After the Storm: Your Essential Home & Roof Damage Checklist

The wind has died down, the rain has stopped, and the sun is beginning to break through the clouds. A sense of relief washes over you, but it’s quickly followed by a new concern: did the storm damage your home?

For homeowners, the aftermath of a severe storm can be a stressful and confusing time. Your first instinct might be to immediately call your insurance company, but taking a moment to conduct a thorough, safe inspection can make the difference between a smooth claims process and a frustrating, drawn-out ordeal.

This comprehensive checklist will guide you through what to inspect on your roof and around your property before you file a claim, empowering you with the knowledge and documentation needed to restore your home.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety Above All Else

Before you even think about assessing damage, ensure the area is safe. Your well-being is the number one priority.

• Look for Downed Power Lines: If you see any downed lines, stay far away and contact your utility company immediately. Assume every wire is live.
• Check for Gas Leaks: If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, evacuate the area and call your gas company from a safe distance.
• Assess Structural Integrity: Look for sagging rooflines, cracked foundations, or leaning walls. If you suspect major structural damage, do not enter your home.

Only proceed with the inspection once you are certain the immediate dangers have been addressed.

Step 2: Document Everything—Before You Touch Anything

Your smartphone is your most powerful tool in the initial claims process. Before you move a single fallen branch or pick up a piece of siding, become a diligent photographer. Insurance adjusters rely on evidence, and your initial photos will serve as a crucial “before” snapshot.

• Take Wide-Angle Shots: Capture photos of each side of your house to show the overall scene.
• Get Close-Ups: Photograph specific points of damage—dented gutters, cracked siding, or a fallen tree limb on the roof.
• Record Video: A slow walk-around video of your property can provide valuable context that photos sometimes miss.
• Time-Stamp Your Photos: Ensure your phone's settings enable location and time-stamping for irrefutable proof.

This visual record is your best evidence. You can never have too many photos.

Step 3: The Exterior Inspection (A Top-Down Approach)

Once it's safe, begin your visual inspection from the ground. For roof inspections, a pair of binoculars is your safest and most effective tool.

Your Roof: The First Line of Defense

Your roof takes the brunt of any storm. Look for these common signs of damage:

• Missing or Lifted Shingles: Scan the entire roof for shingles that are completely gone, flapping in the wind, or creased from being lifted by high winds.
• Hail Damage: Hail leaves distinct clues. Look for:
  • Dents on Soft Metals: Check roof vents, flashing, and gutters for round dings and dents. This is often the easiest-to-spot evidence of hail.
  • Bruising on Shingles: Hail impacts can create dark, soft spots on asphalt shingles, much like a bruise on an apple.
  • Granule Loss: Look for an accumulation of black, sand-like granules in your gutters and downspouts. These granules protect your shingles from UV rays, and significant loss shortens your roof's lifespan.

Safety Tip: Do not climb on a wet or potentially damaged roof. A professional roofer has the training and safety equipment to perform a close-up inspection.

Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutter system is often a tell-tale sign of a storm's intensity.

• Dents and Dings: Hail will leave clear impact marks.
• Detachment: Check if gutters are pulling away from the house or sagging.
• Clogs and Debris: Look for an unusual amount of shingle granules, which points to roof damage.

Siding, Windows, and Doors

Wind and hail can wreak havoc on the sides of your home.

• Siding: Look for cracks, chips, or holes in vinyl, wood, or fiber cement siding.
• Windows: Inspect for cracked or broken glass, damaged screens, and dented window frames or casings.
• Doors: Check for dents and paint damage, especially on garage doors.

Around Your Property

Don't forget the rest of your yard. Damage here can be part of your claim.

• Fences and Sheds: Look for downed sections of fencing or damage to outdoor structures.
• AC Units: Check your air conditioning unit for dents on the metal fins caused by hail.
• Fallen Trees/Limbs: Note any trees or large branches that have fallen, especially if they have made contact with your house.

Step 4: The Interior Inspection (Uncovering Hidden Damage)

Storm damage isn't always obvious from the outside. Water can be insidious, finding small entry points and causing problems you might not notice for weeks.

Start in the Attic

Your attic is the best place to find early evidence of a roof leak.

• Look for Daylight: On a bright day, turn off the lights and look up. Any small pinpricks of light indicate a hole in your roof deck.
• Check for Water Stains: Scan the underside of the roof decking for dark stains or discoloration.
• Inspect Insulation: Look for wet, compressed, or matted-down insulation.

Check Ceilings and Walls

Work your way down through the house, paying close attention to the top floors.

• Water Spots: Look for yellowish or brown stains on ceilings.
• Peeling or Bubbling Paint: This is a classic sign that water has gotten behind the drywall.
• Drips: Check around light fixtures, vents, and the corners of rooms for active drips.

You've Found Damage. Now What?

With your initial inspection and documentation complete, you are now prepared to take the next steps.

1. Perform Emergency Repairs: If you have an active leak, take steps to prevent further damage. This could mean placing a bucket to catch water or, if you can do so safely, securing a tarp over the damaged area of your roof. Many insurance policies cover the cost of reasonable temporary repairs.

2. Review Your Insurance Policy: Understand your coverage, specifically for wind and hail, and be aware of your deductible. This is the amount you will have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.

3. Call a Reputable, Local Roofing Contractor: This is a crucial step. A professional roofer will perform a free, comprehensive inspection and provide an expert assessment. They can identify damage you may have missed and create a detailed report with photos that will be invaluable for your insurance claim. Be wary of “storm chasers”—out-of-town contractors who flock to storm-damaged areas. Stick with a local company with a proven track record in your community.

4. File Your Claim: With your personal photos and a professional inspection report in hand, you are now fully equipped to contact your insurance company and initiate the claims process. You can speak confidently about the extent of the damage and provide the evidence to back it up.

Navigating the aftermath of a storm is challenging, but by following a systematic approach, you can protect your investment and ensure you get the fair settlement you deserve. A thorough inspection is the first and most important step toward making your home whole again.