Severe weather can cause significant damage to your roof, and catching problems early can prevent costly water damage and structural issues. Knowing how to safely and effectively inspect your roof after a storm is essential for protecting your home and filing insurance claims if needed.
Why This Matters
Prompt roof inspection after storms:
- Prevents water damage by catching leaks early
- Protects your home's structure and interior
- Ensures insurance coverage by documenting damage promptly
- Saves money by addressing issues before they worsen
- Maintains roof integrity and extends its lifespan
Delayed inspection can lead to water intrusion, mold growth, structural damage, and denied insurance claims—costs that can easily exceed $5,000-$20,000.
Safety First
When NOT to Inspect
Never inspect your roof:
- During active storms or high winds
- When there's lightning
- When the roof is wet or icy
- If you're not comfortable with heights
- If you don't have proper safety equipment
- In poor lighting conditions
If conditions aren't safe:
- Wait until weather clears
- Hire a professional inspector
- Do a ground-level inspection only
- Use binoculars from a safe location
Safety Equipment
If you must get on the roof:
- Use a sturdy, properly positioned ladder
- Wear non-slip shoes
- Use a safety harness if available
- Have someone spot you from the ground
- Work during daylight hours
- Avoid walking on steep slopes
Better option:
- Hire a professional roofer for inspection
- They have proper safety equipment and experience
- They can identify damage you might miss
- Insurance may cover inspection costs
Ground-Level Inspection
What to Look For
From the ground, check for:
- Missing shingles (obvious gaps)
- Damaged or dented gutters
- Tree limbs on roof
- Debris on roof
- Obvious structural damage
- Water stains on exterior walls
- Damaged flashing or vents
Use binoculars for:
- Closer examination of shingles
- Checking for lifted or damaged flashing
- Identifying granule loss (shingles look bare)
- Spotting dents or damage from hail
Document Everything
Take photos of:
- Any visible damage
- Overall roof condition
- Specific problem areas
- Damage to gutters, vents, or flashing
- Any debris or foreign objects
- Water stains or signs of leaks
Why documentation matters:
- Essential for insurance claims
- Helps professionals assess damage
- Creates a record of condition
- Useful for comparison over time
Interior Inspection
Check Your Attic
Look for signs of water intrusion:
- Water stains on ceiling or walls
- Damp insulation
- Water dripping or pooling
- Mold or mildew growth
- Discolored wood
- Musty odors
When to check:
- Immediately after storm (if safe)
- Again 24-48 hours later (some leaks are slow)
- After heavy rain
- If you notice interior water damage
Check Interior Rooms
Look for:
- Water stains on ceilings
- Discolored walls
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Damp spots
- Water dripping
- Mold growth
Document all findings:
- Take photos of any water damage
- Note locations and extent
- Track if damage is getting worse
- Report to insurance immediately
Common Types of Storm Damage
Wind Damage
What to look for:
- Missing shingles
- Lifted or curled shingles
- Damaged flashing
- Missing or damaged gutters
- Debris on roof
- Tree limb damage
Wind damage indicators:
- Shingles lifted at edges
- Exposed underlayment
- Missing shingle granules
- Damaged ridge caps
Hail Damage
What to look for:
- Dents in shingles (may not be immediately obvious)
- Granule loss (bare spots on shingles)
- Dented gutters or flashing
- Dented vents or other roof components
- Bruised shingles (soft spots when pressed)
Hail damage can be subtle:
- May require professional inspection
- Can cause premature shingle failure
- May not be visible from ground
- Important to catch for insurance claims
Water Damage
What to look for:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Damaged flashing
- Clogged gutters
- Ice dam damage (in cold climates)
- Ponding water on flat roofs
Water damage indicators:
- Interior leaks
- Water stains
- Damp insulation
- Mold growth
When to Call a Professional
Immediate Professional Inspection Needed
Call a roofer immediately if:
- You see significant structural damage
- Large areas of shingles are missing
- There's active water intrusion
- Tree limbs have damaged the roof
- You're unsure about safety
- Damage appears extensive
Professional inspection benefits:
- Proper safety equipment and experience
- Can identify subtle damage
- Provides documentation for insurance
- Can make temporary repairs
- Gives accurate repair estimates
Insurance Considerations
Before making permanent repairs:
- Document all damage thoroughly
- Contact your insurance company
- Wait for adjuster inspection (if possible)
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage
- Keep all receipts for temporary repairs
Temporary repairs:
- Cover exposed areas with tarps
- Clear debris from gutters
- Remove tree limbs safely
- Document all temporary measures
Preventative Measures
Before Storms
Prepare your roof:
- Keep gutters clean
- Trim trees near your home
- Inspect and repair flashing
- Replace damaged shingles
- Ensure proper ventilation
Regular maintenance:
- Annual professional inspection
- Address small issues promptly
- Keep roof in good condition
- Maintain proper drainage
After Inspection
If damage is found:
- Document everything
- Contact insurance company
- Get professional assessment
- Make temporary repairs if needed
- Schedule permanent repairs
If no damage is found:
- Still document condition
- Note date of inspection
- Keep records for future reference
- Continue regular maintenance
Cost Considerations
Inspection costs:
- DIY inspection: Free (your time)
- Professional inspection: $200-$500
- Insurance adjuster: Usually covered by insurance
Repair costs (varies widely):
- Minor repairs: $300-$1,000
- Moderate damage: $1,000-$5,000
- Extensive damage: $5,000-$15,000+
- Complete roof replacement: $8,000-$25,000+
Insurance coverage:
- Most policies cover storm damage
- Deductible applies
- May cover temporary repairs
- Professional inspection may be covered
Maintenance Schedule
After every storm:
- Ground-level inspection
- Interior check for leaks
- Document any damage
- Address issues promptly
Annually:
- Professional roof inspection
- Comprehensive maintenance
- Address any issues found
- Update insurance documentation
As needed:
- After severe weather events
- If you notice problems
- Before major storms (preparation)
- When selling your home
Conclusion
Inspecting your roof after storms is crucial for protecting your home and ensuring insurance coverage. Start with a safe ground-level inspection, check your interior for signs of water damage, and document everything thoroughly. When in doubt, hire a professional—their expertise and safety equipment make the inspection safer and more thorough.
For more roof maintenance guidance, explore our articles on common roof damage signs and learn how to prepare your home for heavy rain to minimize storm damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I inspect my roof after a storm?
Inspect your roof as soon as it's safe to go outside, typically after the storm has passed and weather conditions are clear. However, wait until conditions are safe—never inspect during active storms, high winds, or when there's lightning.
Can I inspect my roof from the ground?
Yes, you can do a preliminary inspection from the ground using binoculars. Look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or obvious problems. However, a thorough inspection may require getting on the roof (only if it's safe to do so) or hiring a professional.
What are the most common types of storm damage?
Common storm damage includes missing or damaged shingles, damaged flashing, dented or damaged gutters, tree limb damage, and water intrusion. Hail can cause granule loss and bruising that may not be immediately visible.
Should I file an insurance claim immediately?
Document all damage with photos first, then contact your insurance company. Don't make permanent repairs until an adjuster has inspected, but do make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (and document these as well).