WIND DAMAGE RISK CALCULATOR – FREDERICK, MD

Frederick County experiences repeated wind exposure throughout the year. Strong frontal systems, thunderstorms, and seasonal weather patterns regularly produce gusts between 40 and 60 mph. In some events, gusts exceed that range.

Most homeowners only think about wind when shingles visibly blow off. But in real-world roofing conditions, wind damage often begins long before visible failure occurs.

Every wind event flexes shingles. Seal strips fatigue. Adhesive bonds weaken. Fasteners experience micro-movement. Over time, this cumulative stress reduces the wind resistance of the roof system.

That means a roof that survives one storm without visible damage may fail in a later storm at a lower wind speed.

This Wind Damage Risk Calculator estimates field failure risk based on:

– The highest wind gust your roof has experienced
– Estimated roof age
– Shingle type

It does not rely solely on factory wind ratings. It reflects how aging and repeated exposure affect real roofs in Frederick County.

Use the calculator below to estimate your roof’s vulnerability.

Wind Risk Calculator

HOW TO USE THIS TOOL

Enter the highest wind gust you believe your roof has ever been exposed to. If you are unsure, use 50–60 mph. Gusts in that range are common in Frederick County.

Select your estimated roof age.

Select your shingle type.

The tool will generate a risk score reflecting cumulative wind fatigue and aging factors.

WHY 35 MPH CAN MATTER FOR OLDER 3-TAB SHINGLES

In field conditions, 10+ year old 3-tab shingles frequently lose seal strength and flexibility. After years of wind exposure, gusts in the 30–40 mph range can lift and crease tabs, even though the original printed wind rating may have been higher.

The key factor is cumulative degradation. Wind ratings are based on laboratory testing of new materials. They do not account for 10–15 years of thermal cycling, UV exposure, and repeated flexing.

CUMULATIVE WIND FATIGUE

Wind does not need to tear shingles off in a single event to cause damage.

Repeated flexing:
– Weakens adhesive bonds
– Creates micro-cracks in the shingle mat
– Gradually reduces fastener holding power

A roof that appears intact today may already be operating closer to its failure threshold than the homeowner realizes.

WARRANTY REALITY

Manufacturer wind warranties are tied to laboratory test conditions and rated wind speeds.

If a roof has been exposed to gusts exceeding its rated wind limit, wind-related warranty claims may be denied because the product has operated outside certified test conditions.

Even when claims are not formally denied, cumulative stress reduces effective performance below the original rating.

This is why understanding exposure history matters.

WHEN TO SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION

If your risk score falls into the High or Severe category, it indicates elevated vulnerability based on:

– Wind exposure
– Material age
– Shingle type

This does not automatically mean active damage is present. It means the roof may be operating in a range where failure becomes more likely.

If your score is Low or Moderate, continued monitoring after major storms is recommended, especially once the roof exceeds 10 years of age.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS