What to Do Immediately After Storm Damage
1. Don't wait for visible leaks. Hail damage, lifted shingles, and broken seals often don't show water intrusion until the next rain — which could be weeks later. Schedule an inspection right away.
2. Document everything before repairs. Photograph the exterior from the ground, gutters full of granules, dented vents, and any visible shingle damage. This evidence is critical for your insurance claim.
3. Contact your insurance company. Report storm damage as soon as possible. Most policies require timely notification. Your roofing contractor can help you file and document the claim.
4. Contain interior damage. If water has already entered, place buckets under drips and move valuables. Do not attempt to go on the roof yourself.
5. Submit the form above to get connected with a storm damage specialist in your area for a free inspection and estimate.
Storm Damage Roof Repair Costs
Storm damage repair costs depend on the type of storm, severity of damage, and extent of the affected area. Most storm damage is covered by homeowner's insurance when caused by a sudden event like hail, wind, or fallen debris. Your out-of-pocket cost is typically limited to your deductible.
Hail Damage Repair
$500 – $2,500
Hail damage typically involves replacing cracked shingles, repairing dented metal components, and re-sealing granule-loss areas. Larger hail (1"+) often requires a full roof section replacement. Most hail damage claims are covered by insurance.
Wind Damage Repair
$300 – $1,500
Wind damage repair involves replacing lifted or blown-off shingles, resealing wind-broken adhesive tabs, and repairing torn flashing. Shingles at ridges and edges are most vulnerable. Edge damage must be repaired promptly to prevent water intrusion.
Storm Debris Damage
$800 – $5,000+
Fallen branches or debris can puncture the roof deck, crack tiles, or damage gutters and flashing. Costs depend on debris size and structural impact. Tree removal is usually a separate cost covered by a different homeowner's insurance clause.
Full Section Re-Roof (Post-Storm)
$2,000 – $8,000+
When storm damage is widespread across a large section of the roof, re-roofing that section is more cost-effective than patching individually. Insurance typically covers this if the replacement is caused by a covered storm event.
If your damage is covered by insurance, your contractor will work directly with your adjuster. They will provide a line-item damage report, material specifications, and photo documentation needed to approve the claim.
Types of Storm Roof Damage
Hail Damage
Hail impacts create circular bruises in asphalt shingles where granules are knocked off, exposing the underlying asphalt to UV degradation. These spots are often invisible from the ground. On metal roofing, hail leaves visible dents at fastener points and panel centers. Hail damage accelerates aging significantly — a roof hit with 1" hail can fail 5–10 years earlier than expected. Insurance adjusters look for a minimum number of impacts per 10 sq. ft. to approve a claim.
Wind Damage
Wind damage ranges from broken adhesive seals (invisible but dangerous) to completely lifted or missing shingles. Winds above 50 mph can break the factory-applied adhesive strip on shingle tabs, making them vulnerable to future uplift without looking damaged. Ridges, rakes, and eaves are the highest-risk zones. After any storm with sustained winds above 45 mph, a professional inspection is recommended even if no shingles appear to be missing.
Fallen Trees & Debris
A fallen tree or large branch can cause catastrophic damage to the roof deck, rafters, and roofing material. This is structurally the most dangerous type of storm damage. If a tree has struck your home, do not enter rooms below the impact point — sagging ceilings can collapse suddenly. Emergency stabilization involves debris removal, structural assessment, and tarping the exposed opening to prevent water intrusion.
Ice & Snow Load Damage
In northern climates, heavy snow accumulation can exceed the structural load capacity of older roofs, causing sagging or partial collapse. Ice dams — ridges of ice at the eaves that form when attic heat melts roof snow — force water under shingles and into attic spaces. This often shows as water stains on ceilings weeks after the storm event. Remediation requires clearing the ice dam, drying the affected interior, and improving attic insulation and ventilation.
Storm Damage Repair Process
Storm damage repair follows a structured process that prioritizes stopping active damage first, documenting for insurance second, and completing permanent repairs third.
Free Storm Damage Inspection
A licensed contractor inspects the roof from ground level and, when safe, from the surface. They check shingles, metal components (vents, flashing, valleys), gutters, and fascia for hail dents, wind uplift, and debris impact. All damage is photographed with high-resolution documentation suitable for insurance adjusters.
Insurance Documentation
The contractor provides a detailed damage report with measurements, photos, and a scope of work itemized per insurance adjuster requirements. Many contractors will meet your adjuster on-site to ensure the full scope of damage is captured in the claim. This step directly affects how much your insurance will pay.
Emergency Stabilization
If the roof is actively compromised — missing shingles, open penetrations, or structural damage — the contractor installs heavy-duty tarps or temporary sealant to prevent further water intrusion while the permanent repair is approved and scheduled. This is billing-eligible and covered by most insurance policies as part of the storm loss.
Permanent Repair or Replacement
After insurance approval, the crew performs the permanent fix — replacing damaged shingles, repairing flashing, and resealing all affected areas. If the damage is widespread, a full re-roof of the damaged section or the entire roof may be approved. Contractors coordinate timing based on material availability and weather forecasts.
Final Inspection & Warranty
A water test confirms the repair is fully watertight. The contractor provides before-and-after documentation, a workmanship warranty (typically 1–5 years), and the manufacturer warranty on new materials. You receive a final invoice suitable for insurance reimbursement records.
Filing an Insurance Claim for Storm Damage
Most homeowner's insurance policies cover storm damage caused by hail, wind, falling trees, and lightning. The key is acting quickly — most policies require you to report damage within a reasonable timeframe after the event. Filing late can result in a denied claim.
What Insurance Typically Covers
- ✓ Hail damage to shingles, metal components, gutters
- ✓ Wind damage including blown-off shingles
- ✓ Falling tree or branch damage
- ✓ Emergency tarping to prevent further damage
- ✓ Interior water damage caused by the storm
What Insurance Does NOT Cover
- ✗ Normal wear and tear or age-related deterioration
- ✗ Damage from lack of maintenance
- ✗ Pre-existing damage present before the storm
- ✗ Flooding (requires separate flood insurance)
- ✗ Damage discovered after the claim filing deadline
Our contractor network includes professionals experienced in working with insurance companies. They can attend the adjuster inspection, provide code-upgrade documentation, and push back on underpaid claims — at no additional cost to you.
Storm Damage Roof Repair: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my roof has hail damage?
Hail damage is often not visible from the ground. Signs include dented metal vents or gutters (visible from the ground), granules accumulating in downspout discharge, and bruised or cracked shingles (requires a roof-level inspection). The most reliable way to know is to have a licensed roofer inspect the roof after any hailstorm — most offer free storm inspection services.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover storm damage roof repair?
Yes, in most cases. Hail, wind, fallen trees, and lightning are covered perils under standard homeowner's insurance policies. You are responsible for your deductible — your insurance company covers the rest of the approved repair cost. Document damage before any repairs begin, file your claim promptly, and have your contractor attend the adjuster inspection.
How long do I have to file a storm damage claim?
Most insurance policies require you to report damage within 1–2 years of the storm event, but the sooner the better. Waiting makes it harder to connect the damage to a specific storm, and adjusters may attribute it to wear and tear. File your claim as soon as possible — ideally within days of the storm.
Can a contractor help me with my insurance claim?
Yes. Experienced storm damage contractors understand how insurance claims work. They provide detailed damage reports with photos, attend adjuster inspections, dispute underpaid claims, and ensure the repair scope matches what was actually damaged. This service is included at no extra charge — they are paid from the insurance payout.
How quickly can repairs begin after a storm?
Inspections can typically begin within 24–48 hours of the storm. Emergency tarping to protect an open roof can be done the same day. Permanent repairs usually begin within 1–4 weeks after insurance approval and material procurement. During widespread regional storms, demand can extend timelines — schedule early to get ahead of the backlog.
Is Your Roof Actively Leaking Right Now?
If you have an active leak or structural damage that cannot wait, you need emergency roof repair — not just a storm inspection. Our emergency contractors respond within 2 hours with same-day tarping and stabilization.
Get Emergency Roof Help Now →