What does a wind damaged shingles look like?

Wind damaged shingles have several distinct visual characteristics that distinguish them from normal aging. The most obvious sign is missing shingles where you can see underlayment or bare decking. More subtle wind damage includes lifted or creased shingles. A creased shingle will have a horizontal or diagonal line or fold across the shingle where the wind bent it back, breaking the fiberglass mat but not tearing it off completely. These creased shingles will no longer seal properly and will eventually blow off. You may also see shingles that are flapping or no longer adhered to the sealant strip below, where the corners or edges are lifted and you can slide your hand underneath easily. Another sign is granule loss in a distinct pattern or shiny spots where shingles rubbed together in high wind. Sealant failure appears as shingles that have lost their bond but are still nailed down. On the ground, look for shingle pieces or large amounts of granules in gutters and downspouts after a storm. In severe cases, entire sections may be peeled back like a banana peel, with nails pulled through the shingle. If you suspect wind damage, inspect from the ground with binoculars or have a roofer inspect, as walking on wind-damaged shingles can cause more damage.