After a severe thunderstorm, hail event, or wind storm, the first question for every Tri-State homeowner is: did my roof get hit? Climbing on a wet roof to check is dangerous and often unnecessary. Most storm-related damage can be assessed from the ground in under 10 minutes.
Equipment
- Binoculars (a basic pair is fine).
- Phone for photos.
- Flashlight if checking interior at night.
- A flat surface to walk around the entire perimeter of the house.
The ground inspection (8 things to check)
1. Walk around the house perimeter
Look at the ground for shingle pieces, granules from asphalt shingles, chunks of flashing, or debris. Granule loss in concentrated areas under specific roof slopes indicates impact damage above.
2. Use binoculars to scan the roof line
Look for missing, lifted, or curled shingles. Pay extra attention to the windward side (the side the storm came from) and ridge lines.
3. Check the gutters and downspouts
Granule sediment in gutters after a hail event is the clearest indicator. Dented gutters or downspouts suggest hail impact.
4. Inspect any exposed metal: vents, pipes, flashing
Hail dents on metal vents and pipe boots are easy to spot from the ground with binoculars. If they're visible there, the shingles around them likely have impact damage too.
5. Look at all sides of the house — siding, windows, screens
Storm damage isn't just on the roof. Vinyl siding cracks, broken window screens, dented gutter ends — all useful indicators of storm intensity in your specific location.
6. Check the attic from inside
If safe, go into the attic with a flashlight. Look at the underside of the roof sheathing. Wet spots, daylight visible through the boards, or new water staining are signs of roof breach.
7. Check ceiling drywall in upper-floor rooms
Water staining on ceilings from a roof leak can take 6-48 hours to manifest. Check 24 hours after the storm too — initial inspection might miss slow leaks.
8. Don't forget outdoor structures
Sheds, detached garages, fences, pool covers — all worth a perimeter walk. Damage to these structures helps document storm severity for any roof claim.
When to call us
- Visible breach: tarp the area immediately to prevent water intrusion.
- Water staining on ceilings: assess for hidden moisture in walls or attic.
- Significant ground debris from your roof: drone or professional inspection warranted.
- You're considering filing a hail claim: timing matters — most carriers require filing within 1 year of the event.
Need emergency tarp service?
Request roof tarp