Storm Damage? Here’s What to Do About Your Roof

Severe weather strikes fast and leaves chaos in its wake. The wind dies down, the rain stops, and you are left wondering if your home survived the onslaught unscathed. Your roof takes the brunt of every storm, shielding your family and possessions from the elements. However, even the sturdiest roofing systems have limits.

When high winds, heavy hail, or falling debris impact your home, the clock starts ticking. Hidden damage can quickly escalate into major leaks, mold growth, and structural issues if left unaddressed. Knowing exactly what steps to take immediately after a storm can save you thousands of dollars and months of stress.

This guide provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap for handling storm damage. We will cover how to safely assess your property, the right way to document issues for insurance, and how to navigate the restoration process with a professional contractor.

Step 1: prioritize Safety Above Everything Else

Before you even think about inspecting your shingles, you must ensure your environment is safe. Storms often leave behind dangerous hazards that aren't immediately obvious.

Walk around the perimeter of your home cautiously. Keep an eye out for downed power lines. If you see any electrical lines on the ground or touching your home, stay far away and contact your utility company immediately. Do not attempt to move debris that might be hiding live wires.

Avoid walking under damaged trees or overhangs where loose branches might fall. If there is significant structural damage to the home itself, do not go inside. Your safety is far more important than a quick inspection.

Crucial Warning: Do not climb onto your roof. Storms make roof surfaces slippery and unstable. loose granules, wet leaves, and damaged decking create a high risk for falls. Leave the climbing to professionals who have the proper safety gear and training.

Step 2: Conduct a Ground-Level Inspection

Once you confirm the area is safe, you can start assessing the exterior from the ground. You don't need to be on a ladder to spot the most common signs of storm damage. Using a pair of binoculars can help you see details near the peak or on second-story eaves.

What to Look For:

• Missing Shingles: High winds can rip shingles completely off, exposing the underlayment or wood decking.

• Lifted or Creased Shingles: Wind can lift shingles, breaking the adhesive seal. If they flap in the wind or show horizontal creases, they are compromised.

• Granule Loss: Hail often knocks the protective granules off asphalt shingles. Look for dark spots on the roof or piles of granules in your gutters and downspouts.

• Impact Marks: Large hail creates distinct divots or circular cracks in shingles.

• Debris: heavy tree limbs on the roof almost always indicate underlying damage.

• Dented Metal: Check your gutters, downspouts, and roof vents. If soft metals show dents from hail, your shingles likely sustained damage too.

Step 3: Check Your Interior for Leaks

External inspections only tell half the story. Water follows the path of least resistance, and a small breach in your roof can lead to water pooling in your attic or running down your walls.

Grab a flashlight and head to your attic if it is accessible. Look at the underside of the roof deck for dark stains or wet spots. Check the insulation; wet insulation is a clear sign that water has penetrated the roof system.

Walk through your living spaces and inspect the ceilings and corners of walls. Keep an eye out for:

• Yellow, brown, or gray water stains on the ceiling.

• Bubbling or peeling paint.

• Damp drywall.

• Mold or mildew growth in corners.

If you find active leaks, place buckets to catch the water and move furniture or valuables out of the affected area immediately.

Step 4: Document the Damage Thoroughly

Documentation is your best friend when it comes to filing an insurance claim. You need clear proof of the damage and when it occurred. Insurance adjusters handle hundreds of claims after a major storm, so having organized evidence makes their job easier and your claim approval more likely.

Take high-quality photos and videos of everything you found during your inspection.

• Photograph debris in the yard.

• Take wide shots of the house and close-ups of specific roof damage (from the ground).

• Photograph hail stones next to a tape measure or coin to establish size.

• Capture images of interior leaks and water damage.

Write down the date and time of the storm. If you have news reports or weather alerts verifying the severity of the weather in your area, save those as well. This creates a timeline that links the damage directly to the specific weather event.

Step 5: Mitigate Further Damage (Temporary Repairs)

Most homeowner insurance policies include a provision requiring you to "mitigate damages." This means you must take reasonable steps to prevent the problem from getting worse. If you have a hole in your roof and you ignore it, causing rain to flood your living room a week later, the insurance company may deny coverage for the interior damage.

If your roof is leaking, you need emergency tarping services. While some homeowners attempt this themselves, it is safer and more effective to hire a professional. Many roofing contractors offer emergency tarping. They will secure a heavy-duty tarp over the damaged area to make the home watertight until permanent repairs can be made.

Keep all receipts for emergency repairs and materials (like tarps or plywood). These costs are typically reimbursable as part of your claim.

Step 6: Contact a Reputable Roofing Contractor

This step is critical. You need a professional assessment before you file a claim. A qualified roofer can tell you if the damage warrants a claim or if the repair cost is below your deductible. Filing a claim for minor damage that doesn't get paid out can still go on your insurance record, so expert advice is valuable here.

Avoid "Storm Chasers": After big storms, out-of-town contractors often flood the area looking for quick work. They may do subpar work and vanish before you notice problems. Stick to local, established roofing companies. Look for:

• A physical office address in your community.

• Valid licensing and insurance.

• Positive online reviews and local references.

• Certification from major roofing manufacturers.

Ask your contractor to perform a full inspection. They will get on the roof, document the damage with professional reports, and provide you with a detailed estimate.

Step 7: Navigate the Insurance Process

Once your contractor confirms significant damage, it is time to call your insurance company's claims department. Give them the details you gathered and let them know you have already had a professional inspection.

Meeting the Adjuster

The insurance company will send an adjuster to verify the damage. It is highly recommended to have your roofing contractor present during this meeting.

Your contractor acts as your advocate. They can walk the roof with the adjuster and point out specific damage they found. Adjusters may miss subtle signs of damage, especially on steep or difficult-to-access roofs. When your contractor and the adjuster agree on the scope of work upfront, it speeds up the approval process and minimizes disputes later.

Understanding the Paperwork

You will receive a "scope of loss" from your insurance company detailing what they will pay for. Review this with your contractor. If the insurance estimate is lower than the contractor's quote, your contractor can send a supplement request with photos and code requirements to justify the difference. Do not sign any contracts until you understand what is covered.

Step 8: Schedule the Repairs

With the claim approved and the deposit paid (usually from the first insurance check), your contractor can order materials and schedule the work.

Roof replacement involves tearing off old materials, inspecting the decking, and installing new underlayment, shingles, and ventilation. A professional crew will protect your landscaping during the process and run a magnetic sweep afterward to pick up loose nails.

Discovering storm damage can be overwhelming, but you don't have to handle it alone. By acting quickly, documenting the evidence, and partnering with a trusted local professional, you can restore your home’s protection and value.

If a recent storm has swept through your area, don't wait for a leak to appear. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive roof inspection. We will give you an honest assessment of your roof's condition and help you navigate the road to recovery.