What To Check After A Storm To Catch Roof Damage Early
Storms are among the leading causes of property damage across the United States. From blowing patio furniture across the yard to uprooting trees, downing power lines, and even inflicting structural harm, their impact can be both immediate and long-lasting. Each year, the U.S. experiences roughly 12 named storms, with at least three escalating into serious hurricanes—reminding homeowners just how vulnerable their properties, particularly their roofs, truly are.
The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. When compromised, it doesn’t take long before water infiltration and structural issues start accumulating. For homeowners, even minor roof damage after a storm can lead to costly and avoidable repairs.
In this article, we'll walk you through the critical areas to inspect following a storm to ensure your roof remains sound and your home protected. These inspections can be performed both post-storm and proactively beforehand. By knowing what to look for—from shingle displacement and granule loss to interior attic checks—you can better determine the health of your roof and take quick action when needed.
No. 1
Shingles and Roofing Surface: The First Line of Defense
Your first check should always start with the shingles, as that’s where the most common storm-related damage occurs. While missing shingles are easy to spot, they’re not the only issues to watch out for—and sometimes not even the most dangerous.
What to Look For:
Lifted or curled edges: Wind can loosen shingles without tearing them off completely. Even subtle lifts compromise their protective seal.
Misaligned rows: If shingles no longer sit flush, water can seep in unnoticed.
Shadowed or raised sections: These visual cues often mean the shingle has bent under pressure and did not return to its original position.
Crease lines: Straight or slightly curved lines across shingles indicate they were flexed by high winds and have sustained structural damage.
Exposed underlayment: Visible synthetic material beneath shingles is a surefire sign of diminished water protection.
Although you can observe some of these red flags from the ground, a thorough inspection usually requires getting up on the roof—a task best left to professional roofing contractors. Trained experts can detect hidden issues and advise on immediate corrective measures to minimize risk.
No. 2
Granules in Gutters or Around the Base of the Home
Granules play a vital yet often overlooked role in shingle durability. They shield the shingles from harmful UV rays and weather exposure. After a storm, rapid granule loss is a clear indicator that your roof may have suffered significant impact or abrasion damage.
How to Spot It:
Check gutters, downspouts, and ground near your home for accumulated dark, gritty material.
Compare granule runoff with any visible changes in shingle color or texture.
Remember: Minor shedding is normal, but large patches or consistent buildup signal damage.
While this doesn’t cause immediate leaks, granule loss accelerates shingle aging. Left unchecked, it will eventually lead to leaks and premature roof failure, making early intervention essential.
No. 3
Flashing Around Chimneys, Vents, and Roof Edges
Flashing is installed around joints and roof penetrations to prevent water from seeping into the home. It’s designed to flex with temperature fluctuations—but aggressive winds and driving rain can push it far beyond its limits.
Post-Storm Flashing Inspection Checklist:
Examine flashing around chimneys, vent pipes, and skylights for bent sections or lifted corners.
Ensure flashing material lies flush against roofing surfaces; gaps invite water entry.
Inspect sealant lines—cracks, separation, or washed-away areas are signs it's no longer watertight.
Check the roof edges: Damaged or loose edge flashing facilitates leaks into shingles and into interior ceiling systems.
Flashing damage, though easy to overlook, often leads to serious internal water damage over time if not addressed promptly.
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No. 4
Fascia, Soffits, and Siding Near the Roofline
The roof isn’t the only area exposed during storms. Components like fascia boards, soffits, and adjacent siding can also take a hit—particularly when wind-driven rain targets small exterior flaws.
Signs of Damage:
Loose or detached fascia boards
Swollen, cracked, or exposed wood
Warped or missing soffit panels
Peeling paint or soft spots around the roofline
These areas may seem secondary, but they serve as essential barriers against moisture intrusion. Once water infiltrates, it promotes mold growth and wood rot—resulting in expensive repairs and compromising indoor air quality.
Being proactive in examining and repairing these areas ensures your roof system remains sealed and structurally sound.
No. 5
Attic and Interior Assessments Are Equally Important
It’s easy to focus entirely on the exterior, but the inside of your home provides valuable clues about post-storm roof health. Heading into your attic or upper floors is a must after any substantial weather event.
Key Areas for Indoor Inspections:
Insulation: Look for damp areas, discoloration, or compression. Wet insulation is not only ineffective—it accelerates decay in surrounding wood framing.
Light, drafts, or unusual noises: These signs signal a breach in the roof or gaps in the structure.
Ceiling stains and wall discoloration: Especially near chimneys or external walls
Musty odors: Smells often appear before visible damage and shouldn’t be dismissed.
Attic inspections serve as the final line of defense in catching leaks or weaknesses caused by storm damage. Acting on these early warnings limits repair costs and prevents health concerns linked to long-term mold exposure.
Takeaways: Early Detection Protects Your Home and Wallet
Storms are inevitable—but unexpected and costly roof damage doesn’t have to be. By understanding what to look for after a major weather event, you can take calculated steps to protect your home’s most vital structure: its roof.
In this article, we've guided you through a detailed checklist of what to examine post-storm—from the condition of your shingles, underlayment, and flashing, to interior red flags like wet insulation and ceiling stains. These insights empower homeowners to identify vulnerabilities early and work with roofing professionals when needed.
The good news? Preventing widespread damage doesn’t require guesswork—just a bit of diligence and know-how. Regular inspections, particularly after heavy storms, go a long way in safeguarding your property, family, and investment in the years to come.
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