After the storm
Wind, hail, heavy rain, falling limbs and heavy snow can all damage a roof. Some damage is obvious, such as missing shingles or a branch through the roof. Some isn't, such as lifted shingles whose seal has broken or bruised shingles that will start leaking months later.
Stay safe first
Don't climb onto a wet, icy or damaged roof. Look from the ground with binoculars, or from a window. If a tree or limb is on the roof or touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. Inside, check the attic and ceilings for leaks, and put buckets under drips. If water is pooling in a ceiling, a small hole made at the lowest point of the bulge can let it drain into a bucket in a controlled way and prevent a larger collapse. Switch off power to any area where water is near light fixtures or outlets.
What to look for
- Missing, torn or creased shingles, especially along ridges, edges and hips.
- Granules washed into gutters and downspouts in large amounts after hail.
- Dents in gutters, vents, flashing and metal roof panels.
- Damaged or missing ridge caps.
- Lifted or loose flashing around chimneys, skylights and walls.
- Fresh stains on ceilings or in the attic.
Temporary protection
If the roof is leaking, a contractor can install a temporary tarp to prevent further damage until permanent repairs are made. Tarps must be secured properly; a loose tarp can tear in the next wind and do its own damage. Keep receipts for emergency repairs, since insurance policies usually expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
Working with your insurance company
- Read your policy and call your insurer promptly to start a claim.
- Take photos and video of the damage from the ground and inside the house before repairs start.
- Get a written estimate from a roofing contractor.
- Be present when the insurance adjuster inspects, if you can, and ask the contractor to attend.
- Keep copies of all paperwork and correspondence.
Be cautious of anyone who knocks on your door right after a storm, asks you to sign a contract on the spot, offers to waive your deductible, or wants a large payment before starting. Take your time, get more than one estimate, and look the contractor up with your state's contractor licensing agency.
Repair or replace?
Storm damage to a small area of a roof in good condition can usually be repaired. Widespread hail damage, or damage to a roof that was already near the end of its life, may mean replacement. Matching new shingles to old ones can be difficult, which can affect the decision. The contractor should explain the extent of the damage in writing, with photos.
Questions to ask
- What damage did you find, and can I see photos?
- Is this repairable, or does the roof need replacing?
- What will the temporary repair cost, and is it included in the permanent price?
- Have you worked with my insurance company before, and will you meet the adjuster?
Hail damage specifics
Hail can bruise asphalt shingles, knocking off granules and cracking the mat underneath without leaving an obvious hole. Bruised shingles may not leak right away, but they wear out faster. Dents in soft metal such as gutters, vents and downspouts are a good clue to how large the hail was. A contractor documenting hail damage should photograph test areas on each slope.