is primarily wind-related (e.g., straight-line winds, tornadoes, hurricanes). Use the Storm Damage Calculator when you have mixed damage types or need a comprehensive post-storm assessment.
Can I get my entire roof replaced if only part is wind-damaged?
Insurance pays to restore your roof to its pre-storm condition. If only 10% of shingles are damaged, the insurer will pay to repair that 10%. However, full replacement may be approved if: (1) the shingle has been discontinued and a reasonable match is not available — code requires uniform appearance, (2) damage exceeds 25-33% of the roof area (repair becomes impractical), (3) your local building code requires full replacement when repairs exceed a threshold (some jurisdictions trigger full replacement at 25% damage), or (4) the roofer can demonstrate that spot repairs would not restore the roof to a watertight, functional condition. Document everything and get your roofer to write a scope of work that explains why full replacement is necessary.

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Related Guides & Resources

Roof Insurance Claims Guide Storm Damage Guide How to Negotiate with Adjuster