Roof Inspection After Storm: Safe Checks and Next Steps

Roof inspection after storm should start from the ground and inside the attic, not on the roof. Look for missing or lifted shingles, dents in vents and gutters, debris, sagging, and stains or wet insulation inside. Photograph everything with dates, protect the house from further water, report damage to your insurer, and hire a licensed roofer.

Never climb a wet or damaged roof.

Roof inspection after storm: stay safe first

Check for downed power lines, damaged trees and structural damage before going near the house. Stay off the roof until a professional says it is safe. Water-logged or damaged decking can give way.

Quick facts: roof inspection after storm
Time needed	30 to 60 minutes for a careful ground and attic check
Tools	Binoculars, flashlight, camera, notepad
Difficulty	Easy from the ground; roof work is for professionals
Priority	Stop water getting in, document damage, then repair

Ground check

1. Walk around the house and look at the roof with binoculars.
2. Look for missing, torn, creased or lifted shingles, exposed underlayment and bare patches.
3. Check ridge caps, flashing, vents, chimneys and skylights for damage.
4. Look at gutters and downspouts for dents, detachment and granules.
5. Look for debris such as branches, shingles and objects on the roof.
6. Check the yard for pieces of roofing or flashing.
7. Look for sagging along ridgelines or slopes.

Inside check

Place	What to look for
Ceilings and walls	New stains, bubbling paint, drips
Attic	Wet insulation, damp wood, daylight, active leaks
Around chimney and vents	Moisture or stains
Upper-floor windows	Water around frames

Storm damage by type

• Wind: lifted, creased or missing shingles, torn flashing, damaged ridge caps.
• Hail: dark round spots, bruising, dents on soft metals and vents.
• Falling trees and branches: punctures, broken decking, crushed gutters.
• Heavy rain: leaks at flashing, valleys and penetrations.

Document the damage

1. Photograph and film the damage from several angles, with the date.
2. Photograph interior leaks.
3. Keep a list of damaged items and the storm date and weather.
4. Save receipts for emergency repairs.
5. Save weather reports for your area.

Protect the house

Place buckets and move belongings. If it is safe, a roofer can tarp the damaged area. Make only temporary repairs until your insurer has seen the damage, unless the damage is severe, and keep receipts.

Insurance

Report damage promptly. Policies have time limits and may require inspection. Read your policy, and understand your deductible. Ask the insurer what they need from you. Your adjuster and roofer may see different things, so ask the roofer for a written report with photos.

Choosing a roofer

After a storm, door-to-door roofers appear. Be careful. Check licence and insurance, ask for local references, get written quotes, never pay large sums upfront, and be wary of anyone who offers to waive your deductible or demands you sign over your insurance claim. A real roof inspection after storm should give you photos and a clear report.

A one-page checklist

• Is anyone injured or any power line down? Make safety the first priority.
• Are there active leaks? Contain them with buckets and move belongings.
• Are shingles, flashing, vents or gutters visibly damaged from the ground?
• Have you photographed every area with the date?
• Have you reported the damage to your insurer and noted the claim number?
• Have you booked a licensed roofer for a full inspection?

Work down the list in order, and keep notes of every call.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed roofer for any suspected damage, especially leaks. If you cannot reach one quickly, ask your insurer for approved contractors and book the first available inspection.

Roof inspection after storm: what to check first

After a storm, start with the ground. Look for shingles, flashing or gutter pieces in the yard, and note any dents on metal vents or gutters. Next, check the roof from a safe position with binoculars, looking for missing shingles, lifted edges and debris in valleys. A roof inspection after storm damage should also include the attic, where daylight through the decking or water stains show a breach. Take photos of every area, since they help with an insurance claim. Do not climb a wet or damaged roof, and call a roofer for a full inspection.

A careful roof inspection after storm damage can save money by catching small problems before they spread.

Related reading

• What Does Hail Damage Look Like on Shingles? Signs and Checks
• How to Tarp a Roof Safely: Emergency Cover Until a Roofer Arrives
• How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost? What Sets the Price
• Chimney Flashing Leak: How to Spot It and What Fixes It

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