What should I do first after storm damage to my roof?

Make sure everyone's safe and stay off the roof. Then document what you can see from the ground or from inside the attic, and contact a roofing contractor for a free written estimate before deciding on next steps.

Will homeowners insurance cover storm damage to my roof?

Most policies cover sudden, storm-caused damage like wind and hail, minus your deductible. Gradual wear from age typically isn't covered. A contractor's damage documentation makes the claims process much smoother.

How long do I have to file a storm damage claim?

This varies by insurer and policy, but many companies expect claims filed within about a year of the storm, and some states set their own deadlines. Don't wait — file as soon as you've documented the damage.

Should I let my roofing contractor deal with my insurance company?

A good contractor won't negotiate your claim for you, but they can meet the adjuster on-site, point out damage that's easy to miss from the ground, and give you a detailed report that supports your claim.

Is it safe to check storm damage on my roof myself?

Checking from the ground with binoculars or from inside your attic with a flashlight is safe. Climbing onto a roof after a storm — especially with wind, rain, or hail damage involved — is not something we'd recommend doing yourself.

What to Do After Storm Damage to Your Roof: A Step-by-Step Guide

Short answer: stay off the roof, document what you can see safely, contact your insurance company, and get a free written estimate from a roofing contractor before any repairs happen. Here’s the step-by-step version.

Step 1: Make sure everyone’s safe

Before anything else, check that no one’s hurt and there’s no immediate danger — downed power lines, a tree resting on the house, or an active leak pouring into a room with electrical fixtures. If any of that applies, treat it as an emergency first and worry about the roof second.

Step 2: Stay off the roof

It’s tempting to climb up and see how bad it is, but a storm-damaged roof is one of the worst times to be on one — wet or missing shingles, weakened decking, and debris make footing unpredictable even for people who do this for a living with the right gear. Everything in the next few steps can be done from the ground or from inside your attic.

Step 3: Document what you can see

From the ground, walk the perimeter of your house and take photos or video of anything visible — missing or displaced shingles, dented gutters or vents (a common sign of hail), debris on the roof or in the yard, and any obvious holes or soft spots you can see from a distance. From inside, check your attic with a flashlight for new water stains, daylight coming through the roof deck, or damp insulation. Timestamp everything if your phone doesn’t do it automatically — insurers care about when the damage happened relative to the storm.

Step 4: Put a stop to further damage, carefully

If there’s an active leak, a bucket and a tarp over furniture inside is reasonable. If the roof itself needs to be covered to stop water intrusion, that’s a job for a professional — proper emergency tarping needs to be secured correctly or it can cause more damage (or blow off) in the next round of wind. This is one of the most common calls we get right after a storm.

Step 5: Contact your insurance company

Report the damage and start your claim while it’s fresh. Most policies cover sudden storm damage from wind and hail, minus your deductible — but many also have a window for filing, so don’t sit on this step. Have your photos and the approximate date/time of the storm ready.

Step 6: Get a free, written estimate

Before your insurance adjuster comes out, or right alongside them, get a roofing contractor to document the damage and provide a free written estimate. A thorough contractor will often catch things an adjuster’s quick pass misses — displaced flashing, granule loss, or soft decking that isn’t obvious from the ground. This report becomes part of your claim.

Step 7: Compare your options

Once you know the scope of the damage, you’re usually looking at either a targeted repair or a full replacement. If you’re not sure which situation you’re in, see our guide on repair vs. replacement — storm damage doesn’t automatically mean you need a new roof, but sometimes it does.

Step 8: Schedule the work

Once your claim is settled (or if you’re paying out of pocket), schedule the repair or replacement. If your roof is still functional but has a tarp or temporary patch in place, don’t let this step drag — temporary fixes are exactly that.

What not to do

Don’t sign anything on the spot from a contractor who showed up uninvited after the storm. “Storm chasers” canvassing neighborhoods after a big weather event are common, and some do good work — but verify licensing and get everything in writing before committing to anyone.
Don’t wait to document damage. The longer you wait, the harder it is to tie the damage clearly to the storm event, which matters for your claim.
Don’t assume no visible damage means no damage. Hail damage in particular can be subtle from the ground — dented gutters or soft spots on shingles are easy to miss without a closer look.

Northern Virginia storm patterns

Northern Virginia sees a real mix of storm damage — summer thunderstorms with hail and straight-line wind, the occasional remnant of a tropical system, and winter ice. Homes across Alexandria, Fairfax, Arlington, Springfield, and Falls Church all see storm-related roof calls after any significant weather event, and insurance companies in the region are generally familiar with handling these claims when the documentation is solid.

We can help with all of this

We offer emergency roofing response after storms, document damage thoroughly for your insurance claim, and give you a free, written estimate with no pressure either way.