Roof storm damage: what to do, step by step
By Seth Brown, Founder & CEO · Running BNH since 2019
Published October 13, 2026
After a storm: stay off the roof, check from the ground and the attic, take dated photos of anything you see, stop any active leak from damaging the inside of your house, and get a professional inspection. Whether to file an insurance claim is your call; good photos of the damage help either way.
1. Stay safe
Don’t climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Watch for downed power lines and hanging limbs. If a tree is on the house, call for help before anything else.
2. Look from the ground and the attic
From the yard, look for missing shingles, lifted edges, bent flashing, and dented or pulled-away gutters. Inside, check the attic and top-floor ceilings for water stains or drips.
3. Take photos
Photograph everything you see, with the date: the roof from the ground, gutters, siding, and any water inside. Photos taken right after the storm are the best record you’ll have.
4. Stop the water inside
Move valuables and furniture away from leaks, catch drips, and dry what you can. If water is pouring in, call a roofer for a temporary fix.
5. Get an inspection
A professional can spot hail bruising and lifted seals that aren’t visible from the ground. Our storm inspections are free and come with photos of everything we find.
6. Decide about insurance
That’s your decision, based on your policy and your deductible. No honest roofer can promise what insurance will pay. If you do file, share the photos with your adjuster.
Common questions
How do I know if hail damaged my roof?
Often you can't tell from the ground. Dented gutters, downspouts, mailboxes or car hoods are good clues that hail was big enough to bruise shingles. An inspection with photos will show you for sure.
Should I let a roofer who knocks on my door inspect my roof?
Check them out first: a Virginia contractor license, a local address, and real reviews. Be wary of anyone who promises insurance will pay for a new roof before they've looked.
