What to Do After Storm Damage: A Homeowner's Guide

Dealing with roof damage after a storm is stressful, but knowing the right steps to take can protect your home from further damage and make the insurance and repair process go much more smoothly. Here's what to do in the days immediately following a storm.

Safety comes first

Before doing anything else, make sure it's safe to be near the property. Stay away from downed power lines, standing water that may be electrically charged, and any part of the roof or structure that looks unstable. If you're not confident it's safe to inspect the exterior yourself, wait for a professional rather than climbing onto a damaged roof.

Document the damage

Once it's safe, take photos and video of any visible damage, both from the ground and, if accessible, from inside the attic where leaks often show up first. This documentation is valuable for your insurance claim and helps a roofing contractor understand the scope of repairs needed before they even arrive.

Prevent further damage

If your roof has exposed areas, missing shingles or tarps are needed, don't wait. Emergency tarping seals off vulnerable spots and prevents ongoing water intrusion while you sort out repairs and insurance, and most insurance policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage in the meantime.

Contact your insurance company

Report the damage to your insurer as soon as possible and ask about their claims process, including whether they'll send an adjuster to inspect the property. Keep records of every call, claim number and communication, since storm season often means insurers are handling a high volume of claims at once.

Get a professional roof inspection

An experienced roofing contractor can identify damage that isn't obvious from the ground, document it thoroughly, and provide an estimate that supports your insurance claim. We're also glad to meet with your adjuster directly to make sure nothing gets missed in the assessment.

Moving through repairs

Once your claim is approved, repairs can move forward, whether that means patching specific damaged areas or a full roof replacement if the damage is extensive. Throughout the process, a contractor who communicates clearly about scope, timeline and cost makes a stressful situation much more manageable.