How High-Speed Winds Cause Foundation Damage

Wind is no joke – it can lead to roof damage, cause shingles to scatter, down power lines, or cause trees in your yard to fall. 

Often, wind damage like this occurs during a hurricane or tornado. However, damaging winds aren’t exclusive to natural disasters like these. 

In fact, certain cities in the United States have average wind speeds that could cause some damage to your home without the proper protection. Specifically, foundation issues are a possibility in these areas! 

Here, we’ll go over which areas receive the highest average wind speeds in the U.S., how wind can end up causing foundation damage, and how you can protect both your foundation and home. 

Where Are the Windiest Cities in the United States? 

Using data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Groundworks can show you the top five windiest cities in the U.S. You might be surprised by the results: 

• Dodge City, KS: average annual wind speed of 13.9 mph 
• Amarillo, TX: average annual wind speed of 13.5 mph 
• Rochester, MN: average annual wind speed of 12.9 mph 
• Cheyenne, WY: average annual wind speed of 12.9 mph 
• Lubbock, TX: average annual wind speed of 12.4 mph 

While these speeds aren’t likely to cause extensive wind damage to your home, they can erode soil over time, especially when mixed with rain or groundwater. This can end up causing foundation issues. 

High Wind Events 

Something to keep in mind is that the wind sometimes gets even faster in these places. 

For instance, Dodge City had record-breaking wind gusts in 2021. The wind reached 84 mph at one point and caused structural damage in central Kansas. 

Not to mention, Texas, Kansas, and Minnesota all fall within Tornado Alley, so high wind events are a big concern for homeowners in these states. Depending on where you live in the U.S., hurricanes could pose a similar threat to your property. 

Keeping your home and foundation defended in case of natural disasters like these could be the difference between a damaged foundation and a sturdy one. 

How Wind Causes Foundation Issues 

As we mentioned earlier, high wind has the potential to erode soil in your yard. However, there are other ways wind can cause foundation problems. 

In this section, we’ll quickly explore the ways in which wind can lead to foundation issues. Whether it’s heavy wind, a tornado or hurricane, or a sudden gust of wind, they can all lead to wind damage on your property. 

Soil Erosion 

High winds can pick up and carry loose soil particles, causing them to wear away at surrounding surfaces over time. This may cause cracks to form in exterior and interior walls, and common foundation materials like wood, brick, or concrete. 

Additionally, as soil is eroded away, it may create voids and instability in the ground beneath the foundation. Eventually, this leads to the signs of foundation settlement and sinking.  

Damaged Gutters 

Wind can cause gutters to become disconnected from the entire roof of a structure. When gutters become damaged or disconnected, they often fail to effectively move water away from a home’s foundation and end up causing puddles like the one in the image. 

Eventually, excess moisture in the soil leads to erosion and foundation problems like uneven floors or stairstep cracks. To protect against this, it’s important to ensure that gutters are properly secured and maintained. 

Doing a regular roof inspection before and after periods of high wind can keep you prepared for gutter damage. That way, you can avoid having to invest in foundation repair. 

Additionally, homeowners can take steps to prevent foundation damage in general by ensuring gutters, downspouts, and other drainage systems are working properly. 

Fallen Trees and Debris 

In cases of high wind speed, especially during a hurricane or tornado, trees pose a threat to your home and its foundation. With enough force, wind can cause tree branches to fall on these structures and cause further damage. 

Additionally, any debris in your yard, such as lawn chairs or decorative items, could be blown into your home and foundation. Removing trees located very close to your home and anchoring or relocating outdoor decorations before heavy or strong winds can help prevent a foundation problem. 

How Much Property Damage Can Wind Cause? 

According to a 2016 analysis from Travelers showed that a quarter of all homeowner’s insurance claims were caused by wind damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average claim settlement for wind damage is $10,182. 

Make sure you contact your insurance company and check the details of your own homeowner’s insurance policy to receive an even more accurate insurance claim estimate. 

A free inspection from professional foundation repair experts like Groundworks can help you learn what steps you can take to protect your foundation from wind damage. That way, you can avoid insurance claims or costly repairs in the first place. 

Map of Average Wind Trends in the U.S. 

The map below shows average wind trends across the continental United States. This gives you an idea of the average wind speed in your region of the country. 

Keep in mind wind is highly variable. During specific weather seasons, wind can average faster or slower speeds. Still, this map gives you a general overview and can help you prepare for potential wind damage. 

How to Protect Your Foundation from Wind Damage 

Many foundation solutions exist to provide your home’s foundation with support. 

Below, we’ll list the main foundation repairs offered by Groundworks, all of which keep your foundation anchored to the ground even if wind levels pick up. Here are our main solutions: 

• Pier systems (helical, push, and slab)
• Crawl space support posts
• Wall anchors
• Wall beams
• Carbon fiber reinforcement

To learn more about these foundation repair solutions, click here. 

Groundworks Helps Protect Your Foundation from Wind Damage 

As you can see, wind damage could lead to missing shingles, damaged exterior walls, potential roof replacement, and foundation issues. 

Unfortunately, no one can control the wind or weather. For that reason, consider working with Groundworks to keep your foundation safe. 

We have world-class foundation repair solutions and a knowledgeable local team that can repair your foundation, protect it from wind damage, and keep your entire home safe. 

If you want to learn more, contact Groundworks today for a free inspection and to obtain a repair plan that works for your home’s individual situation!