How to Spot Storm Damage on Your Roof

A severe storm just rolled through your neighborhood, leaving a trail of downed branches and flooded streets. While you’re relieved that your family is safe, a new anxiety begins to set in: what about the roof? In Central Texas, storms can pack a powerful punch with high winds and hail, both of which can inflict serious, and sometimes hidden, damage to your home's most critical line of defense. Knowing what to look for after a storm is crucial. Acting quickly can mean the difference between a simple repair and a catastrophic failure leading to major interior water damage. At Graduate Contracting—where we are not only roofing experts but also licensed insurance adjusters—we want to empower you to safely assess the situation and take the right steps. This comprehensive guide will walk you through a post-storm inspection, helping you identify potential damage and know exactly when to call for professional help. Immediate Steps: Safety & Documentation First Before you even think about the roof itself, your priority must be safety. Carefully navigate your property and take these initial steps. Prioritize Safety : Walk your property's perimeter and check for immediate hazards like downed power lines, fallen trees, or broken glass. If you see downed lines, stay far away and report them to your utility company immediately. Document Everything : Before moving or cleaning up anything, use your smartphone to take date-stamped photos and videos of any damage to your property (trees, fences, etc.) and the debris left by the storm. This initial documentation is invaluable for any potential insurance claim. Check for Interior Leaks : Quickly check the ceilings on your top floor, inside closets, and around light fixtures. If you see active dripping or new, wet stains on the drywall, place buckets underneath to catch the water and call a professional roofer for an emergency tarping service to prevent further damage. Your Safe Inspection From the Ground You can spot a surprising amount of damage safely from your yard. Under no circumstances should you get on a wet or potentially damaged roof. Grab a pair of binoculars and walk the perimeter of your house, looking for these specific signs of wind and hail damage: Wind Damage Checklist: Missing or Lifted Shingles : Scan all roof slopes for shingles that are completely gone or have their edges/corners flipped up. A lifted shingle has a broken sealant strip and is a primary entry point for rain. "Creased" Shingles : Look for a distinct horizontal line where granules have been worn off. This indicates the shingle was violently bent backward by the wind and is now severely weakened. Damaged Soffit and Fascia : Check the trim, vents, and boards along the eaves of your roof, as wind can easily tear these elements loose. Hail Damage Checklist: Dented Gutters, Vents, and Flashing : This is the most obvious sign of hail. If your soft metal gutters , downspouts, and roof vents are dented, your shingles have almost certainly been damaged as well. This is key evidence for an insurance claim. Damage to Other Property : Check for dents or chips on your A/C unit, window screens, and siding. This serves as collateral proof of the storm's intensity. "Bruised" or "Bald" Spots on Shingles : Hail impacts knock off the protective granules, leaving a "bruise" that exposes the underlying asphalt mat. This damage, often invisible from the ground, compromises the shingle and drastically shortens your roof's life. The Professional Assessment: When to Call the Experts If your ground-level inspection reveals any of the signs listed above, it is critical to call a trusted, local roofing contractor for a professional inspection. A Hands-On Inspection is Non-Negotiable : Our trained experts will safely get on your roof to perform a detailed, hands-on assessment. We will identify hail bruising, check the integrity of sealant strips, and inspect all flashing for damage that is impossible to see from the ground. Comprehensive Photo Documentation : We take detailed photographs of every instance of damage, providing you with the clear, undeniable evidence required to file a successful insurance claim. Expert Insurance Claim Assistance : As licensed adjusters, we speak the same language as your insurance company. We can help you navigate the entire claims process , from filing the initial claim to meeting with the adjuster on-site to ensure all damage is identified and that you are treated fairly. A post-storm roof inspection is not something to put off. The damage from one storm can leave your home defenseless against the next one. If you've experienced a recent storm or suspect your roof has sustained damage, don't wait for a leak to confirm it. Contact Graduate Contracting today to schedule your FREE, no-obligation storm damage inspection.