Wind damage claims in Dallas often follow storms that arrive with little warning. NOAA has logged 708 thunderstorm-wind reports in Dallas County, and the strongest gusts rival a hurricane. The highest measured was 115 mph at Addison Airport on June 14, 1996 (NCEI event). Straight-line winds and downbursts can damage roofs, siding, fences, and trees across a wide area, and the damage is not always obvious from the ground.
This page covers what wind does to Dallas-area buildings, how insurers evaluate wind claims, and how a public adjuster in Dallas can help you document the loss and review the settlement. If a tornado was involved, see our tornado damage claims page.
Recent Wind Events in Dallas County
The May 28, 2024 storm is the clearest recent example. A National Weather Service survey found winds up to 95 mph in Garland (NCEI event) and up to 90 mph in Richardson (NCEI event). Dallas Love Field measured a 75 mph gust, Irving recorded 71 mph, a commercial building in Carrollton lost its roof, and a building in Pleasant Grove had a partial roof collapse. A storm like that one can damage properties in several cities on the same night, which tends to slow inspections and stretch adjusters thin.
Not every damaging wind storm makes headlines. Many smaller events break limbs, lift shingles, and blow down fences in one part of the county. Our Dallas County storm history page lists reports by date and location.
What Wind Damages
- Roofs. Missing, creased, or lifted shingles; broken seal strips; damaged ridge caps; peeled-back TPO or modified-bitumen membranes on commercial roofs. See roof damage insurance claims.
- Trees and limbs. Large trees in older neighborhoods can crush roofs, carports, vehicles, and fences.
- Siding, soffits, and fascia. Panels torn loose or cracked; trim pulled away from brick veneer.
- Windows and doors. Broken glass from flying debris; garage doors pushed in by pressure.
- Fences and other structures. Wood fences, sheds, pergolas, and detached garages.
- Interior water damage when wind opens the roof or walls and rain follows.
- Power loss. Some policies cover food spoilage or other losses after an outage; check the policy for limits and conditions.
Documenting a Wind Damage Claim
| Evidence | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Photos and video before cleanup | Show fallen trees, missing shingles, debris, and openings in the building. |
| Weather data | NOAA and NWS records, damage surveys, and airport gust readings near the property. |
| Roof and exterior inspection | Slope-by-slope notes on lifted, creased, or missing shingles and damaged flashing. |
| Interior moisture readings | Shows where rain entered and how far water spread. |
| Tree removal and tarping invoices | Supports reimbursement for emergency services and debris removal. |
| Itemized repair estimate | Line-item scope for all exterior and interior repairs. |
Our claim documentation checklist covers what to gather in the first few days.
Common Wind Claim Disputes
- Wear and tear. The insurer says missing shingles reflect age or improper nailing rather than wind.
- Wind vs. water. Interior damage is attributed to an old leak or to flood rather than a wind-created opening.
- Limited repairs. A few shingles are approved even when brittle roofing cannot be repaired without causing more damage.
- Tree removal limits. Debris removal may be capped, and trees that fall without hitting a covered structure may not be covered.
- Deductible questions. The wind/hail deductible may be much higher than expected. Check your declarations page.
If the insurer’s payment does not cover the actual repairs, an underpaid claim review or a supplement may help. Disagreements over the amount of loss can sometimes go to appraisal.
Deductibles and Settlement Factors on Wind Claims
Before comparing estimates, find the wind/hail deductible on your declarations page. Many Texas policies write it as a percentage of the dwelling limit, so a 1% or 2% deductible on a well-insured home can be several thousand dollars. Small claims for a few missing shingles may fall below it, while a storm that damages the roof, fence, and interior together often does not.
Depreciation is the next factor. Replacement cost policies typically pay actual cash value first and release recoverable depreciation after repairs are complete, often within a deadline in the policy. Some roof coverage is ACV-only or follows a payment schedule. Read replacement cost vs. actual cash value in Texas for a fuller explanation.
Commercial and Multifamily Wind Losses
Flat and low-slope roofs on warehouses, retail centers, and apartment buildings are especially exposed to wind. Membranes can peel back at the edges, rooftop HVAC units can shift, and coping and parapet flashing can be torn loose. Once the roof is open, rain can damage tenant spaces, inventory, and electrical systems. Commercial policies may also include business income coverage and different deductibles. See commercial property claims for more.
How Dallas Public Adjuster Can Help
Dallas Public Adjuster, a service of Rise Public Adjusting LLC, works for the policyholder, not the insurance company. On a wind claim, we can inspect the property, document the damage, gather weather data, prepare a detailed Xactimate estimate, and present the claim to your insurer. We serve Dallas, Dallas County, and surrounding North Texas communities. We cannot guarantee a result. Fees are disclosed in a written contract before any work begins; Texas law caps public adjuster compensation at 10% of the insurance settlement.
What to Do After a Windstorm
- Stay clear of downed power lines and report them to Oncor.
- Photograph damage before moving debris, if it is safe to do so.
- Arrange tarping or board-up to prevent further damage, and keep receipts.
- Report the claim promptly and note the claim number.
- Keep damaged materials when practical until the insurer has inspected.
Weather-related claim lawsuits in Texas involve specific pre-suit notice requirements and policy deadlines. For legal questions, consult a Texas attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wind damage covered by homeowners insurance in Dallas?
Windstorm is a covered peril on most homeowners and commercial property policies, subject to deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements. Dallas County is outside the TWIA catastrophe area, so wind coverage usually comes from your regular insurer (or the Texas FAIR Plan where applicable).
My neighbor’s tree fell on my house. Whose insurance pays?
Usually your own policy responds to damage to your house, regardless of whose tree it was, subject to your deductible. Tree and debris removal coverage may have its own limits. Questions about a neighbor’s liability are legal questions best directed to a Texas attorney.
How does a wind/hail deductible work?
Many Texas policies apply a separate deductible to wind and hail losses, often a percentage of the dwelling (Coverage A) limit rather than a flat dollar amount. On a home insured for $400,000, a 2% deductible would be $8,000. Your declarations page shows how yours is calculated.
Is rain that came in during the storm covered?
Many policies cover interior rain damage only if wind or hail first created an opening in the roof or walls. If water came through an existing gap or a closed window, coverage may be limited. Photograph the opening and the interior damage before cleanup.
How can I prove high winds hit my property?
NOAA Storm Events records, National Weather Service damage surveys, and wind measurements at airports such as Love Field and Addison can help. Our storm lookup tool searches Dallas County reports by date.
Can a public adjuster help if my wind claim was already paid?
Possibly. If damaged items were missed or underpriced, the claim may be supplemented, and disputes over the amount of loss may go to appraisal under many policies. Timing and policy language matter, so act promptly.