How to Spot Roof Damage After a Storm: Homeowner Checklist

Storms don’t care if you’re ready. Rain, hail, wind, or snow—when the weather turns wild, your roof takes the brunt of it. It’s nerve-wracking not knowing if your home is safe after the clouds roll out. But you don’t need to be a roofing pro to spot the signs of trouble.

At A & J Roofing, we’ve seen every kind of storm and every kind of roof. Here’s a practical, step-by-step checklist any homeowner can use to assess their roof after a storm—before picking up the phone for emergency roofing help.

Safety First: When Not to Climb 🛑

Before you even think about grabbing a ladder, check your surroundings. Roofs can be as slick as ice rinks after rain or snow. One wrong step—sudden trouble. Your safety comes first.

Quick safety rules:

• Never climb onto a wet or icy roof.
• Watch for downed power lines or loose wires—call the utility company if you see any.
• If there’s obvious structural damage (like sagging areas or visible holes), keep clear.
• Use binoculars or your phone’s zoom camera from the ground whenever possible.

The National Safety Council reminds homeowners: Falls from roofs are a leading cause of serious injuries. Even seasoned pros use harnesses and spotters. When in doubt, stay on the ground and call emergency roofing services.

Common Signs of Roof Damage

Roofs don’t always shout for help. Sometimes, they whisper. Here’s what to look for after a storm, both from a distance and up close (if it’s safe).

What to Check For

• Missing or loose shingles: Do you see patches where roof shingles are gone or flapping in the wind?
• Dents and bruises: Hail can leave your roof looking like a golf ball—check shingles, vents, and metal flashing.
• Granule loss: Look in your gutters or at the ground for piles of little, sand-like granules. These shield your shingles from sun damage.
• Cracked, curled, or broken tiles: Especially important for clay, slate, or concrete tile roofs.
• Torn or missing metal flashing: Flashing is the thin metal that seals edges and joints. If it’s peeled back or gone, water can sneak in.
• Stains on ceilings or walls: Water marks indoors can mean a leak above.
• Debris piles: Branches, leaves, or hail chunks sitting on your roof? They can trap water and hide damage.

Pro tip: Use a flashlight in your attic to check for wet spots, drips, or daylight peeking through. Sometimes, the first sign of trouble is inside.

Special Focus on Gutters, Flashing, and Skylights 🌧️

Storms test every inch of your roof—not just the shingles.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Detached or bent gutters: Heavy winds or ice can tear them away from the roofline.
• Clogged or overflowing downspouts: If water isn’t flowing, it’s pooling somewhere it shouldn’t.
• Visible rust, cracks, or holes: Even a pinhole can let water seep into your eaves.
• Downspout Repair near you: After a storm, quick repairs prevent water damage to your foundation.

Roof and Chimney Flashing

• Loose or missing flashing: Look around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
• Rust stains or gaps: These are open invitations for leaks.

Skylights

• Cracked or shattered glass: Hail and debris can cause chips or full breaks.
• Leaking frames: Check for water trails or puddles inside after a storm.
• Skylight Repair: Prompt fixes protect your home’s interior from bigger water issues.

When to Call a Roofer

Sometimes, it’s clear: you need emergency roofing help—now. Other times, it’s not so obvious. Here’s when to reach out for professional inspection or repair:

• You spot missing shingles, tiles, or flashing from the ground.
• There’s water inside—dripping, staining, or pooling.
• The roof or ceiling is sagging.
• You hear persistent dripping sounds, even after rain stops.
• Gutters, downspouts, or skylights appear damaged or leaking.
• You’re unsure or uneasy about climbing, or about what you see.

A & J Roofing handles fast responses for all storm-related issues—big or small. Our team covers everything from Downspout Repair near you to emergency tarping, leak repair, and complete roof replacements.

Insurance Documentation Tips 📝

If you’ll need to file a claim, documentation is your best friend. Think like an investigator:

• Take photos and videos: Get wide shots and close-ups of any damage—inside and out.
• Record the date and time: Storms are often tracked by insurance companies.
• Keep damaged materials: If safe, hang on to broken shingles, tiles, or flashing.
• List visible issues: Write down everything you notice, even if it seems minor.
• Contact your insurance promptly: They may send their own inspector, but your records will help.

Reference: The Insurance Information Institute recommends this step-by-step approach for all severe weather events.

Regional and Seasonal Storm Impacts

Not all storms are created equal. What you look for may depend on where you live:

Hurricanes & Tropical Storms

• Expect wind-driven rain, flying debris, and water pushing up under shingles or tiles.
• Check for lifted edges, and for water stains in attic spaces.

Hailstorms

• Hail leaves bruises, dents, and granule loss.
• Metal roofs may show dings but resist leaks; shingles may lose protective layers.

Snowstorms & Ice Dams

• Ice dams form at the roof edge, pushing water back under shingles.
• Heavy snow can cause structural sagging—watch for bowed rafters or drooping ceilings.
• Melting snow can reveal leaks hidden for weeks.

Tornadoes & Severe Winds

• Look for missing sections of roof, flipped shingles, and displaced gutters.
• Inspect the yard for debris that may have struck the roof.

Practical Tips for Homeowners

• Walk around your home after every major storm—make it a habit, like checking your mailbox.
• Use a checklist (like this one) and keep it handy.
• If you notice anything off, even small, it pays to call for a professional inspection.
• The longer water sits, the more damage it does. Quick action saves thousands in repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after a storm should I inspect my roof?

As soon as it’s safe—usually right after the weather clears. The sooner you find problems, the better.

Can I inspect my roof myself?

From the ground, yes. Binoculars and your phone’s camera can reveal a lot. Avoid climbing unless you have experience and proper safety gear.

What if I only see minor damage?

Small issues can become big ones. Even a few missing shingles or a loose gutter can lead to leaks. It’s smart to call a professional for advice.

Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage from storms?

Often, yes—but every policy is different. Document everything, and contact your insurer to confirm coverage.

Final Steps: What to Do Next

If you’ve spotted damage, or if your roof just doesn’t look right, don’t wait. Water can sneak in through the smallest gaps and cause hidden headaches—mold, rot, and structural issues.

Whether it’s Downspout Repair near you, emergency leak patching, or a full roof replacement, A & J Roofing is here for you—day or night.

Call A & J Roofing now — or reach us anytime at  877-748-7543 .