Storms can damage roofs in ways that are not always obvious from the ground. Prompt inspection after a storm reduces the risk of leaks, structural damage, and higher repair costs. This guide helps homeowners perform a thorough, safe inspection and collect the documentation you’ll need for repairs or insurance claims. You’ll learn how to assess damage without taking unnecessary risks, what signs to look for on the ground and in the attic, how to perform limited on-roof checks safely, and when to call a professional roofer. Follow the steps below and prioritize safety at every stage.

Key Takeaways

Start with a ground-level survey and interior attic check before attempting any roof access.
Document damage thoroughly with photos and notes for insurance and repair planning.
Use safe ladder and fall-prevention practices; don’t climb steep or unstable roofs.
Temporary tarps can limit water entry until permanent repairs are scheduled.
Call a licensed roofer for leaks, structural damage, large-area or complex repairs.

Tools Needed

Binoculars
Camera or smartphone
Tape measure
Extension ladder with stabilizer
Work gloves and safety glasses
Roof harness and anchor (if climbing)
Flashlight or headlamp

Materials Needed

Permanent marker and notebook
Roofing nails and cap nails (for minor shingle secures)
Roofing cement or sealant
Tarpaulins and tarp straps or ratchet straps
Replacement shingles (matching if possible)
Plastic sheeting for temporary interior protection

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Do not climb onto a roof during or immediately after high winds, heavy rain, ice, or while surface is slippery.
If your roof slope is steep, the surface is unstable, or you are uncomfortable with heights, do not climb — call a professional.
Use a helper when working on ladders, and always secure the ladder to the home and stand on a firm base.
Wear slip-resistant shoes and personal protective equipment; use a safety harness tied to a proper anchor when on the roof.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Wait, Assess Safety, and Prioritize

After the storm ends, wait for safe conditions before any inspection. Check weather forecasts for wind or lightning and avoid inspecting during ongoing adverse weather. Look for downed power lines, large trees leaning on the house, or obvious structural movement; if any are present, evacuate, and call emergency services. Prioritize immediate life safety and keep children and pets away from areas with debris. If you smell gas or suspect electrical damage, contact utility providers and emergency services before approaching the home.

💡 Tip: If in doubt about safety, take photos from a safe distance and call a professional.

⚠️ Never approach downed power lines or touch wet electrical equipment.

Step 2: Document Exterior Signs from the Ground

Begin with a thorough ground-level survey using binoculars and a camera. Walk around the house and photograph all roof elevations, gutters, chimneys, vents, valleys and downspouts. Look for missing or curled shingles, dark streaks, granules in gutters, dented metal flashings, displaced ridge caps, and damaged skylights. Note any sagging areas or torn underlayment visible at roof edges. Create a checklist and label photos by location (e.g., northeast slope). This documentation helps with insurance claims and gives a clear record to share with a contractor.

💡 Tip: Take wide and close-up photos, and use a chalk mark or GPS-tag in photos if your camera app supports it.

⚠️ Do not stand directly under loose debris or branches while photographing.

Step 3: Inspect Interior for Signs of Leakage

Inspect the attic and interior ceilings before climbing onto the roof. Use a flashlight to look for daylight coming through roof sheathing, water stains, wet insulation, mold, or sagging rafters. Check attic vent pipes, chimney penetrations, and roof decking from the inside for damp spots. Pay attention to electrical junction boxes and insulation around vents — moisture can create fire hazards. Record locations of leaks and their severity; even small stains can indicate a compromised underlayment that will worsen over time.

💡 Tip: Inspect after a few hours of drying time; immediate moisture may conceal small leaks that appear as water travels.

⚠️ Avoid touching wet insulation with bare hands and watch for exposed nails or weakened decking.

Step 4: Use a Ladder to Inspect Eaves, Gutters and Flashing

Set up an extension ladder on firm ground with a stabilizer and have a helper hold the base. From the eaves, inspect gutters for roofing granules, broken seams, and lodged debris that indicate shingle wear or hail impact. Examine flashing around chimneys, walls, skylights, and plumbing vents for separation, punctures, or missing sealant. Look along roof edges for lifted shingles, exposed nail heads, and torn underlayment. Measure and photograph damaged sections for repair estimates. Do not step beyond the eaves unless you are experienced with roof work and have fall protection.

💡 Tip: Wear rubber-soled shoes for better grip and keep your weight centered on ladder rungs while moving slowly.

⚠️ Do not lean past the ladder rails; reposition the ladder rather than overreaching.

Step 5: Perform a Limited On-Roof Inspection If Safe

If the roof is low-slope, in good condition, and you are comfortable with proper fall protection, perform a cautious on-roof check. Use a fall arrest harness secured to a certified anchor point and wear slip-resistant shoes. Walk slowly along the lower third of the roof; avoid stepping on brittle or heavily damaged shingles and stay clear of valleys and skylights. Check for missing shingles, cracked tiles, punctures from fallen debris, and loose ridge caps. Probe soft or spongy areas gently with a shoe toe; soft decking indicates deeper damage and requires professional assessment.

💡 Tip: Avoid walking on wet or icy surfaces; early morning dew can be slick — wait until dry for safer footing.

⚠️ Never climb onto a steep roof without professional fall arrest training and certified equipment.

Step 6: Identify and Make Notes on Repairable vs Major Damage

After documenting visible issues, categorize damage into minor, temporary, and major. Minor repairs include a few lifted or missing shingles and small gaps in sealant; these can often be repaired by a competent DIYer. Temporary repairs are tarping large holes or sealing small penetrations to prevent water entry until professionals arrive. Major damage includes structural sagging, large areas of missing roofing, compromised decking, or multiple leak points — these need a licensed roofer. Create an itemized list with photo references and estimated dimensions to inform repair decisions and insurance claims.

💡 Tip: Mark each photo with a quick label like 'Minor NW slope' to reduce confusion later.

⚠️ Do not attempt to fix major structural problems yourself; improper repairs may worsen damage or void warranties.

Step 7: Apply Emergency Temporary Protection If Needed

If active leaks or large exposed areas are found and rain is expected, apply temporary protection. Use a heavy-duty tarp sized to cover the damaged area and run it over the roof ridge so water sheds to the opposite side. Secure with roof-safe tarp straps or plywood battening nailed into the decking (use caution; improper nailing can worsen damage). Inside, place buckets under drips, protect furniture with plastic, and dry wet insulation when safe. Document all temporary measures and receipts for materials if you plan to claim expenses with your insurance company.

💡 Tip: Lay the tarp with overlap in the direction of water flow; secure edges with sandbags until professional help arrives.

⚠️ Tarp installation can be hazardous; if you must work at height without proper training or equipment, hire a pro.

When to Call a Professional

Call a licensed roofing contractor if you find active leaks, sagging or soft spots in the roof deck, large areas of missing shingles, significant flashing damage, or chimney problems. Professionals have the training, fall protection equipment, and experience to assess structural damage, perform safe repairs, and recommend full replacement if necessary. A roofer can also issue a report for insurance claims and coordinate larger mitigation work. Additionally, hire a professional if your roof slope is steep, the roofing system is old, or the damage spans multiple slopes. For insurance claims, documented professional estimates are often required; contractors can help negotiate with insurers and provide permanent solutions that protect your home long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after a storm should I inspect the roof?

Inspect the roof as soon as it’s safe after the storm, ideally within 24–72 hours to limit further water intrusion. Wait until winds, lightning, and heavy rain have stopped. Prioritize safety — do a ground and attic check first and only attempt on-roof inspection when conditions are dry and you have proper fall protection or a helper.

What are signs of hail damage vs wind damage?

Hail damage often shows as circular dents on metal flashing, gutters, vents, and granule loss or bruising on asphalt shingles visible as dark spots. Wind damage commonly produces lifted, curled, or missing shingles, torn underlayment, and displaced ridge caps. Photographs of both the roof and fallen debris help professionals distinguish causes for repair and insurance claims.

Can I perform roof repairs myself after a storm?

Homeowners can perform small repairs like replacing a few shingles, sealing flashings, or applying roofing cement for minor leaks if comfortable with ladders and basic tools. Avoid structural repairs, work on steep roofs, or complex flashing and chimney work. Improper DIY repairs can lead to greater damage and may void warranties or complicate insurance claims — when in doubt, hire a licensed roofer.

How long will a tarp temporary repair last?

A properly installed tarp can protect a roof from water intrusion for a few days to several weeks, but it is a temporary measure. Tarps degrade from sun, wind and temperature changes; always schedule permanent repairs quickly. Keep documentation of the tarp installation and materials for insurance purposes and arrange a professional repair as soon as possible.

How To Inspect Roof After Storm