Storm damage isn't always obvious from the driveway. Wind and hail can compromise a roof's ability to shed water for years before a leak actually shows up inside the house — which is exactly why insurers and legitimate roofers check specific, known damage patterns rather than just "look for missing shingles."
What to check from the ground
- Granule loss in gutters and downspouts — dark, gritty buildup after a storm often means hail has stripped protective granules off shingles
- Visible dents on gutters, vents, or AC unit fins — soft metal shows hail impact clearly, and it's a good proxy for what likely happened to the roof too
- Shingles that look curled, cracked, or out of alignment from wind uplift
- Debris or missing shingle pieces in the yard after high wind
What to check from inside the attic
- Daylight visible through the roof deck
- Water staining or discoloration on the underside of the decking
- Damp or matted insulation
The insurance claim timeline
- Document immediately — photos from the ground and attic, dated, before any repairs begin
- File the claim — most policies have a filing window after a storm event (often 6–12 months, but check yours)
- Adjuster inspection — typically scheduled within 1–2 weeks of filing
- Estimate and approval — the insurer issues a scope of work and payment
- Repair — choose your own contractor; you are not required to use one the insurer suggests
Avoiding storm-chaser scams
After major storms, it's common for unlicensed, out-of-state contractors to canvas neighborhoods offering "free inspections" and pressuring same-day contract signatures. A legitimate local roofer will have a permanent business address, verifiable license and insurance, and won't ask you to sign anything before you've had a chance to compare at least one other estimate.
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