How to check your roof after a storm
Do the first check from the ground and from inside the attic, not from a ladder. Look for missing shingles, debris, dented metal, damaged gutters and daylight or wet spots in the attic. Photograph everything before cleanup. If a tree is on the roof or water is coming in, call 833-877-1717 to request an independent roofer or tarping provider.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
Safety first
Report downed power lines to your electric utility or 911, and stay well away from them.
Before you start: safety
- Wait until the storm has fully passed and it is light outside.
- Stay clear of downed power lines and anything touching them. Many utilities advise staying at least 35 feet away and reporting the line right away.
- Do not climb onto the roof. Steep, wet or damaged roofs are dangerous, and walking on hail-damaged shingles can make damage worse.
- If a tree is on the house, stay out of the rooms under it until a professional checks the structure.
What to check from the ground
Walk all the way around the building. Binoculars help.
- Shingles: missing, lifted, creased or torn shingles; exposed underlayment or bare roof deck.
- Granules: heavy piles of shingle granules at downspout outlets can indicate hail damage.
- Metal: dents in gutters, downspouts, vents, flashing and AC fins often point to hail.
- Ridge and edges: ridge caps and the edges of the roof are where wind usually starts peeling.
- Gutters: pulled away, bent or hanging.
- Debris: limbs on the roof, punctures, or impact marks.
- Siding, windows and soffits: damage here is often a clue to roof damage above.
What to check in the attic
- Daylight showing through the roof deck.
- Wet or dark spots on the underside of the deck or rafters.
- Damp or compressed insulation.
- Nail tips that are wet or rusty.
- Cracked or bowed rafters, especially under an impact point.
Step only on joists or a floored walkway.
Signs that cannot wait
- A tree, limb or object through the roof.
- An open section where the deck is exposed or missing.
- Water coming inside, or a ceiling that is bulging.
- Sagging rooflines or cracking sounds from the structure.
- More rain forecast while the roof is open.
These call for emergency tarping or board-up to keep water out. A tree on the roof usually needs a tree service with the right equipment before the roof can be closed up.
Document for insurance
- Take wide shots of each side of the building, then close-ups of each damaged area. Include something for scale.
- Photograph hailstones next to a ruler if you have them, and note the date and time of the storm.
- Keep receipts for tarps, board-up, tree removal and any emergency work.
- Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as a tarp, so do not wait for the adjuster to stop water coming in.
- Be cautious with door-to-door contractors after storms. Check local licensing, read any contract or assignment-of-benefits form carefully, and avoid paying the full amount upfront.
Getting a professional inspection
Hail and wind damage is not always visible from the ground. A roofer can check for bruised shingles, broken seals and lifted tabs that may lead to leaks later. Ask for photos of what they find.
When you call 833-877-1717, RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent roofer in your area. The roofer handles inspection, pricing and repairs directly with you.
How RepairNowUSA can help
Call 833-877-1717 and describe what is happening and the property ZIP code. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent provider for that kind of work in your area and connects you if one is available. The provider confirms timing, scope and price with you and does the work. Availability and response times vary and are not guaranteed.
Call 833-877-1717Common questions
How do I know if my roof has hail damage?
Common signs include dents in gutters, vents and AC fins, piles of granules at downspouts, and dark spots or bruises on shingles where granules were knocked off. A roofer can confirm, since some damage is not visible from the ground.
Should I get on the roof to check for damage?
No. Inspect from the ground with binoculars and from inside the attic. Roofs are slippery and can be structurally damaged after a storm, and walking on them can make some damage worse.
How long do I have to file a roof claim after a storm?
Deadlines vary by policy and state. Many policies require prompt notice, so call your insurer or agent soon after the storm and ask.
Can I get a tarp put on before the adjuster comes?
Usually yes, and most policies expect you to prevent further damage. Photograph the damage first and keep the receipt.
Can I call any time?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.