Short answer
After a storm, stay off the roof and look from the ground. Walk around the house for missing shingles, dents, loose gutters and fallen branches, and take photos with the date. Check the ceilings and the attic for drips and put buckets under them. Call a roofer for an emergency tarp and report it to your insurer. Stay far from downed power lines and call the power company.
Safety first
Stay off the roof: a storm-damaged roof can be slick, loose or weak. Keep far away from downed power lines and anything touching them, and call 911 or the power company. If a ceiling sags with water, keep everyone out of that room.
What to do after a storm hits your roof
1The storm passes and the roof took a hit
Wind lifts shingles and drops branches. Wait until the storm is over and it is light out before you look.
Read all the steps
- The storm passes and the roof took a hit. Wind lifts shingles and drops branches. Wait until the storm is over and it is light out before you look.
- Stay off the roof, even if it looks fine. A wet, damaged roof is slick and can give way. Leave the ladder in the garage and keep away from downed power lines.
- Walk around and look from the ground. Binoculars help. Look for missing or lifted shingles, dented gutters, branches on the roof and shingle pieces in the yard.
- Take photos and call your insurer. Photos and video of the roof, the yard and any ceiling stains, with the date. Then call your insurance company to report it.
- A roofer tarps it until the repair. A tarp keeps the rain out while you wait for the adjuster and the repair. Many roofers tarp the same day.
- Found damage? Call a roofer for a tarp Especially if: water is coming in anywhere: ask a roofer for an emergency tarp.
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Check the inside too
- 1
Look at every ceiling, especially under the side of the roof that took the most wind.
- 2
If you have safe attic access, look with a flashlight for wet wood, wet insulation or daylight. Step only on the wooden beams (joists).
- 3
Put buckets under any drips and move furniture and electronics out of the way.
- 4
If water drips near a light fixture or outlet, switch off that circuit at the panel, standing on a dry floor.
What not to do
- Do not climb up to check the damage or to tarp it yourself. Falls from roofs cause serious injuries.
- Do not sign anything with a crew that knocks on your door after the storm. Get written estimates from local roofers first.
- Do not throw away broken shingles, gutter pieces or branches until the insurer has seen them or your photos.
- Do not wait for the adjuster to stop a leak: insurers expect you to prevent more damage.
When to call a roofer
- Water is coming in anywhere: ask a roofer for an emergency tarp.
- Shingles are missing or you can see the wood under them.
- A tree or large branch is on the roof.
- A ceiling is sagging or stained after the storm.
- Gutters are hanging or pulled away from the house.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my roof was damaged in a storm?
Look from the ground for missing, lifted or creased shingles, dented gutters and shingle pieces in the yard. Then check the ceilings and the attic for drips or wet spots. A roofer can inspect it up close once it is safe.
Should I call insurance or a roofer first after storm damage?
Report it to your insurer soon, and call a roofer right away if water is getting in. Many people have a roofer inspect before the adjuster visits so nothing is missed.
Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage to a roof?
Often, when the damage is sudden, like wind or hail. Wear and old age usually are not covered. Your policy and deductible decide the rest, so ask your insurer.
How soon after a storm should I get my roof inspected?
As soon as you can after the storm passes, even if nothing leaks yet. Lifted shingles and small holes often leak at the next rain.
Can I tarp my roof myself after a storm?
Better not. A wet, damaged roof is one of the most dangerous places to stand. Roofers have the harness and the practice, and many tarp the same day.
Is storm damage to a roof an emergency?
It is when water is coming in, a tree is on the roof or a ceiling sags. Use the "24/7 emergencies" filter to find roofers who answer now.