Roof Storm Damage Checklist

The process of checking your roof for storm damage can be overwhelming. This is a stressful time for homeowners who are trying to deal with potential damage to their property. 

If you are in this situation, consider the following types of roof damage and our included roof storm damage checklist to cover your basis.

Types of Roof Damage

There are several types of roof damage, and sometimes all four of these can happen in the same storm. Here’s what to look for in each case: 

• Wind damage: This often results in missing or loose shingles. It can sometimes cause cracks in the shingles if debris hits it (impact damage), although that is less common when it’s just wind as a factor. 
• Hail damage: This is where you see dents, punctures, discoloration, and cracks in the shingles. You can also look in the driveway or sidewalks for black granules that have come off the asphalt shingles, a sign of roof damage. 
• Water damage: Look for leaks, soft spots, and bowing in the roof. 
• Impact damage: This is when debris and tree branches hit the roof and create issues that often need prompt repair to prevent future complications. 

Signs of Storm Damage on a Roof

The following are clear signs of storm damage on your roof, and you need to contact a professional roofer ASAP to inspect (and potentially repair) your property. 

• Missing shingles: This is an immediate red flag. If shingles are missing, your roof is exposed to the elements without the protective layer. 
• Dents and cracks: This damage is usually caused by sizable hail around an inch in diameter or greater. 
• Discoloration: This can indicate granule loss on asphalt shingles, and you also notice the granules on the surface around the home after a storm. 
• Soft spots or sagging sections: This red flag suggests your roof is starting to take on water and has been compromised. 

 

Roof Storm Damage Checklist (10 Steps) 

When a storm hits, it makes sense to check your house for potential damage so you can make necessary repairs as soon as possible. Here’s a 10-step checklist of things to remember when assessing roof storm damage. 

1. Stay Safe

The first step is to make sure everyone in the household is safe. Do not go outside until the storm has completely passed and you are given the “all clear” from local weather reports. 

Once you venture outdoors, be sure to wear hard-soled shoes to protect against any glass or debris that may be on the ground after the storm. 

2. Check for Hazards

Before you start inspecting your house and roof, assess the overall situation. Identify potential hazards caused by the storm, such as downed power lines, broken glass, compromised structures, and tree branches. 

3. Don’t Approach Damaged Areas

Speaking of compromised structures, do not go near areas with visible damage. This includes buildings, trees, power lines, etc. These damaged structures could shift and/or collapse, and impacted tree limbs can break off and fall. 

4. Visual Inspection

Without getting too close to the aforementioned damaged areas, inspect your house’s roofing and siding. If needed, use binoculars or zoom in on your phone to get a better view. Look for damaged shingles or dents. 

5. Check Perimeter

If it’s safe, walk around the perimeter of your house to try and see every angle of your roof and siding while constantly checking for damage or other debris. 

If you have asphalt shingles, look for black granules on the ground, which indicates that your roof has some damage and needs a professional assessment. 

6. View the Roof from Windows

Sometimes, you can get a better roof view from certain windows. With a closer look, try to see if there are cracked shingles or discoloration in any areas that could indicate that your roof has undergone storm damage. 

7. Document Damage

While examining your home, document any damage on your phone by taking pictures and making quick notes. 

This will help you tell professionals where to look for problem areas and address your concerns. It can also help with insurance and provide clear documentation. 

8. Get a Professional Roofing Assessment

Even if you are absolutely positive that your roof has not suffered storm damage, you will still need to call a professional to take a look and complete a thorough assessment. 

From here, the professional can decide on the next steps to consider, whether replacing the entire roof or making repairs to certain areas. 

9. Notify Insurance 

Once you have had a professional come through and inspect the house, it’s best to notify insurance about the plan of action. This is where proper documentation and a thorough professional assessment are needed. 

You should promptly notify your insurance company, even if you aren’t making repairs right away. Some insurance companies have strict deadlines for filing claims, so it’s best to check on that status and get the ball rolling early. 

Often, the insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage, so having detailed notes of where to look and the damage observed can be useful. 

10 . Address the Roof Damage 

After all of these steps, it’s time to turn to a roofing professional to either repair minor damage or, in the case of major damage, replace the roof. To begin with, it also depends on how old the roof is. 

For example, if the roof is several decades old to begin with an encounters minor storm damage, it might be worth considering a total replacement due to the age of the roof. 

Once again, these are things that a professional roofer can guide you through and the insurance agents. 

Need a Professional Roof Inspection? 

Whether you have minor or major roof storm damage, it’s important to get a professional roof inspection by a trusted contractor. If you live in the Westfield, NJ area, Above & Beyond Exterior Remodelers is your trusted roofing contractor for the job. 

We are equipped with years of experience, including in-depth knowledge, the finest roofing materials, and cutting-edge, innovative tools. Plus, we offer a 50-year warranty on every roof!

We are family-owned and operated, and we take extreme pride in delivering great work at a fair and honest price. That’s why we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and hundreds of glowing reviews. 

To contact us, call (908) 588-9575 or request a free estimate on our website.