How to Assess Storm Damage to Your Roof
Safety First — Stay Off the Roof
Never climb onto a roof immediately after a storm. It may be wet, structurally weakened, or have hidden hazards (loose shingles, exposed nails, downed power lines nearby). Assess from the ground using binoculars first. If you must access the roof, wait until it's completely dry and have someone spot you. Call 911 if you see downed power lines anywhere near your home.
Start your assessment from the ground and work your way up. Here's what to check:
Storm Damage Inspection Checklist
From the Ground:
From the Attic:
Pro Tip
Types of Storm Damage
Hail Damage
Hail dents and cracks shingles, dislodges granules, and weakens the shingle's waterproofing layer. Damage is often invisible from the ground — shingles may look fine but have bruised underlayment. Check metal components first (gutters, vents, flashing) — if they're dented, your shingles are almost certainly damaged. Hail damage shortens roof life by 5-10 years if not repaired.
Wind Damage
High winds lift, curl, and tear shingles — especially at edges, ridges, and corners where uplift forces are strongest. Winds over 60 mph can peel entire sections. Even if shingles stay in place, wind can break the sealant bond between shingle tabs, making them vulnerable to the next storm. Wind damage is usually concentrated on the windward side of the roof.
Fallen Trees & Debris
Large branches or entire trees can puncture through the roof structure, damaging decking, rafters, and interior ceilings. Even small branches can crack shingles and damage flashing. If a tree has penetrated the roof, do not enter the room below — structural integrity may be compromised. Call a professional immediately.
Heavy Rain & Flooding
Torrential rain exposes pre-existing vulnerabilities — worn shingles, failed flashing, and clogged gutters that overflow and drive water under the roof edge. On flat roofs, heavy rain causes ponding water that accelerates membrane failure. Rain damage is often gradual and shows up as attic water stains days or weeks after the storm.
Emergency Steps: Protecting Your Home After a Storm
Your immediate goal is preventing further water damage while waiting for permanent repairs. Act within the first 24 hours:
Safety assessment from the ground
Do NOT get on the roof immediately after a storm — it may be structurally compromised, wet, or have hidden damage that makes it unsafe. Walk the perimeter of your home and look up with binoculars. Check for: missing or flapping shingles, exposed wood decking, sagging areas, dented gutters, broken flashing, fallen tree limbs on the roof. Inside, check the attic with a flashlight for water intrusion, daylight through the decking, or sagging insulation.
Document everything for insurance
Before touching anything, photograph and video all damage from every angle. Include: wide shots showing damage location relative to the whole roof, close-ups of damaged shingles/flashing/gutters, interior water stains or leaks, debris that caused damage (branches, hail stones if still present), timestamps on all photos. Write notes about the storm — date, time, type (hail, wind, tornado), duration. This documentation is your evidence for the insurance claim and directly affects your payout.
Apply temporary protection
Your priority is preventing further water damage until permanent repairs are done. For exposed decking or large areas: secure a heavy-duty tarp (at least 6 mil) over the damaged area, extending 4 feet past the damage on all sides. Anchor with 2x4 boards screwed into the decking (not nailed — nails create more leak points). For small holes: apply roof sealant or roofing tape as a temporary patch. Clear all debris from gutters and downspouts immediately — blocked drainage during the next rain will cause additional damage. Keep receipts for temporary materials — they're reimbursable through insurance.
File the insurance claim
Call your insurance company within 24-48 hours — most policies have prompt reporting requirements. Have your documentation ready. Request an adjuster visit. Before the adjuster arrives, get written estimates from 2-3 licensed, local roofing contractors (not storm chasers). Ideally, have your chosen contractor present during the adjuster's inspection — they can point out damage the adjuster might miss, especially hidden damage under shingles. Review the adjuster's report carefully. If the estimate seems low, you have the right to request a re-inspection or hire a public adjuster.
Choose a contractor and complete repairs
Select a contractor who is: licensed in your state, carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance, has local references (not just storm-chasing reviews), and provides a written warranty. Get the scope of work in writing before starting. Ensure all work matches or exceeds the insurance adjuster's scope. After completion, inspect the work, get a final invoice, and submit to insurance for reimbursement. Keep all documentation for at least 5 years.
Your home is protected and your insurance claim is filed. Permanent repairs should begin as soon as your contractor is available.
Filing an Insurance Claim for Storm Damage
Storm damage is one of the most common — and most successful — homeowners insurance claims. Here's how to maximize your claim:
What Insurance Typically Covers
- ✓ Wind, hail, and tornado damage to roofing materials
- ✓ Fallen tree removal and resulting roof damage
- ✓ Interior water damage caused by storm-damaged roof
- ✓ Temporary repairs (tarping, emergency patching)
- ✓ Debris removal from the property
What Insurance Typically Does NOT Cover
- ✗ Pre-existing damage or deferred maintenance
- ✗ Wear and tear or roof aging
- ✗ Flood damage (requires separate flood insurance)
- ✗ Cosmetic damage that doesn't affect function
Pro Tip
Pro Tip
How Much Does Storm Damage Roof Repair Cost?
Costs range from under $100 for minor shingle replacement to $25,000+ for full roof replacement after severe damage. With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost is typically just your deductible ($500-2,500):
Storm Damage Roof Repair Costs (2026)
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency tarping | $50 – $150 | $200 – $500 |
| Missing shingles (per shingle) | $1 – $5 | $50 – $100 |
| Flashing repair | $20 – $75 | $200 – $600 |
| Partial re-roofing (per square) | Not recommended | $300 – $700 |
| Full roof replacement | Not recommended | $8,000 – $25,000+ |
Costs are national averages. Storm damage repairs often qualify for insurance coverage. Your out-of-pocket cost is typically limited to your deductible.
When to Hire a Professional
For most storm damage, hiring a licensed contractor is strongly recommended — both for safety and to ensure your insurance claim is properly documented and covered:
When to Call a Professional
- Any structural damage (sagging, holes, broken rafters)
- Damage covering more than a few square feet
- You're filing an insurance claim (contractor documentation required)
- Tree limbs on or through the roof
- Damage near electrical lines or equipment
- Flat roof or commercial building damage
- Multiple areas of damage across the roof
How to Avoid Storm Damage Repair Scams
After major storms, "storm chasers" — out-of-town contractors who follow storms looking for work — go door-to-door offering "free inspections" and "insurance claim help." While some are legitimate, many are not. Protect yourself:
Pro Tip
Pro Tip
Pro Tip
Pro Tip
Related Guides
Flat Roof Repair
Complete guide to repairing flat roofs including leak detection and patching.
Read GuideSoffit & Fascia Repair
Fix storm-damaged soffits and fascia boards with this step-by-step guide.
Read GuideFlat Roof Leak Repair
Focused guide on finding and fixing leaks after storm damage to flat roofs.
Read GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Written by
HomeRepairBase Editorial Team
Our team of home improvement experts and licensed contractors creates detailed repair guides, cost breakdowns, and troubleshooting tips to help homeowners tackle structural issues with confidence.