Storm Damage Roof Checklist: What to Inspect After Severe Weather

Circle your entire home and scan the yard, gutters, and landscaping beds for shingle granules, torn shingle tabs, pieces of flashing, or fragments of ridge cap. Large accumulations of granules near downspouts indicate significant surface wear from hail. Photograph everything you find with a timestamp before moving or discarding debris.

Hail and wind-driven debris often strike siding, window screens, and exterior HVAC units. Dents or cracks on these surfaces strongly suggest your roof took similar hits. Note the direction of damage, as this tells adjusters which roof slopes were most exposed.

Hail can dent aluminum gutters, and heavy rain can pull gutter sections away from the fascia board. Look for standing water, granule buildup inside gutter troughs, and any sections that have pulled loose from their hangers. Damaged gutters accelerate fascia rot and foundation erosion.

Noting which side of exposed outdoor surfaces took the most damage helps establish storm direction. Insurance adjusters use this information to determine which roof slopes are most likely affected, making your claim stronger and more specific.

High winds peel shingles starting at edges and ridges. Missing shingles expose the underlayment directly to UV and rain. Cracked shingles from hail impact may still be in place but will fail during the next storm. Mark affected areas with chalk and photograph each one from multiple angles.

Hail damage often appears as dark circular spots where granules have been knocked loose, exposing the black asphalt mat underneath. Press gently on suspected impact sites — a soft or spongy feel indicates the fiberglass mat beneath is fractured. This compromises the shingle's waterproofing ability even if it looks superficially intact.

Flashing is the most leak-prone area on any roof. Check for bent, lifted, or separated flashing pieces around every penetration. Look for gaps between the flashing and the roof surface where wind may have pried the seal open. Even a quarter-inch gap can channel water directly into your attic.

Ridge and hip caps are the most wind-exposed components on your roof. Look for shingles that have lifted, torn, or lost their seal strip adhesion. Damaged ridge caps allow wind-driven rain into the ridge vent system and down into your attic space.

Enter your attic during daylight hours and look for any pinpoints of light coming through the roof deck, which indicate holes or missing shingles. Check insulation for damp spots, discoloration, or matting. Even small water stains on rafters or sheathing signal an active or recent leak that needs immediate attention.

Water from roof leaks often travels along rafters before dripping onto ceilings, so the stain may appear far from the actual breach point. Fresh stains will feel damp to the touch. Bubbling or peeling paint on ceilings or upper walls is a classic sign of moisture trapped behind the surface.

These are common leak entry points because they require penetrations through the roof deck. Run your hand around the frames and trim of each one, feeling for dampness. A musty smell near any ceiling penetration is a strong indicator of hidden moisture even if the surface appears dry.

Take wide-angle shots showing the overall area and close-ups of each damaged component. Include a ruler or coin for scale when photographing hail dents. Most smartphone cameras embed date and GPS data automatically, but write the roof slope direction and approximate location in your notes as backup.

Download or screenshot local weather service reports, hail size data, and wind speed records for the storm date. Insurance adjusters verify that reported damage aligns with documented weather events. Your local National Weather Service office archives this data online.

A professional inspection report carries significant weight with insurance companies. Ask the contractor to note the type of damage, affected areas, recommended repairs, and estimated cost. Many reputable roofers offer free storm damage inspections specifically because they understand the insurance claim process.

Most homeowner policies require prompt notification of damage. Delaying your claim can give the insurer grounds to deny or reduce your payout. Have your policy number, photos, weather documentation, and contractor report ready when you call. Ask for a claim number and the name of your assigned adjuster.

Use a heavy-duty polyethylene tarp that extends at least four feet beyond the damaged area on all sides. Secure it with 2x4 lumber strips nailed or screwed through the tarp into the roof deck — never use bricks or weights alone, as wind will dislodge them. This is a temporary measure to prevent interior water damage until permanent repairs can be made.

Storms deposit leaves, branches, and shingle fragments into your gutter system. Blocked gutters cause water to back up under the roof edge, damaging the fascia and soffit. Flush downspouts with a garden hose to confirm water flows freely all the way to the ground-level discharge point.

Protect flooring, furniture, and drywall by catching drips immediately. If a ceiling area is bulging with trapped water, carefully puncture the lowest point with a screwdriver over a bucket to relieve the weight and prevent a ceiling collapse. Move electronics and valuables away from leak zones.