Scoping wind damage: a room by room method

Wind damage hides in transitions: where roof meets wall, where exterior becomes interior. A fixed walkthrough order is how you make sure the transitions get looked at every time.

Start outside, high to low

Begin with the roof: creased, lifted, and missing shingles show a directional pattern that should match the storm's recorded wind direction. Then work down through ridge caps, flashing, fascia, siding, windows, and finally grade level items like fences and outbuildings.

The directional test

Wind damage has a direction; wear does not. Before you go up, note which slopes and elevations faced the wind, and expect damage to concentrate there. Symmetric "damage" on all four sides is a flag to slow down and look for another cause.

The interior pass

• Top floor ceilings first, looking for staining directly below roof openings.
• Attic: wet decking, compressed insulation, daylight through the roof.
• Windows and doors: racking, gaps, and drafts on the windward side.
• Moisture meter on every suspect surface; record the readings.

Room by room, not damage by damage

Walk every room in order, even rooms that look fine. A dry ceiling today can hide a slow leak that shows up in the file three weeks later as "new damage". Noting "no visible damage" in a room protects both you and the homeowner.