Ground-Level Inspection Checklist (Do This First)
You can identify most storm damage from the ground — no ladder required:
Exterior Check
- Missing shingles — visible gaps or exposed underlayment on the roof
- Shingles in the yard — blown-off shingles are obvious wind damage
- Dented gutters and downspouts — hail dents metal; check all gutters
- Granule buildup in gutters/downspouts — looks like coarse black sand; heavy accumulation = shingle damage
- Damaged or dented siding — hail that dents siding likely damaged the roof too
- Cracked or broken windows — confirms damaging hail size
- Dented AC unit, fence caps, or mailbox — metal surfaces show hail impact clearly
- Damaged ridge caps — visible damage along the roof peak
Interior Check
- Water stains on ceilings — brown or yellow rings indicate active leaks
- Drips or moisture in the attic — check rafters, decking, and insulation after rain
- Daylight through the roof — visible in the attic; means shingles and underlayment are compromised
- New cracks in ceiling or walls — can indicate structural wind damage
Hail Damage: What to Look For
Hail is the most common — and most missed — roof damage. Hailstones as small as 1 inch (quarter-sized) can damage asphalt shingles.
| Hail Damage Sign | What It Looks Like | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Shingle bruising | Dark, circular spots; soft when pressed (like a bruise on an apple) | Random pattern across roof surface |
| Granule loss | Exposed black asphalt where granules knocked off | Random circular impact marks |
| Cracked shingles | Visible cracks or splits in shingle surface | Impact points |
| Dented metal | Round dents on flashing, vents, gutters | Any metal roof component |
| Cracked vent boots | Cracked rubber boots around plumbing vents | Pipe penetrations |
| Damaged ridge caps | Cracked or split cap shingles along the ridge | Top of the roof |
Important: Hail damage often looks minor from the ground but is significant up close. Small impacts weaken shingle integrity, allowing water infiltration over the following months. Professional roof inspection after hail is strongly recommended.
Wind Damage: What to Look For
| Wind Damage Sign | What It Looks Like | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Missing shingles | Gaps in the roof; shingles in yard | Moderate–Severe |
| Lifted/curled shingle tabs | Shingle edges curled up or flapping | Moderate |
| Exposed underlayment or decking | Visible black felt paper or plywood | Severe — immediate repair needed |
| Creased shingles | Horizontal fold line across shingle | Moderate — shingle integrity compromised |
| Damaged drip edge | Bent or pulled-away metal along roof edge | Moderate |
| Fallen debris on roof | Tree branches, limbs on the roof surface | Variable — may have caused hidden damage beneath |
Wind patterns: Wind damage typically affects the roof edges and corners most — the perimeter lifts first. Check the edges, ridge, and any areas facing the prevailing wind direction.
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Roof Material: How Storm Damage Differs
| Roof Material | Hail Damage Appearance | Wind Damage Appearance | Damage Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | Granule loss, bruising, cracks | Missing tabs, curling, lifting | 1"+ hail; 60+ mph winds |
| Tile (concrete/clay) | Cracked or broken tiles | Displaced or shifted tiles | 1.5"+ hail; 75+ mph winds |
| Metal roofing | Dents, dimples (cosmetic unless severe) | Seam separation, lifted panels | 1.5"+ hail; 90+ mph winds |
| Wood shakes | Splits, cracks, impact marks | Missing shakes, shifted pieces | 1"+ hail; 50+ mph winds |
| Flat/built-up | Punctures, gravel displacement | Membrane lifting, seam failure | 1"+ hail; 50+ mph winds |
When to Call a Professional Roofer
Call immediately for:
- Missing shingles or exposed decking (water entry is active)
- Active leaks (water stains, dripping, ceiling damage)
- Structural damage (sagging, fallen tree on roof)
- Large debris on the roof
Schedule within 1–2 weeks for:
- Suspected hail damage (dented gutters, granule loss)
- Minor wind damage (1–2 lifted shingles)
- Post-storm inspection for insurance documentation
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Professional roof inspection (storm damage) | $100–$300 (many offer free with repair) |
| Drone roof inspection | $150–$400 |
| Emergency tarp/temporary repair | $200–$500 |
| Shingle replacement (small area) | $200–$600 |
| Full roof replacement (asphalt, 2,000 sq ft) | $8,000–$15,000 |
| Full roof replacement (tile) | $15,000–$35,000 |
Filing a Storm Damage Insurance Claim
- Document all damage with photos and video — close-ups and wide shots
- Note the storm date — hail reports and weather data support your claim
- File the claim within 30–60 days — most policies have time limits
- Get a professional inspection — a roofer's damage report strengthens your claim
- Be present for the adjuster's inspection — point out all documented damage
- Get 2–3 repair estimates — don't rely solely on the insurance company's estimate
- Review the scope of work — ensure all damage is included, including hidden items (underlayment, flashing, vents)
- Consider a public adjuster (fee: 10–15%) for claims over $10,000 that seem undervalued
Check hail reports: After a storm, check local hail reports (weather.gov, Storm Prediction Center). If 1"+ hail was confirmed in your area, your roof was likely impacted — even if you can't see damage from the ground.
Check from the ground first: look for missing shingles, shingles in the yard, dented gutters, granule buildup in gutters (coarse black sand), dented siding or AC units, and cracked windows. Inside, check for water stains on ceilings and moisture in the attic. Hail damage is the most commonly missed — hailstones as small as 1 inch can damage asphalt shingles, but the damage often isn't visible from the ground. After any significant hail or wind event, get a professional roof inspection ($100–$300, often free with repair) to document damage for insurance.
Yes — homeowners insurance covers roof damage from sudden storms including hail, wind, fallen trees, and tornado/hurricane damage. File your claim within 30–60 days of the storm. Document all damage with photos and video. Get a professional roofer's inspection report to support your claim. Insurance typically covers repair or replacement minus your deductible. For storm-related roof claims, check local hail reports to verify the date and severity. For detailed coverage by state, see our roof insurance guides for Texas and Florida.
Yes — especially after hail storms. Most hail damage isn't visible from the ground, but it compromises shingle integrity and leads to leaks within months. A professional storm damage inspection costs $100–$300, and many roofers offer free inspections if they do the repair. File the inspection report with your insurance claim within 30–60 days. Waiting too long can result in your insurer attributing damage to wear and tear rather than the storm — turning a covered claim into an out-of-pocket expense.
Storm damage identification guidance sourced from Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Travelers Insurance, American Family Insurance, and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). For roof replacement costs, see our Phoenix new roof cost guide or Miami new roof cost guide. For roof insurance coverage details, see does homeowners insurance cover roof damage in Texas? or Florida roof insurance.
