Severe weather—whether it’s heavy rain, strong winds, hail, or snow—can cause serious damage to your roof.
Even if your roof looks fine from the ground, hidden issues could lead to leaks, structural problems, and costly repairs if left unchecked.
At Roofers Worcester, we’ve helped homeowners repair storm-damaged roofs for years.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to spot storm damage and what to do next to protect your home.
1. Types of Storm Damage That Affect Your Roof
A. Wind Damage
High winds can lift, loosen, or remove shingles, leaving your roof exposed to leaks.
🚨 Signs of Wind Damage:
✔ Missing or curled shingles
✔ Exposed roofing underlayment
✔ Loose or detached flashing around chimneys and vents
✔ Tip: If you see shingles in your yard after a storm, your roof needs immediate inspection.
B. Hail Damage
Hailstones can dent, crack, or break roofing materials, leading to long-term wear and tear.
🚨 Signs of Hail Damage:
✔ Dented or cracked shingles
✔ Granules missing from asphalt shingles
✔ Dents on metal roofs, gutters, or vents
✔ Tip: Hail damage isn’t always visible—get a professional inspection if you suspect a hailstorm affected your area.
C. Heavy Rain & Water Damage
Constant rainfall can exploit weak spots in your roof, leading to leaks, rot, and mold growth.
🚨 Signs of Water Damage:
✔ Water stains on ceilings or walls
✔ Damp insulation in the attic
✔ Mold or mildew smell in your home
✔ Tip: Check your attic after a heavy rainstorm—it’s often the first place to show signs of a leak.
D. Snow & Ice Damage
Snow and ice can put excess weight on your roof, and when it melts, it can cause ice dams that trap water.
🚨 Signs of Snow & Ice Damage:
✔ Ice dams forming at the roof edges
✔ Sagging areas under heavy snow
✔ Water leaking into the attic or walls
✔ Tip: Use a roof rake to remove excess snow before it causes structural issues.
2. How to Inspect Your Roof for Storm Damage
After a storm, a quick visual check can help you spot obvious issues.
✅ Step-by-Step Roof Inspection:
✔ Walk around your home and check for missing shingles or fallen debris.
✔ Look at gutters and downspouts—are they dented or clogged with shingle granules?
✔ Check inside your attic for leaks, damp insulation, or water stains.
✔ Examine flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for gaps or cracks.
✔ Tip: If it’s safe, use binoculars to inspect your roof from the ground. Never climb on a damaged roof yourself!
3. Next Steps: What to Do If Your Roof Is Damaged
If you spot damage, acting fast can prevent further problems.
Step 1: Take Photos for Insurance
✅ Capture clear photos of the damage from multiple angles.
✅ Include shingles, gutters, attic leaks, and any structural damage.
✔ Tip: The more evidence you have, the smoother your insurance claim will be.
Step 2: Prevent Further Damage
If your roof is leaking, take temporary measures to stop water intrusion.
✅ Use buckets or towels to catch leaks.
✅ Cover exposed areas with a tarp until repairs can be made.
✅ Clear clogged gutters to allow water to drain properly.
✔ Tip: Avoid DIY repairs on a storm-damaged roof—you could make the problem worse or risk injury.
Step 3: Contact a Professional Roofer for Inspection
Even if the damage seems minor, a professional roofer can spot hidden issues that might cause bigger problems later.
✅ Get a storm damage inspection from a licensed roofer.
✅ Request a detailed report for your insurance claim.
✅ Get an estimate for necessary repairs or replacement.
✔ Tip: Choose a local, reputable roofer—be wary of “storm chasers” offering cheap, rushed repairs.
Step 4: File an Insurance Claim (If Needed)
Most homeowner insurance policies cover storm-related roof damage.
✅ Review your policy to see what’s covered.
✅ Submit your photos, roofer’s inspection report, and repair estimates.
✅ Schedule an insurance adjuster visit to assess the damage.
✔ Tip: A roofing contractor can help you navigate the claims process to ensure you get the coverage you deserve.
4. When to Repair vs. Replace Your Roof
Sometimes, storm damage is minor and can be repaired, but in other cases, a full replacement may be necessary.
✅ Repair Your Roof If:
✔ Only a few shingles are missing or damaged.
✔ There are no signs of leaks or interior water damage.
✔ Flashing is loose but not severely damaged.
🚨 Replace Your Roof If:
❌ The roof is over 15-20 years old and already worn.
❌ Large sections of shingles are missing or broken.
❌ Water damage has reached the attic, ceilings, or walls.
❌ You’ve had multiple repairs in recent years.
✔ Tip: A professional roofer can help determine whether a repair or replacement is the best long-term solution.
5. How to Prevent Storm Damage in the Future
While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to make your roof more storm-resistant.
✅ Schedule regular roof inspections (especially before storm season).
✅ Keep gutters clean to prevent water buildup.
✅ Trim overhanging tree branches to prevent debris damage.
✅ Upgrade to impact-resistant shingles if you live in a storm-prone area.
✔ Tip: If you’ve had multiple roof repairs, consider investing in a stronger, more durable roofing system.
To Sum Up: What to Do After Storm Damage
✔ Inspect your roof for missing shingles, leaks, and other damage.
✔ Take photos for insurance documentation.
✔ Use temporary measures (like tarps) to stop further damage.
✔ Contact a professional roofer for a full inspection.
✔ File an insurance claim if repairs are needed.
At Roofers Worcester, we offer storm damage inspections, emergency repairs, and full roof replacements to keep your home protected.
Contact us today for a free inspection and expert advice!
FAQs
How do I know if my roof has storm damage?
Look for missing shingles, dents from hail, leaks in the attic, or water stains on ceilings. If unsure, get a professional inspection.
Will homeowners insurance cover storm damage?
Most policies cover storm damage, but coverage depends on your insurance plan and the extent of damage.
How soon should I repair my roof after a storm?
Immediately! Even small damage can lead to bigger problems if left untreated.
🚨 Worried about storm damage? Contact Roofers Worcester today for a free roof inspection! 🚨