What should you do immediately after storm damage to your roof?

After storm damage, you should document visible damage from the ground using photos with timestamps, check your attic for water stains or moisture, contact a licensed roofing professional within 24-48 hours, and call your insurance company to understand your coverage and file a claim.

What are common indicators of storm damage on a roof?

Common indicators of storm damage on a roof include missing, cracked, or curled shingles, granule loss visible in gutters, dents on metal vents or gutters, water stains on ceilings or walls, and exposed underlayment or damaged flashing.

Why is it important to avoid walking on your roof after a storm?

It's important to avoid walking on your roof after a storm to prevent personal injury and further damage to the roof structure; detailed inspections should be left to professionals.

Why is early detection of roof damage important?

Early detection of roof damage is crucial to prevent minor issues from escalating into leaks, structural damage, and mold growth, leading to more extensive and costly repairs.

Storm damage roof inspection: 5 Critical Steps

Understanding Storm Damage Roof Inspections After Severe Weather

Storm damage roof inspection is the critical process of evaluating your roof after severe weather events like hail, high winds, or heavy rain to identify hidden and visible damage that could compromise your home’s integrity. Here’s what you need to know:

Immediate Action Steps:

Document visible damage from the ground using photos with timestamps
Check your attic for water stains, daylight through boards, or moisture
Contact a licensed roofing professional within 24-48 hours of the storm
Call your insurance company to understand your coverage and file a claim
Avoid walking on your roof – leave the detailed inspection to professionals

Common Storm Damage Indicators:

Missing, cracked, or curled shingles
Granule loss visible in gutters
Dents on metal vents, flashing, or gutters
Water stains on ceilings or walls
Exposed underlayment or damaged flashing

The clouds clear, the storm passes, and now you need to know if damage was done. Storms can inflict significant destruction to your roof in moments, and not all damage is immediately visible. In the United States, there are an average of 3,600 thunderstorms per year, with about 10% producing hail. Wind speeds of 60 miles or more are typically required to file a homeowners’ insurance claim for wind damage.

After a severe weather event, your roof has likely taken the brunt of the impact. Even minor issues can escalate quickly, leading to leaks, structural damage, and mold growth if left unaddressed. Early detection is essential to prevent more extensive and costly repairs down the line. Home insurance policies typically only cover roof leaks if a covered peril—such as a tree falling on your house or wind, fire, or hail damage from a storm—causes it. Protecting your home starts with understanding the signs and taking prompt action. For comprehensive roofing services and expertise, visit our homepage.

Many homeowners don’t realize that roof damage isn’t always obvious to someone without professional training. What looks like a few missing shingles from the ground could actually indicate widespread wind uplift, compromised flashing, or hidden moisture intrusion in your attic. That’s why understanding what to look for and when to call in experts is crucial for protecting your home and your investment.

Whether you experienced a violent hailstorm, sustained high winds, or driving rain, knowing how to respond quickly can make the difference between a simple repair and a complete roof replacement. This guide will walk you through the signs of storm damage, how to safely assess your roof from the ground, and the steps you need to take to protect your home and work with your insurance company.

As Gerald Michaels, founder and president of Adept Construction, Inc., I’ve spent nearly three decades helping homeowners across Naperville, Downers Grove, and Chicago’s western suburbs steer the aftermath of severe weather through thorough storm damage roof inspection and honest repair guidance. Since establishing our family-owned business in 1997, we’ve built our reputation on transparent communication and helping property owners understand exactly what happened to their roofs after storms—and what needs to be done to fix it properly.

Handy Storm damage roof inspection terms:

Common Signs of Roof Damage After a Storm

After a storm, your roof might look okay from a quick glance, but the devil is often in the details. Even subtle signs can point to significant underlying issues. Recognizing these common indicators is the first step in protecting your home from further harm.

Missing Shingles

This is perhaps the most obvious sign of wind damage. If you find shingles in your yard, it’s a clear indication that your roof has been compromised. Missing shingles expose the underlayment and decking to the elements, making your home vulnerable to leaks.

Granule Loss

Asphalt shingles are covered with tiny granules that protect them from UV rays and weather. After a storm, especially a hailstorm, you might notice an excessive amount of these granules collecting in your gutters or downspouts. This “bald spot” effect on your shingles means their protective layer has been worn away, accelerating aging and increasing vulnerability to leaks.

Water Stains on Ceilings and Attic Leaks

Water stains appearing on your interior ceilings or walls are a tell-tale sign of a roof leak. These stains often look like yellow or brown rings. If you can safely access your attic, look for wet or darkened wood decking, damp insulation, or even visible daylight through the roof boards. A musty odor in the attic can also indicate hidden moisture. By the time staining takes place, most leaks have already become structurally serious.

Debris Impact

Strong winds can turn ordinary objects into projectiles. Tree branches, outdoor furniture, or even neighboring debris can strike your roof, causing punctures, dents, or tears in shingles and flashing. Even if the debris itself is gone, the impact marks remain.

Structural Sagging

A sagging roof is a severe indicator of structural damage that requires immediate professional attention. This could be due to heavy water saturation, damaged rafters, or issues with the roof decking. This is not something to take lightly.

Damaged Flashing

Flashing is the metal material used to seal joints and edges around chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys on your roof. If flashing is bent, creased, rusted, or has separated from its seal, it creates an open pathway for water to enter your home.

Gutter Clogs and Damage

While not directly roof damage, problems with your gutters can indicate roof issues or lead to them. Excess granules in gutters signal shingle wear. Dents, bends, or sections pulling away from the fascia can be caused by hail or wind. Clogged gutters prevent proper drainage, leading to water backing up under shingles or pooling around your foundation.

Here’s a quick comparison of what to look for when assessing wind versus hail damage:

| Indicator | Wind Damage | Hail Damage
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Did the Storm Hit Your Roof? How to Spot Damage and What to Do Next

Understanding Storm Damage Roof Inspections After Severe Weather