Right after the storm
- Stay safe. Keep clear of downed power lines and call the utility. Watch for loose debris that could still fall from the roof edge.
- Check inside. Look for drips, ceiling stains and damp insulation, especially below valleys, skylights and vents.
- Photograph everything. Tiles or shingles in the yard, damage visible from the ground, interior water spots. Date-stamped photos help with insurance.
- Prevent more damage. Contain leaks and move belongings. If the roof is open, ask a roofer about emergency tarping.
- Contact your insurer if you plan to file a claim, and ask what documentation they need.
Typical wind and storm damage
- Missing or creased shingles, where wind lifted and folded them back
- Displaced, cracked or blown-off tiles, ridge caps and hip tiles
- Flashing peeled back at walls or roof edges
- Damage to vent caps, turbines and swamp cooler covers
- Punctures from blown debris or fallen branches
- Water finding its way through any of the above when the rain arrives
What the roofer will do
A roofer will inspect the whole roof, not just the obvious spot, because loose tiles or weakened shingle seals often extend beyond the visible damage. You should get a written scope that separates storm damage from pre-existing wear. That's useful for your insurer and for you.
Related: roof repair · inspection · tile roofs
Storm damage FAQ
Will insurance cover my wind damage?
That depends entirely on your policy and the cause of the damage. Read your policy or call your insurer or agent. A roofer can document the damage, but only the insurance company decides on coverage.
A roofer knocked on my door after the storm. Should I hire them?
Take your time. Ask for their Nevada contractor license number and verify it at nvcontractorsboard.com, get a written estimate, and be cautious about signing anything that day, especially anything that gives a contractor rights to your insurance claim.
Is it safe to look at the roof myself?
Look from the ground with binoculars or take photos from a distance. Don't climb onto a roof after a storm. Wet tile and shingles are slippery, and damaged areas may not hold your weight.