What mechanical uplift looks like
- Uniform displacement direction consistent with wind vector
- Shingle tabs lifted or removed in the uplift direction
- Nails pulled through shingle (not broken, not rusted)
- Tile ridge loss in wind corridor
- Underlayment tear at fastener points
- Ridge vent or flashing displacement
What wear-and-tear looks like (different)
- Random, scattered damage without directional pattern
- Curled, brittle shingles (UV degradation)
- Granule loss across the whole roof
- Rust on fasteners
- Nail pops from thermal cycling
Uplift analysis for the claim
- Drone photography of the whole roof with directional reference
- Wind vector overlay (NOAA data for event)
- Damage pattern mapping: which slopes, which zones, which elevations
- Fastener condition assessment (sample the failed fasteners)
- Shingle condition on non-affected areas (shows roof was otherwise healthy)
- Adjacent property comparison (neighbors' roofs in same wind vector)
Why it matters
Carriers routinely deny on wear-and-tear when mechanical uplift is documentable. The forensic pattern is the difference.