Wind
Lifted, creased, missing, or displaced materials; exposed edges; loose flashing; debris impact.
Storm damage
Document first. Make the roof safe. Then decide.
After hail, wind, or falling debris, homeowners need calm guidance that separates immediate protection from longer-term repair decisions.
Safety first:Do not climb onto a wet, icy, unstable, or visibly damaged roof. Keep people away from fallen lines, loose materials, and active ceiling collapse areas. Contact emergency services for immediate life-safety risks.
What to do next
A practical sequence after a storm.
Rushing into a large commitment can create unnecessary risk. A documented process gives the homeowner, roofer, and insurer better information.
- 1
Protect people and property
Address active interior water, electrical hazards, broken glass, and unsafe areas without taking unnecessary roof-access risks.
- 2
Record visible conditions
Photograph interior staining, fallen debris, ground-level damage, and the date and time of the event.
- 3
Schedule a roof inspection
Ask for roof photos, observed conditions, recommended temporary measures, and the basis for any repair recommendation.
- 4
Review coverage separately
Contact the insurer for policy and claim questions. Do not rely on a contractor’s promise that a claim will be approved.
- 5
Approve a written scope
Confirm materials, exclusions, access, timing assumptions, payment terms, and how concealed damage or changes will be handled.
Possible warning signs
Storm effects are not always obvious from the ground.
Hail
Impact marks, damaged accessories, displaced granules, dented metal components, or cracked materials.
Water
New ceiling stains, damp insulation, musty odors, dripping near penetrations, or water following framing.
Falling debris
Punctures, crushed sections, damaged gutters, broken tiles, or compromised structural areas.
What an inspection should provide
Useful documentation, not just a sales conclusion.
- Overview and detail photos
- Roof system and approximate condition
- Observed storm-related and non-storm conditions
- Immediate temporary-protection recommendations
- Repair, monitoring, or replacement options
- Areas that could not be accessed or verified
After the storm
Request a documented roof inspection.
Share the event date, visible symptoms, and whether active water is entering the building.