What does a roof inspector look for after a storm?

After a storm, a roof inspector is looking for three things: damage the wind did, damage the hail or debris did, and any sign that water is already getting in. They check the shingles, the flashing around chimneys and vents, the gutters and the attic, and photograph what they find so it can go into a repair quote or an insurance claim. Here is what each kind of damage looks like and what to do while you wait.

Wind damage

Damaging winds are classified as those exceeding 50-60 mph,^[1] and damage from severe thunderstorm winds is more common than damage from tornadoes.^[1]

Wind works on the edges first: the rakes, the eaves, the ridge and the corners. An inspector looks for:

• Missing shingles or tabs, often found in the yard or the gutters.
• Lifted or creased shingles. A shingle that bent back in the wind may lie flat again but have a crease across it and a broken seal underneath, which lets the next storm lift it more easily.
• Backed-out nails that have pushed up through the shingle above.
• Debris strikes from limbs and flying objects.

When shingles are damaged or blown off, the underlayment and roof sheathing are the only protection against rain, and unsealed joints or holes in the sheathing can let water in, soaking insulation and ceiling drywall.^[7] That is why a missing or lifted shingle is worth a prompt repair: replacing damaged shingles, resealing lifted ones and resetting backed-out nails.

Hail damage

Hail can damage aircraft, homes and cars,^[2] and NOAA's storm researchers say hail quarter size or larger is considered severe.^[2] If you can, measure a few stones after the storm: for hail size, measurements using a ruler, calipers or a tape measure are best,^[2] and a dated photo of a hailstone beside a ruler helps a claim.

On asphalt shingles, hail tends to leave round spots where the granules have been knocked off, sometimes with a soft bruise underneath. Inspectors usually check the soft metal on the roof too, such as gutters, downspouts, vent caps and flashing, because dents there show the size and direction of the hail even when the shingles are hard to read. They are looking for cracked, curled or missing shingles and any excessive loss of the protective mineral granules, which protect the asphalt from the sun.

Flashing, chimneys and penetrations

Wind and debris often loosen the metal that seals the roof around chimneys, skylights, walls and vent pipes. Flashing joints are where a storm often does its harm. The inspector checks that flashing is still tight, not bent away, and not torn at its fasteners.

Repairs here usually mean re-securing or replacing the flashing.

Gutters, limbs and the structure

Gutters pulled away from the fascia, crushed by a limb, or packed with granules and debris are noted. If a tree or large limb hit the roof, the inspector looks beyond the shingles to the decking and framing, and may recommend a structural engineer if anything has cracked or sagged.

Inside the attic

The attic tells you whether water is already coming in. Inspectors check the underside of the roof deck and rafters for stains or wet spots that show water leaks, along with wet insulation and daylight through the boards.

Older roofs

An older roof often shows more damage from the same storm. Part of the inspector's job after a storm is to say whether the damage is a repair or whether the roof was near the end anyway; see how to know if you need a new roof.

While you wait for the inspection

Stay safe first. If there are lines down near the house, keep clear: Ready.gov warns that underground or downed power lines can electrically charge the water.^[3] Then:

• Photograph everything from the ground and inside. Ready.gov's advice is direct: "Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance."^[3]
• Limit damage inside. Use buckets or other means to collect water and keep it from damaging insulation and ceilings.
• Get the roof covered by a pro. Virginia's Bureau of Insurance says insurers expect homeowners to protect their property from further damage and will pay the reasonable costs associated with protecting the property.^[4] Placing tarps on the roof is a way of protecting your property from further damage,^[4] and a roofer can do it safely.
• Keep the order right for insurance. The Bureau advises you to take pictures of the damaged property before making any temporary repairs, and keep receipts.^[4] For final repairs: "Unless the insurance company has advised you in writing to go ahead and make final repairs, you should wait."^[4] If a roofer finds hidden damage the insurer did not allow for, contact the company representative to try to resolve the difference.^[4]

When to call a licensed pro

Call a licensed roofer for any storm damage you can see, any leak, and any time hail or high winds have hit hard enough to leave debris in the yard. Do not go up yourself: a storm-damaged roof is slippery and unpredictable, and walking on it is dangerous.

Storms bring out unlicensed crews. DPOR warns: "Be wary of door-to-door solicitations promising repairs at a discounted price."^[5] It lists "High-pressure or scare tactics" among its scam signals,^[5] and advises you to limit the deposit: "Pay 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever amount is less."^[5] Work valued at $1,000 or more needs a valid Virginia contractor's licence.^[6] Check any roofer using DPOR's License Lookup or by calling (804) 367-8511,^[5] or follow how to check a contractor's licence.

For more, read what a roof inspection includes and what it costs in Virginia. Licensed roofers are listed under roof repair and exterior contractors in Blacksburg, and the rest of our roof answers are under exterior answers.

Report storm damage to your roof: add photos from the ground, say whether water is coming in, and licensed local roofers quote or offer to come and look.