The winds that tore through Alberta on March 9, 2026, proved that even the sturdiest buildings have a breaking point.
CBC News reported that extreme gusts were so powerful they toppled semi-trailers, stripped shingles off roofs, and even forced a school to close.
Our team can also confirm seeing significant damage across the city of Edmonton and communities in the area.
While the wind storm has passed, these 100 km/h+ winds often leave hidden structural failures that a simple glance from the driveway won’t reveal.
At Knights Roofing, we see firsthand how these intense air pressure compromises shingle seals long before the first leak appears. So let’s talk about it.
At What Speed Does Wind Damage Houses?
Most standard asphalt shingles carry a rating for winds up to 110 km/h, but this assumes a perfect installation and a brand-new seal.
Read More: Shingle Warranties Demystified
When gusts hit the 100 km/h+ range—like the recent wind storm in Edmonton—they create a high-pressure vacuum on the leeward side of your home (i.e., the side that’s sheltered from the wind).
This suction forces the shingle tabs to flutter, eventually snapping the factory-applied thermal seal that keeps your roofing shingles watertight.
Even if the shingles stay attached to the roof deck, a broken seal allows wind-driven rain and melting snow to blow directly into the underlayment.
This problem is among the top causes of roof leaks during the next spring thaw.
How 110km/h Winds Affect Shingle Adhesive Seals
“At 110 km/h, the uplift force on shingles is significant,” explains Tara Davison, Project Coordinator at Knights Roofing.
“The adhesive can soften or break… when this happens, shingles may lift or flap, creating small gaps.”
The uplifted shingles create an airplane-wing effect, where the wind actively suctions them upward, compromising the home’s water-tight barrier.
Why Shingles That Flap Still Fail
Many homeowners assume that if the shingles didn’t fly into the neighbor’s yard, the roof is fine. However, this is a dangerous misconception.
A shingle that lifts and flaps but doesn’t blow away has likely suffered sealant failure.
According to Davison, while a flapping shingle still blocks some direct water, the lifted edge can allow wind-driven rain or debris to penetrate over time.
“Repeated flapping can weaken the shingle and the adhesive further, eventually leading to full detachment,” says Davison.
This invisible damage is why many roof leaks don’t appear until weeks after the wind stops.
Read More: Roofing Shingles: The Ultimate Guide for Canadian Homes
Why Wind Damage Becomes a Nightmare During Spring Thaw
In Alberta, wind damage is an accomplice to the spring melt.
“When temperatures rise, snow and ice melt rapidly, producing large volumes of water,” Davison notes. “Water naturally seeks the weakest points: lifted shingles, cracks, or gaps.”
In this case, compromised flashing (the metal strips around chimneys and vents) becomes a liability.
If the wind bent or lifted that metal, water can seep beneath the shingles and into the roof deck.
“This accelerates damage during thaw,” says Davison, “because melting snow and ice find the path of least resistance right through compromised areas.”
So, what started out as minor wind damage can quickly escalate into a major water problem.
Read More: 11 Urgent Signs Your Roof Needs Replacement
Commercial Property Reality Check
For commercial property managers, 110 km/h winds present unique risks to flat roofing systems.
High-velocity gusts can scour the protective gravel or cause “membrane flutter,” where the roof’s skin pulls against its fasteners.
Property managers should stay alert for displaced ballast or loose edge metal, as these are the first signs that the wind breached the building’s envelope.
At What Wind Speed Do Roofing Companies Recommend Home Inspections?
We recommend a professional inspection anytime gusts exceed 90 km/h or following any official Wind Warning.
What’s more, it’s crucial to note the difference between a handyman patch and a certified assessment.
“A handyman might just patch a visible leak or replace a shingle without checking overall roof integrity,” says Davison.
As ARCA members and Red Seal Journeymen, our team inspects invisible factors, including underlayment integrity, attic ventilation, and strict code compliance.
This professional documentation is vital when dealing with insurance adjusters, as a certified report carries significantly more weight than a DIY photo.
Read More: Roof Insurance Claims: Why You Need a Contractor vs Adjuster
Don’t Ignore the “Small” Signs
The cost of negligence is high.
Davison recalls a homeowner who shrugged off a few lifted shingles:
“By the time the damage was discovered, the roof decking, insulation, and even interior ceilings were compromised. A simple shingle repair would have cost a few hundred dollars—the final restoration bill came in well over $20,000.”
Don’t wait for the hot summer storms to reveal the damage from severe spring winds.
Secure your castle today. Call the Knights.