Severe storms can cause serious damage to your roof often without obvious signs at first. High winds, hail, heavy rain, and falling debris can weaken roofing materials and lead to costly repairs if not addressed quickly. Knowing what to do immediately after a storm can help protect your home, prevent further damage, and simplify the insurance process.

Below is a step-by-step roofing checklist every homeowner should follow after storm damage.

Put Safety First

Before inspecting your roof, make sure it’s safe to do so. Avoid climbing onto the roof, especially if there are wet surfaces, loose shingles, or structural damage. Instead, perform a visual inspection from the ground or inside your home.

Check for:

• Fallen power lines

• Tree limbs on or near the roof

• Water leaks inside your home

If there is major structural damage, contact a professional roofer immediately.

Look for Visible Roof Damage

After the storm passes, inspect your roof from the ground using binoculars if needed. Storm damage is not always obvious, but common warning signs include:

• Missing, cracked, or curled shingles

• Dents or granule loss from hail

• Damaged flashing around chimneys and vents

• Sagging roof sections

Even minor damage can worsen over time, leading to leaks and mold growth.

Check for Interior Warning Signs

Roof damage often shows up inside the home before it’s visible outside. Walk through your house and look for:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls

• Damp attic insulation

• Peeling paint or bubbling drywall

• Musty odors indicating moisture

These signs may point to hidden roof leaks that require immediate attention.

Document the Damage

Proper documentation is crucial for insurance claims. Take clear photos and videos of any visible damage to your roof, gutters, siding, and interior spaces.

Helpful tips:

• Capture multiple angles

• Include wide shots and close-ups

• Save before-and-after photos if possible

Keep all repair receipts and inspection reports for your records.

Prevent Further Damage

If safe to do so, take temporary steps to protect your home until repairs can be made. This may include placing a tarp over exposed areas or removing loose debris from gutters.

Avoid permanent repairs before your insurance adjuster inspects the damage unless it’s an emergency.

Schedule a Professional Roofing Inspection

Some storm damage isn’t visible to the untrained eye. A licensed roofing contractor can identify hidden issues, assess the extent of damage, and provide a detailed repair or replacement estimate.

A professional inspection also strengthens your insurance claim and helps avoid future problems.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with your documentation and inspection report. A reputable roofer can often assist with the claims process and communicate directly with your adjuster.

Storm damage can be stressful, but acting quickly and following the right steps can save you time, money, and headaches. Regular roof inspections and prompt repairs are key to protecting your home and extending the life of your roof.