Windstorm Preparedness and Roof Inspection

Hazard picture

Windstorm losses arise primarily from lifted roof coverings, falling trees and façade elements, and from consequential water damage once the building envelope has been breached. Loosely anchored roof coverings, large lightweight façades and roof-mounted installations such as photovoltaic arrays or air-conditioning units are particularly exposed where their fixings were not originally designed for current wind load standards.

Preparedness and inspection measures

Regular pre-season roof inspections check anchoring, sealing and the condition of flashing; rooftop installations must have documented fixings verified against wind uplift. Pruning storm-prone trees near buildings and keeping loose outdoor items, which can become airborne debris, properly stored further secure the site.

Insurance relevance

Because windstorm events affect wide areas and can generate significant accumulation losses, property insurers increasingly require evidence of wind-load-compliant fixings for exposed roof constructions. Neglected inspections are among the most common reasons why windstorm losses turn out larger than expected.