Signs Your Roof Has Experienced Storm Damage

First 48-Hour Checklist

• Check ceilings/attic: Look for new water spots, damp insulation, or dripping.
• Ground scan: Shingle pieces, granules by downspouts, or metal flashing bent/twisted.
• Photos now: Take wide shots of the roof, gutters, siding, and any visible damage.
• Call for an inspection: A trained eye spots hail bruising/lift that’s invisible from the ground.

Common Storm Damage Signs

• Hail bruises: Soft spots on shingles where granules are knocked off; may not leak immediately.
• Granule loss: Excess granules in gutters/downspouts; exposes asphalt to UV and speeds aging.
• Lifted/creased shingles: Wind can break seals; looks fine until leaks show up months later.
• Damaged flashing: Bent or separated flashing around chimneys, walls, and skylights.
• Gutter dents and downspout impacts: Hint that roof surfaces took hits too.
• Interior cues: New stains, musty smells in attic, or visible daylight in roof decking seams.

Why Small Issues Matter

Hail and wind damage often starts as minor bruises or lifted edges. Water finds those weak points over time, leading to:

• Slow leaks that stain ceilings months later.
• Accelerated shingle aging from UV exposure where granules are lost.
• Mold or wood rot in decking if moisture persists.

Documentation Tips (Helps with Insurance)

• Time-stamped photos: Exterior, gutters, downspouts, siding, windows, interior ceilings.
• Keep hail size proof: If safe, photograph hail next to a coin or measure on flat surface.
• Save weather info: Date/time of storm, local weather alert screenshots.
• Contractor report: A written inspection with photos strengthens claims.

When to Repair vs. Replace

• Repair: Isolated lifted shingles or minor flashing damage on a relatively young roof.
• Replace: Widespread hail bruising, granule loss across slopes, or many creased shingles—especially on older roofs.
• Consider Class 4: If replacing, upgrade to Class 4 impact shingles to better handle the next storm.