If your home weathered a recent storm, a quick inspection now can catch problems before winter rain makes them worse. Here's what to look for and when to bring in a specialist.
Check Your Roof for Storm Damage Right After a Storm
The best time to spot roof damage is within a day or two of the storm, while signs are fresh.
Look for missing or cracked shingles, especially on slopes facing the wind direction the storm came from. Hail or heavy debris can punch holes or dent shingles without tearing them off; the damage shows up as discolored patches or soft spots. Check the flashing around your chimney, vents, and where the roof meets walls—storms often peel these loose first.
If you can safely see your gutters from the ground, look for granules (they look like coarse sand) washed into them. Shingles shed granules when they're damaged, and finding a lot of them is a strong sign of impact damage.
Don't climb onto the roof yourself. A wet or steep roof is dangerous, and a fall costs far more than an inspection. Stay on the ground or use binoculars from a safe spot.
Document Everything and Take Photos
Before you call anyone, photograph or record video of anything you noticed—missing shingles, dents, lifted flashing, granules in the gutter, or water stains on your ceiling or attic rafters.
If you entered the attic, look for water streaks on the wood framing or dark spots that suggest past leaks. Jot down the date of the storm, the direction the wind came from, and any visible damage.
This documentation helps when you call a local roofer and also backs up any insurance claim later. Insurers often ask for photos taken shortly after the damage happened.
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What to Do Right Now
If you see active leaks—water dripping into your attic or staining ceilings—place a bucket under the leak and call a roofer the same day. Don't wait.
If there's no active leak but you spotted possible damage, schedule an inspection within the next week. Fall and early winter storms can soften shingles and compromise seals; waiting until December gives water time to work into your structure.
Check your homeowner's insurance policy. Many policies cover storm damage to your roof. If you think damage occurred, contact your insurer to ask whether they'll send an adjuster or if you should get a specialist's assessment first. Requirements vary by policy.
If you're unsure whether there's damage, call a local roofer anyway. A professional inspection typically costs little and gives you a clear answer. They can tell you what's normal wear and what's storm-related.
When to Call a Local Roofer
Call a specialist right away if you see water leaking into your home, missing shingles, or obvious holes or dents.
Also call if you found a lot of granules in the gutter, noticed lifted or peeling flashing, or found dark spots or water stains in your attic after a storm. A roofer can walk your roof safely, check for hidden damage (like loosened nails or separation under shingles), and tell you whether repairs are needed now or can wait.
Bring your photos and the date of the storm. A local roofer can usually fit in an inspection within a few days and will tell you upfront whether your damage appears storm-related and how urgent repairs are. They can also advise you on insurance claims if damage is found.
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