In our experience, most homeowners notice the more obvious signs of roof damage after a storm, such as missing shingles or a new leak, but other damage can be difficult to spot from the ground.
High winds and hail can damage shingles, flashing, vents, and other parts of the roofing system without leaving an obvious sign that something is wrong.
If you leave these issues unaddressed, the damage can let water into the roof and cause problems with the decking, insulation, ceilings, and other parts of the home.
In this article, we’ll explain what to do after storm roof damage, including how to safely check and document the damage, when to have your roof inspected, how to prepare for the insurance claim process, and what to consider when repairing or replacing the roof.
What to Do After Storm Roof Damage
If you think a storm damaged your roof, first stay safe, then document what happened and prevent further damage.
Here are the steps we recommend to help you assess the situation and decide what to do next.
1. Stay Safe and Check for Signs of Roof Damage
Once the storm has passed, check your home for damage from a safe location.
Do not climb onto the roof, especially if it is wet, has loose roofing materials, or appears damaged.
If you see downed power lines, major structural damage, or another immediate hazard, stay away and contact the appropriate emergency service.
Walk around your property and look at the roof from the ground.
Here are the signs to look for:
- Missing, lifted, cracked, or torn shingles
- Shingles or pieces of roofing material on the ground
- Damaged or displaced flashing
- Dented or damaged gutters and downspouts
- Damaged roof vents
- Fallen branches or other impact damage
- Sagging or visibly damaged areas of the roof
You should also check inside your home and attic, if it is safe to do so.
Look for new water stains on the ceilings or walls, active leaks, damp insulation, or other signs of moisture.
If you suspect your roof was affected, a professional inspection can identify damage that may not be obvious during your initial check.
2. Document the Damage and Prevent Further Damage
Before cleaning up or making temporary repairs, document the damage as thoroughly as you can.
Take photos or videos from safe locations, including wide shots of your home and closer views of any damage you can see from the ground.
Make sure you document:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Roofing materials or debris on the ground
- Damage to gutters, flashing, or roof vents
- Fallen branches or other objects that hit the roof
- Water stains, leaks, or other interior water damage
- Wet insulation or visible moisture in the attic
- Personal belongings damaged by water
After you document the damage, take reasonable steps to keep the situation from getting worse.
Move furniture and other belongings away from active leaks, use buckets or containers to catch dripping water, and protect affected areas inside the home where you can safely do so.
If the roof has an opening that needs covering, contact a roofing professional for temporary protection rather than climbing onto a damaged roof yourself. If repairs are needed, our roof repair team can inspect the affected area and explain what needs to be done.
Keep receipts and records for any emergency or temporary work, especially if you plan to file an insurance claim.
3. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
A professional roof inspection gives you a clearer picture of your roof’s condition and helps determine whether the damage can be repaired or whether you need a roof replacement.
After checking and documenting the damage, have a professional roofer inspect the roof.
When we come out for an inspection, we check the shingles, flashing, vents, roof edges, gutters, and other roofing components for signs of wind, hail, or impact damage.
We also check the attic and roof decking for signs that water has entered the roofing system.
We always document what we find with photos and explain which areas are damaged.
If you’re in Seneca or the surrounding Upstate South Carolina area, call us at (864) 903-7873 to schedule a roof inspection.
4. Prepare for the Insurance Claim Process
If the inspection confirms storm damage and you plan to file an insurance claim, review your homeowners insurance policy and gather the documentation you have collected so far.
Every policy is different, so check your coverage, deductible, and any requirements your insurance company has for reporting storm damage.
As you prepare for the claim process:
- Gather your documentation. Keep your photos, videos, roof inspection findings, and any estimates together so you have a clear record of the damage.
- Save your receipts. Keep receipts for temporary roof protection, emergency repairs, or other work needed to prevent further damage.
- Keep track of your claim. Save your claim number, adjuster’s contact information, inspection dates, and any communication with your insurance company.
- Prepare for the adjuster’s inspection. Have your photos and our inspection documentation available so you can show the areas where damage was found.
- Avoid making permanent repairs too soon. Unless emergency work is needed to protect your home, make sure the damage is properly documented and follow your insurer’s requirements before completing permanent repairs.
We document the storm damage we find, provide photos of the affected areas, and prepare an estimate for the recommended repairs or roof replacement. You can use this information during the claims process and when discussing the damage with your insurance adjuster.
Your insurance company will ultimately determine what damage your policy covers and how much it will pay toward the work.
Choose a Roofing Contractor for the Repairs
After a major storm, you may have several roofing companies offering inspections or repairs in your area.
Before hiring someone, make sure you know who will be working on your home and exactly what work they are proposing.
We recommend looking for a roofing contractor who:
- Is established in your area. A local roofing company will still be around if you have questions or need warranty service after the work is completed.
- Carries proper insurance and any required licenses. Ask for this information before signing a contract.
- Provides a written estimate. The estimate should clearly explain the work being completed, the roofing materials being used, and the expected cost.
- Explains the recommendation. Your roofer should be able to show you the damage and explain why they recommend a repair or replacement.
- Provides clear warranty information. Make sure you understand the workmanship and manufacturer warranties that apply to the project.
- Does not pressure you into making an immediate decision. Be cautious of contractors who show up after a storm and push you to sign a contract before you have had time to review the damage and proposed work.
At SureFlow Roofing, we start by showing you what we found during the inspection and explaining the work we recommend.
Once you decide how you want to move forward, we provide a clear scope of work and schedule the necessary repairs or roof replacement.
Get Your Storm-Damaged Roof Inspected
If you think your roof was damaged in a storm, you shouldn’t wait for a small problem to turn into a larger leak or more extensive water damage.
At SureFlow Roofing, we can inspect your roof, document any storm damage we find, and explain whether it needs repair or replacement.
If you decide to move forward with the work, we’ll walk you through what needs to be done and provide a clear estimate for the project.
Call SureFlow Roofing at (864) 903-7873 or contact us online to schedule a post-storm roof inspection.