Storm damage: what to do when your roof is affected
When a storm strikes, your roof is the first line of defense. High winds, heavy rain, hail, and debris can quickly cause serious damage. If left unaddressed, even minor roof issues can lead to water infiltration, mold, and structural deterioration.
Knowing how to respond immediately after a storm can protect your home and reduce repair costs. In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know when your roof is affected by storm damage.
Why immediate action matters after a storm
Storm damage isn’t always dramatic or obvious. Sometimes, a few missing shingles or subtle flashing damage can allow water to seep in slowly over time. If not addressed quickly, that moisture can lead to mold, rot, and structural issues that are far more expensive to fix than the original damage.
Responding swiftly also ensures you stay within insurance claim windows, maintain warranty protections, and reduce your home’s vulnerability to further weather exposure.
Step one: Ensure safety first
Before you assess any damage, make sure your home and the surrounding area are safe. After a major storm, hazards can include downed power lines, broken glass, sharp debris, or even an unstable roof structure.
If it’s safe to step outside, do a preliminary walk-around of your home without climbing on the roof. Use binoculars if needed. Never climb onto a roof after a storm, as wet surfaces, weakened structures, or hidden damage could result in a serious fall.
Step two: conduct a visual roof inspection from the ground
Once you’ve confirmed that it’s safe to inspect the exterior of your home, look for signs of damage that can be seen from ground level. Some common indicators include:
Shingles that are missing, lifted, curled, or cracked
Sections of flashing that appear detached or bent
Debris such as tree limbs resting on the roof
Dented vents or roof accessories
Sagging in the roofline or pooling water
Granule loss from shingles (often found in gutters)
Use your phone or camera to document the damage with photos and videos. This will be helpful later during the insurance claims process.
Step three: Inspect inside your home
Not all storm damage is visible from the outside. Often, the first signs of a problem show up indoors. Head to your attic and upper rooms to look for signs of roof leaks.
Watch for:
Water stains on ceilings or walls
Damp insulation or wood framing in the attic
Bubbling or peeling paint
Mold or mildew odors
If you discover any of these, it’s important to act fast to prevent further interior damage.
Step four: Apply temporary protection if needed
If there’s an obvious breach in your roof, you may need to take temporary steps to prevent further water intrusion. Cover any exposed areas with a waterproof tarp and secure it with nails or weights. Place buckets or containers under leaks inside the home to catch dripping water and move furniture or electronics out of harm’s way.
Avoid trying to fix structural issues or climb onto the roof yourself. These are temporary measures until a roofing professional can assess the situation.
Step five: Call a roofing professional
After documenting the damage and making the area as safe as possible, contact a qualified roofing contractor. A professional can inspect areas you may not be able to see, like underlayment and decking, and determine the true extent of the damage.
Be sure to choose a local, licensed, and insured roofing company with experience handling storm repairs. Local companies are more familiar with regional weather patterns and building codes and are more likely to honor warranties and service guarantees.
Common types of storm damage to roofs
Different types of weather events leave behind different kinds of damage. Understanding what each type of storm can do helps you better identify the issues your roof may face.
Wind Damage
High winds can lift or tear shingles away from the roof. It can also loosen flashing and damage ridge caps or vents. Wind-blown debris, such as tree limbs, may also strike and damage your roof.
Hail Damage
Hail can dent metal components and crack asphalt shingles, often causing granule loss. Even small hailstones can weaken roofing materials over time, leading to premature aging or leaks.
Rain and Flooding
Heavy rainfall may exploit weak points in your roof. If shingles or flashing are already compromised, rainwater can seep into the structure and interior of your home. Standing water may also collect on flat roofs, increasing the risk of collapse.
Ice and Snow
In colder regions, ice dams can form at the edge of the roof, preventing snowmelt from draining properly. This trapped water can then back up under the shingles and leak into your home.
Preventing future storm damage
You can't control the weather, but you can take steps to prepare your home and reduce the likelihood of future roof damage.
Here are some key strategies:
Schedule annual roof inspections to catch early issues
Clean your gutters regularly to prevent water overflow
Trim trees and remove dead branches near your home
Reinforce flashing and reseal vulnerable areas
Install impact-resistant roofing materials if upgrading your roof
Ensure proper attic ventilation to prevent ice dams
Regular maintenance is one of the most effective ways to extend the life of your roof and reduce storm-related risks.
How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor
The urgency of roof damage can make it tempting to hire the first contractor available, but not all roofers are equal. Choosing the right professional will ensure your repairs are completed correctly and covered by warranty.
What to look for in a roofing contractor:
Local business with an established reputation
Licensed and insured
References or verified online reviews
Written estimates and transparent pricing
Emergency repair services
Experience with insurance claims
Avoid contractors who:
Ask for large upfront payments
Have no physical address or license
Use high-pressure sales tactics
Lack of proof of insurance or references
Storm damage recovery is a stressful time—don’t let a bad contractor add to your problems.
When to consider roof replacement instead of repairs
In some cases, storm damage may be so widespread that repairs are not enough. If your roof is older or has sustained damage across large sections, a full replacement may be the safer and more cost-effective solution.
Your roofing contractor will evaluate:
The age and condition of your roof
The number of shingles or areas affected
Underlayment or decking damage
Future vulnerability to leaks
Replacing the roof entirely may also be necessary to restore your home’s structural integrity or qualify for certain insurance reimbursements.
Need Emergency Roof Repair? Contact Lewis and Sons Roofing for fast, reliable service.
Storm damage can be overwhelming, but taking a methodical and informed approach can help you protect your home, file a successful insurance claim, and restore your roof efficiently. Remember to prioritize safety, document everything, and work only with reputable professionals.
The faster you act, the more you can reduce the damage and avoid long-term consequences. We’ll restore your roof and keep your home protected.
