Roof Storm Damage: What to Do After a Storm

After a severe storm - wind, hail, tornado, or hurricane - your roof may have damage you cannot see from the ground. Acting quickly and methodically can protect your home from further damage and strengthen your insurance claim. This guide walks you through every step from initial safety to completed repairs.

Immediate Steps After a Storm

1. Ensure personal safety first. Do not go outside until the storm has fully passed. Watch for downed power lines, fallen trees, and structural damage.
2. Check for interior damage. Look at ceilings, walls, and attic for active leaks or water stains. Place buckets under drips.
3. Do NOT climb on the roof. A wet, debris-covered roof is extremely dangerous. Assess from the ground using binoculars.
4. Photograph everything. Before touching or cleaning anything, document all visible damage with photos and video. This is critical for insurance.

Storm Damage Inspection

Wind Damage Signs

• Missing shingles or bare spots on the roof
• Shingles in the yard or on the ground
• Lifted or creased shingle edges (the adhesive seal has broken)
• Exposed underlayment or roof deck
• Damaged ridge caps or hip shingles
• Fallen tree branches on or near the roof

Hail Damage Signs

• Dents in metal gutters, downspouts, or vent caps (easiest to spot first)
• Dents in aluminum siding, car hoods, or mailboxes
• On shingles: random pattern of dark bruise marks or exposed fiberglass mat
• Cracked or broken tiles (on tile roofs)
• Dented metal panels (on metal roofs)

Hail damage on shingles is often difficult to see from the ground. A roofing professional or insurance adjuster should inspect the roof up close. Use our roof inspection checklist for a thorough review of all areas.

Documenting Damage for Insurance

Thorough documentation significantly improves your insurance claim outcome:

• Wide shots: Photograph the full roof from multiple angles showing overall damage
• Close-ups: Detailed photos of specific damage - missing shingles, hail impacts, broken flashing
• Interior damage: Water stains, dripping, mold, damaged belongings
• Surrounding property: Damage to gutters, siding, fences, vehicles (establishes storm severity)
• Date and time stamps: Ensure your camera date is correct. Note the date and time of the storm.
• Weather records: Save weather reports showing wind speeds and hail size for your area

Emergency Repairs

You have a duty to mitigate further damage (your insurance policy requires this). Reasonable emergency measures include:

• Tarping: Cover exposed areas with a tarp secured with boards and nails. This prevents water intrusion until permanent repairs can be made.
• Board up broken skylights: Use plywood to cover any broken glass.
• Collect water: Place buckets and containers under active leaks.
• Move valuables: Relocate furniture, electronics, and belongings away from leak areas.

Keep receipts for all emergency repair materials - your insurance policy typically reimburses these costs.

Filing an Insurance Claim

1. Contact your insurer promptly. Most policies require notification within a reasonable time (typically 30-60 days, but sooner is better).
2. File a claim. Provide your policy number, date of loss, and description of damage.
3. An adjuster will be assigned to inspect your roof and assess the damage.
4. Get your own estimate. Have a reputable local roofer inspect the roof and provide a repair/replacement estimate before the adjuster visit.
5. Be present for the adjuster inspection. Walk the property with them and point out all damage you have documented.
6. Review the settlement carefully. If the adjuster's assessment seems low, you can supplement the claim with additional documentation.

For detailed guidance, see our complete guide to filing roof insurance claims.

Finding a Reputable Contractor

• Choose local contractors with an established physical address
• Verify license, insurance, and bonding
• Check reviews on Google, BBB, and Angie's List
• Get at least 3 written estimates
• Ask for references from recent storm damage work
• Ensure they will work with your insurance adjuster

Avoiding Storm Chasers and Scams

After major storms, out-of-town "storm chasers" flood affected areas. While some are legitimate, many are not. Red flags include:

• Door-to-door solicitation immediately after a storm
• Offering to waive your deductible - this is insurance fraud in most states
• Pressuring you to sign a contract immediately
• Asking for large upfront payments
• Out-of-state license plates and no local address
• Offering to "find" damage that you cannot see
• No written contract or vague scope of work

Frequently Asked Questions