How to Spot Roof Damage After a Storm: A Homeowner’s Checklist

Storms don’t care if it’s midnight or midday. They hit hard, and the aftermath can leave any homeowner or business owner with a sinking feeling. At T and C Roofing, we’ve seen how wind, hail, or even a heavy downpour can turn a solid roof into a ticking time bomb. But you don’t have to be an expert to spot urgent roof damage—or to know what to do next.

This checklist will help you safely inspect your roof after any storm. You’ll learn what to look for, how to document damage for insurance, when to call for emergency roofing, and why quick action makes all the difference.

Why Inspect After Every Storm 🕵️

Storms come in many flavors—raging winds, pounding hail, relentless rain, or heaps of heavy snow. Each one stresses your roof in its own way. Think of your roof like a helmet: even a tiny crack after a hit can spell disaster the next time trouble comes knocking.

• Hidden Damage: Storms can cause problems you can't see from the street. Water can sneak in, setting the stage for mold, electrical hazards, or even a collapsing ceiling.
• Insurance Needs: Most insurers expect you to act quickly. Early documentation helps you avoid denied claims or expensive surprises.
• Safety First: Small leaks or loose shingles can quickly become big, costly repairs—or even emergencies.

After every major weather event, a thorough check is the first step to keeping your home or business protected.

Common Signs of Damage (Shingles, Flashing, Gutters)

Storm damage isn’t always obvious—sometimes it’s as subtle as a missing puzzle piece.

• Shingles: Look for missing, curled, cracked, or bruised (dark spots) shingles. Hail can leave shingles looking like they’ve been peppered with golf balls.
• Flashing: Bent, rusted, or missing metal at roof joints, chimneys, or skylights can let water sneak in.
• Gutters & Downspouts: Sagging, detached, or clogged gutters cause water to pool where it shouldn’t. Dents and holes are a clear sign of hail.
• Roof Decking: Sagging areas visible from the ground may mean water is soaking into the structure.
• Leaks & Stains: Water spots on ceilings or walls, even days after a storm, are a red flag.
• Granules in Gutters: Finding shingle grit in your gutters is like discovering sand in your shoes after a long hike—something’s not right.

DIY Visual Checks: Ground-Level Safety

You don’t need to climb a ladder to spot trouble. In fact, national safety guidelines (OSHA) and the National Roofing Contractors Association recommend staying on the ground for initial checks.

Here’s what you can do safely:

• Walk around your home or building. Look for obvious shingle damage, debris piles, or missing roofing.
• Use binoculars to inspect high areas. Check for exposed nails, lifted shingles, or dented flashing.
• Inspect gutters and downspouts—are they hanging loose, leaking, or overflowing?
• Check attic ceilings for new stains, damp insulation, or musty smells.
• Photograph everything that looks odd or out of place. Your phone is your best friend here for both insurance and repair planning.

Do NOT:

• Climb onto a wet, icy, or storm-damaged roof.
• Touch downed power lines or dangling metal.
• Ignore damage—small problems grow fast.

When to Call a Pro

Some issues need a trained eye—and a steady hand. Call T and C Roofing for emergency roofing services or storm damage restoration near you if you notice:

• Water leaking into your living space or business
• Large sections of missing or damaged shingles
• Dented or bent metal roofing panels
• Visible daylight through your attic ceiling
• Persistent musty odors (sign of hidden leaks)
• Damaged or separated flashing around chimneys, skylights, or vents
• Sagging rooflines or visible dips

If it feels risky, it probably is. Professionals have the tools and training to fix problems without making them worse.

Quick Safety Checklist ✅

Before you start any inspection:

• Wait until the storm has fully passed.
• Wear sturdy shoes and steer clear of slippery areas.
• Avoid standing water near electrical outlets or wires.
• Keep kids and pets indoors.
• Use a flashlight (not candles) for dark attic checks.
• Never climb on a roof unless you’re trained and equipped.

Safety is always the first step—never an afterthought.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

DIY:

• Safe ground-level inspection
• Attic checks for leaks and stains
• Documenting damage with photos

Call a Pro:

• Climbing or walking on the roof
• Repairing shingles, flashing, or gutters
• Emergency tarping or leak stoppage
• Structural repairs or large debris removal

Think of it like fixing a car. You might spot a flat tire, but you wouldn’t try to change it on a highway. Some things need the right skills and equipment.

What Pros Do On Arrival

Here’s what you can expect when T and C Roofing arrives:

• Full roof inspection—both outside and inside (attic, ceilings, walls)
• Checking flashings, skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations for leaks
• Assessing gutters, downspouts, and ventilation systems
• Identifying both obvious and hidden storm damage
• Emergency patching or tarping if needed
• Detailed photo documentation and written estimates for insurance

Pros follow building codes and safety protocols outlined by the International Building Code (IBC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Repairs aren’t just quick fixes—they’re built to last.

Prevention & Maintenance

Storms will come and go. Regular care strengthens your roof’s armor.

• Annual Inspections: Schedule at least once a year, or after major storms.
• Clean Gutters: Keep water moving away from your building.
• Trim Trees: Overhanging branches are like loaded slingshots in a windstorm.
• Seal & Coat: Proper sealants, especially on flat roofs and flashing, can block leaks before they start.
• Attic Ventilation & Insulation: Reduces ice dams in winter and keeps your roof cooler in summer.

Investing in maintenance today can save thousands in emergency repairs tomorrow.

Costs & Time Factors

Repair costs depend on the size, type, and location of damage. Emergency roofing services are generally more expensive—especially outside regular hours.

What affects cost and time:

• Size of roof and extent of damage
• Material type (shingle, tile, metal, flat)
• Accessibility (steep pitches, multiple stories)
• Need for temporary fixes (tarping, structural bracing)

Simple fixes (like replacing a few shingles) may take a few hours. Larger repairs or replacements can take several days, especially if weather delays work. Always ask for a clear written estimate.

When It’s an Emergency 🛑

• Water pouring into your home or business
• Electrical hazards from leaks near wiring
• Collapsed or sagging roof sections
• Major structural damage (fallen trees, large debris)
• Repeated leaks after multiple storms

Don’t wait. Emergency roofing services exist for a reason—get professionals on site fast.

FAQ

How soon after a storm should I inspect my roof?

Check as soon as it’s safe—ideally within 24 hours. Early documentation helps with insurance and prevents further damage.

Can I handle minor repairs myself?

Simple things like clearing gutters or replacing a shingle might be safe—if you’re trained and conditions are right. For anything involving heights, structure, or water inside your building, call a professional.

What if I see roof damage but have no leaks yet?

Don’t wait for a leak. Shingles and flashing are your first line of defense. Even small problems can open the door for bigger issues down the road.

Will insurance cover storm damage?

Most policies cover sudden, accidental storm damage—but every insurer is different. Document everything with photos and written notes. Check your policy and contact your agent promptly.

Local & Seasonal Considerations

Storm damage varies by season and geography:

• Spring/Summer: Hail and wind storms can shred shingles and dent metal roofs.
• Fall: Heavy rain and gusts can pull off loose gutters and expose weak flashing.
• Winter: Snow and ice dams lead to slow leaks, sagging, and even collapse if left unchecked.

If you live near trees or in regions prone to hail or hurricanes, your roof faces extra challenges. Regular checks and fast action make all the difference.

No need to wait for the next downpour to take action. If you spot any warning signs or just want peace of mind, T and C Roofing is here 24/7 for emergency roofing and storm damage restoration near you.

Call T and C Roofing now — or reach us anytime at  878-483-9143 .