Roof Inspection After Storms

After a severe storm, a quick, safe check of the roof helps limit further damage and supports any insurance claim. The priority is personal safety: storms can leave downed power lines, unstable trees, and roofs that are wet, damaged or covered in debris. Most guidance advises homeowners not to climb onto a roof after a storm, but to inspect from the ground and the attic and leave rooftop work to professionals.

From the ground

• Look for missing, lifted or creased shingles; slipped or broken tiles and slates; displaced ridge caps; and peeled-back metal edges.
• Check for fallen branches on the roof and damaged chimneys, antennas or solar arrays.
• Look at gutters, downpipes, vents, air-conditioning units and outdoor fixtures for dents, which can indicate hail size and direction.
• Note debris such as granules, pieces of roofing or flashing on the ground.
• Use binoculars or a camera zoom; a drone flown legally can help.

Inside

• Check ceilings and walls for new stains or drips.
• Inspect the attic with a torch for wet sheathing, light showing through, and damp insulation.
• Protect belongings from active leaks and turn off electricity to wet areas if safe.

Documenting

Take dated photographs and videos of all damage, outside and inside, before cleaning up. Keep receipts for emergency repairs and temporary protection. Contact the insurer promptly, as policies usually require timely notice and reasonable steps to prevent further damage.

Temporary protection

Emergency tarping or boarding can stop water entry until permanent repairs are made. In the United States, federally declared disasters may activate the US Army Corps of Engineers' Operation Blue Roof programme for eligible homes.

Choosing help

After major events, unsolicited contractors often canvass affected areas. Consumer and extension guidance commonly advises checking licensing and insurance, getting written estimates, avoiding large upfront payments, and being wary of anyone offering to waive deductibles. An independent inspection, separate from the contractor doing the work, can help distinguish storm damage from pre-existing wear.