That’s a good question about whether it’s luck or the install. I see a lot of roofs that technically “survive” storms but are left with hidden issues—especially after high winds. Curling shingles at 12 years isn’t unheard of, but it’s definitely on the early side for most asphalt roofs unless you’re in a spot with a ton of sun or poor ventilation. Sometimes it comes down to the quality of the shingle itself, but honestly, installation is a huge piece. I’ve seen brand new roofs with problems just because the nailing pattern was off or the underlayment wasn’t done right.
As for inspections, I always recommend at least a visual check after a big storm. Even if there’s no obvious leak, stuff like lifted shingles, popped nails, or broken seals can lead to trouble down the road. I’ve had clients who “rode it out” after a hurricane, only to find water spots on their ceilings months later. By then, insurance can be tricky.
Old roofs can be surprisingly resilient, though. I inspected a 30-year-old three-tab roof a few months ago that looked rough but hadn’t leaked once. Meanwhile, a neighbor’s 8-year-old architectural shingle roof was already patch city after a couple of bad wind events. Sometimes it’s just the luck of the draw, but more often, it’s a combo of install, materials, and how exposed your roof is.
If you’re seeing curling, it might be worth having someone check the attic ventilation too. Poor airflow can cook shingles from underneath, especially if you’re in a hot climate. Not saying you need a full replacement yet, but catching these things early can save a lot of hassle (and money) later.
Anyway, I wouldn’t chalk it all up to luck. There’s usually a reason why some roofs go the distance and others don’t, even if it’s not obvious right away.
Couldn’t agree more that “luck” is usually just what people call it when they haven’t looked close enough. I’ve managed plenty of buildings through hurricanes and it’s almost always the install or maintenance that makes the difference, not some magic force. You hit the nail on the head about hidden issues—just because you don’t see a leak right away doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. I’ve seen roofs look fine after a storm, then six months later we’re dealing with mold in the attic because nobody checked for lifted shingles or broken seals.
Ventilation is a huge one people forget about. We had a building where the roof was only 10 years old but started curling and cracking—turns out the attic vents were blocked by insulation. Fixed that, and suddenly the new shingles are holding up way better.
I will say, though, sometimes you just get a batch of bad shingles or a weird wind pattern and things go sideways even if you did everything right. But 9 times out of 10, when I see “lucky” roofs, it’s because someone actually took care of them. Regular checks after storms aren’t optional in my book—they’re just part of owning property in hurricane country.
- Couldn’t agree more with this:
Seen it myself—roof looked perfect after a big storm, but a few months later I found water stains in the closet. Turned out a handful of shingles had lifted and water just took its time getting in.“just because you don’t see a leak right away doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.”
- Maintenance is everything. I do my own walkarounds after any major wind or rain, even if it feels like overkill. Usually catch something small before it becomes a headache.
- Ventilation’s a sneaky one. Had a neighbor with a “new” roof that started curling after only eight years. They’d packed the attic with insulation and blocked every vent. Fixed that, and no more issues so far.
- I do think sometimes it’s just bad luck—like those freak gusts or defective materials you mentioned—but most of the time, if a roof holds up, someone’s been on top of things.
- Regular checks aren’t just for show. Learned that the hard way after my first hurricane season down here. Now it’s basically routine for me.
- Bottom line: If your roof survived, odds are you (or someone before you) did something right. Don’t let your guard down though... stuff can sneak up on you months later.
Luck’s only part of it. I’ve seen brand new roofs fail after one storm, and 20-year-old ones hold up just fine. Usually comes down to how well it was put on and if anyone’s bothered to check it since. Had a client last year—roof looked untouched after a hurricane, but two months later, mold in the attic. Turns out a vent cap blew off and nobody noticed. Those little things add up fast.
Funny, I always thought a roof that “looked fine” after a storm was good to go. Then I helped check one where the shingles were perfect, but there was a tiny gap by the flashing—water got in, and the ceiling started sagging weeks later. Guess it’s not just luck, but those sneaky little things you miss. Makes me wonder how many “lucky” roofs are just ticking time bombs...
