Grand Junction and the entire Grand Valley are bracing for another round of punishing winds that could rip roofs apart and topple trees onto houses. Local roofing expert Patrick Quinn says the damage can happen in seconds and cost homeowners tens of thousands if they aren’t ready.
Strong gusts up to 70 mph are possible this week, meteorologists warn, with the strongest winds expected Tuesday night into Wednesday. The National Weather Service has already issued a High Wind Watch for Mesa County and surrounding areas.
How Wind Actually Destroys Your House
Patrick Quinn, owner of Grand Junction-based PRQ Exteriors, has seen it all after 20 years fixing storm damage.
“Wind doesn’t just blow shingles off. It gets underneath them and peels the whole roof section like a sardine can,” Quinn told KJCT.
He says the same thing happens with siding. Once wind slips behind vinyl or fiber cement panels, it can tear off huge sections in one violent gust.
Dead or dying trees pose an even bigger threat.
A single mature cottonwood or pine can crush a roof when it falls, Quinn warns. Many Valley homeowners still have weakened trees from the 2020 Pine Gulch Fire or years of drought that never got removed.
Red Flag Warnings Return to Western Colorado
The National Weather Service office in Grand Junction issued the High Wind Watch Sunday afternoon. Forecasters say winds will build Tuesday and peak overnight with gusts between 60 and 70 mph along the I-70 corridor and lower valleys.
These same conditions sparked the massive Marshall Fire near Boulder in December 2021 that destroyed over 1,000 homes in hours.
Quinn says the Grand Valley escaped major fires that day, but the wind speeds were nearly identical to what we’re expecting this week.
What Homeowners Must Do Right Now
Quinn gave residents a clear checklist to follow before the winds hit:
- Walk your yard and look for leaning trees or large dead branches
- Secure or bring inside patio furniture, trampolines, and garbage cans
- Check for loose shingles or flashing on the roof
- Clear gutters so they don’t turn into sails
- Park vehicles in the garage or away from trees
He also strongly recommends taking photos or video of your roof and siding now.
“Insurance companies love before-and-after proof,” Quinn says. “If you wait until after the storm, they can claim the damage was already there.”
Insurance Deadlines Most People Don’t Know
Here’s the part that shocks most homeowners: Colorado insurance companies typically give you one full year to file a wind or hail claim.
That means damage from this week’s storm could still be covered even if you discover it months from now.
But Quinn warns that waiting too long can hurt you.
“Adjusters get slammed after big storms. The longer you wait, the harder it is to get a contractor when you need one,” he said.
PRQ Exteriors already has crews on standby and is booking free inspections for this week.
Grand Valley Has Seen This Before
Long-time residents remember the spring of 2018 when winds over 80 mph tore through Fruita and Palisade. Dozens of roofs lost shingles, power poles snapped, and semi-trucks overturned on I-70.
Just last April, a windstorm caused more than $2 million in damage across Mesa County in a single night.
With drought-stressed trees and older housing stock, experts say this week’s winds could be even worse.
Homeowners who act today can prevent thousands in damage tomorrow. Those who wait could be looking at new roofs, emergency tree removal, and sky-high repair bills right before winter.
Quinn’s final message to Valley residents is simple: “A little work now saves you a nightmare later.”
If you’re in the Grand Valley, get outside today and secure what the wind can move. Your house will thank you when the gusts start howling Tuesday night.
What’s the worst wind damage you’ve ever seen in the Grand Valley? Drop your stories in the comments and stay safe out there.
