Wind in Maine is not just a coastal problem
People picture wind damage on the coast, but some of Maine’s worst wind events hit inland. The October 29–30, 2017 windstorm knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of customers, with damage from York County to the Kennebec valley. Summer thunderstorms throw microbursts, sudden downdrafts that can flatten a stand of pine or peel a metal barn roof in seconds. Tornadoes are rare here, but Maine does see a few weak ones in some years, usually in the interior. A wind damage insurance claim in Maine may also involve fallen trees, so see our page on fallen tree damage appraisal if a limb came down.
What carrier wind estimates commonly miss
Wind damage is often patchy, which tempts quick estimates. Gaps we see include:
- Shingles that lifted and resealed, losing their bond without obviously missing.
- Siding, trim and corner boards loosened along a whole elevation, not just where pieces fell off.
- Barns, sheds and garages with racked framing or failed connections that look fine from the road.
- Interior water damage from rain driven in through the opening, discovered days later.
- Chimney flashing, antenna mounts, skylights and solar arrays disturbed by gusts.
- Emergency tarping, board-up and debris removal left off or underpriced.
Documentation that helps
Photograph every elevation of every building the same day if you can, then again when the weather clears. Note the time of the storm and save the National Weather Service report for your area. Keep receipts for tarps, generators and emergency labor. Do not throw away damaged material until the carrier has seen it or you have photographed it. If your policy uses a wind deductible stated as a percentage of the dwelling limit, run it through our percent deductible checker so you know the real dollars at stake.
For most homeowners policies, the label does not change coverage, because windstorm is usually a named or open peril either way. What matters is showing that wind caused the damage. A Maine attorney can help if the carrier disputes the cause and denies the claim.
How appraisal applies to wind losses
Once the carrier accepts wind as the cause, disagreements about the extent of damage and the price to repair it are classic appraisal questions. We inspect every structure, test shingle seal strips, check framing in outbuildings and build an estimate that accounts for Maine conditions: short working seasons, contractor backlogs after a big storm, and winter protection if repairs run into cold weather.
Illustrative example
Illustrative example: a microburst in Skowhegan damages a farmhouse roof and a detached barn. The carrier pays $9,700 for shingle repairs on the house only. The owner’s estimate adds full replacement of the barn’s metal roof, racked framing repair and interior ceiling work, totaling $38,500. The disagreement is about scope and price, which appraisal can settle. Figures are invented for illustration.
When appraisal is not the right step
If the carrier says the damage is wear and tear rather than wind, applies an exclusion, or denies an outbuilding because of a policy limit, those are coverage issues. Speak with a Maine attorney about them, along with any policy deadlines. For a broader look at storm-season claims in your area, our Augusta area page covers the central Kennebec region.
Next steps
Send us the policy, the carrier’s estimate and your photos. We will tell you whether the gap justifies appraisal before you spend anything on it.
Questions about windstorm & microburst appraisal
Are tornadoes covered differently from other wind in Maine?
Usually not. Most homeowners policies treat tornado damage as windstorm damage. Read your policy, since some have special wind deductibles.
Can a wind damage insurance claim in Maine include my barn?
Often yes, under other structures coverage, which usually has its own limit. Appraisal can set the amount of barn damage once coverage is accepted.
The adjuster said my shingles only need a few repairs. What should I check?
Ask whether anyone tested seal strips across the slope and whether replacement shingles match. Lifted shingles that resealed can still be damaged.
What if the storm was months ago?
Many policies require prompt notice and set a suit-limitation period. Check your policy and consult a Maine attorney about any deadline before relying on appraisal.