How to Tell If That Storm Actually Damaged Your Roof

Last night’s storm was intense. Thunder shook your windows, wind howled through the trees, and rain hammered your roof like a drum. Now the sun’s out, birds are chirping, and everything looks fine from your window.

But is it really fine up there?

Most homeowners make a critical mistake after storms—they assume no news is good news. Meanwhile, small damage sits unnoticed on their roof, slowly turning into expensive problems. Let’s change that today.

Start Your Investigation From the Ground

You don’t need to climb a ladder yet. Walk around your entire property and look up at your roof from different angles. What you’re searching for might surprise you.

Check for these obvious red flags:

• Shingles scattered in your yard or driveway
• Granules collecting in gutters or downspouts (they look like coarse sand)
• Dents or damage to metal roof vents
• Pieces of flashing lying on the ground

If you see any shingles that have blown off, that’s a clear sign of damage. But even if you don’t see missing shingles, don’t relax just yet. Some of the most serious damage isn’t visible from below.

Your Gutters Tell a Story

Grab a ladder and check your gutters—safely. The contents of your gutters after a storm reveal a lot about your roof’s condition. Excessive granules (those gritty bits that coat asphalt shingles) mean your shingles are deteriorating rapidly.

Think of granules like the protective skin on your shingles. When storms strip them away, your shingles become vulnerable to UV damage and wear out faster. A few granules are normal over time, but handfuls of them signal trouble.

Look for other debris too. Chunks of shingles, pieces of metal flashing, or bits of rubber from roof boots all indicate damage that needs attention.

Get Up Close With Your Shingles

If you’re comfortable on a roof—and please, only if you’re comfortable—go up for a closer look. Otherwise, use binoculars from the ground or hire a professional inspector.

What you’re looking for:

• Curled or lifted shingle edges
• Cracked or broken shingles
• Bruising or dark spots (indicates impact damage from hail)
• Loose or missing nails
• Shingles that look flat or dented

Hail damage is particularly sneaky. It doesn’t always knock shingles off. Instead, it creates soft spots or bruises that weaken the shingle structure. Press gently on suspicious areas—if it feels soft or spongy, that’s hail damage.

Inspect the Vulnerable Spots

Storms exploit weak points in your roof system. Pay special attention to areas where different materials meet or where things penetrate your roof.

High-risk zones include:

• Chimney flashing and seals
• Vent pipes and their rubber boots
• Skylights and their surrounding seals
• Valley areas where two roof planes meet
• Ridge vents along the peak

Wind-driven rain can force water under loose flashing. Hail can crack skylight seals. Strong winds can rip off ridge vents. These areas deserve extra scrutiny after every significant storm.

Don’t Forget Your Attic

Head inside and up to your attic with a good flashlight. This inside perspective often reveals damage that’s invisible from outside. Fresh water stains on rafters or insulation mean water breached your roof defense during the storm.

Look at the underside of your roof decking (the plywood under your shingles). New dark spots, wet areas, or drip marks all indicate penetration points. If you can see daylight through any holes, you’ve definitely got damage.

Check for these warning signs while you’re up there:

• Damp or wet insulation
• Water pooling on the attic floor
• Musty or moldy smells (mold grows fast after water intrusion)
• Sagging areas in the roof deck

Interior Clues You Shouldn’t Ignore

Sometimes roof damage shows up inside before you spot it outside. Walk through every room in your house and examine ceilings and walls carefully.

New water stains—yellowish-brown discoloration—indicate active leaks. They might appear in odd places because water travels along beams before dripping down. A stain in your bedroom could mean damage above your kitchen.

Peeling paint or bubbling on ceilings suggests moisture trapped behind the surface. Run your hand along the ceiling near exterior walls. Does it feel damp or unusually cool? That’s moisture from roof damage.

Documentation Matters More Than You Think

Before you touch anything or make any repairs, grab your phone and document everything. Take clear photos of every piece of damage you find. Photograph shingles in your yard with something for scale (a ruler or your shoe works fine).

Time-stamp everything if your camera allows it. Insurance companies love thorough documentation, and it can make the difference between approved and denied claims. Some insurers even offer mobile apps for submitting storm damage photos directly.

According to discussions on r/Roofing, homeowners who document damage within 48 hours of storms have much smoother insurance claim processes.

When to Call a Professional Inspector

Let’s be honest—most of us aren’t roofing experts. If you found obvious damage, call a licensed roofer immediately. But even if everything looks okay to you, consider getting a professional inspection after major storms.

Professional inspectors spot things you’ll miss. They know what subtle signs indicate hidden damage. They understand how different roofing materials fail. A $200 inspection now might save you $10,000 in repairs later.

The Time Factor You Can’t Ignore

Here’s the thing about storm damage—it gets worse, not better. A small crack in a shingle lets water under your roof. That water damages the decking. The damaged decking grows mold. The mold spreads to your insulation and framing. What started as a $300 shingle repair becomes a $5,000 roof section replacement.

Most insurance policies require you to report damage within a specific timeframe (often 30-60 days). Miss that window, and you might be paying out of pocket even for legitimate storm damage.

What Actually Happens Next

Found damage? Don’t panic. Contact your insurance company and file a claim. Get estimates from at least three licensed, insured roofing contractors. Ask for detailed written quotes that break down materials and labor.

Beware of storm chasers—contractors who go door-to-door after storms offering quick fixes. Some are legitimate, but many deliver poor work or disappear after taking deposits. Always verify licenses, insurance, and local references.

Your roof took a beating, but now you know what to look for. A thorough post-storm inspection isn’t paranoia—it’s smart homeownership. The damage you catch today won’t become the crisis you face tomorrow.