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
Roof 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 repair involves replacing cracked shingles, repairing dented metal components, and re-sealing granule-loss areas. Larger hail (1"+) often requires 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 under a different insurance clause.
Full Section Re-Roof (Post-Storm)
$2,000 – $8,000+
When storm damage is widespread, re-roofing that section is more cost-effective than patching individually. Insurance typically covers this when the replacement is caused by a covered storm event. See our roof installation guide for material costs.
Hail Size vs. Roof Damage Severity Guide
Hail size is the single biggest factor in determining how severe your roof damage is and whether insurance will approve a claim. Use this guide to estimate damage based on the size of hail reported during the storm.
| Hail Size | Typical Wind Speed | Expected Damage | Insurance Claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea (¼") | < 40 mph | Granule loss on soft metals; minimal shingle impact | Unlikely |
| Marble (½") | 40–50 mph | Granule loss on shingles; minor dents on gutters | Possible |
| Dime (¾") | 50–60 mph | Moderate shingle bruising; visible gutter dents | Likely |
| Quarter (1") | 60–70 mph | Significant shingle damage; metal component dents | Very Likely |
| Golf Ball (1¾") | > 70 mph | Severe shingle fractures; roof section replacement typical | Almost Certain |
| Baseball (2¾"+) | > 80 mph | Catastrophic — structural damage to deck and rafters | Certain |
Insurance adjusters look for a minimum of 8–10 impact points per 10 sq. ft. for asphalt shingles. A professional inspection confirms whether your damage meets this threshold.
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. 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. See our emergency roof repair page if you need immediate help.
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. Emergency tarping is 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 damage is widespread, a full re-roof of the damaged section or the entire roof may be approved. Learn more in our roof repair guide.
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.
How to File an Insurance Claim for Storm Roof Damage
Most homeowner's insurance policies cover storm damage from hail, wind, falling trees, and lightning. The key is acting quickly — filing late or without proper documentation can result in a denied or underpaid claim. Follow this 5-step process.
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
Document damage immediately
Photograph exterior damage from the ground: dented gutters, granules in downspouts, missing shingles, damaged vents. Take interior photos of any water stains, wet insulation, or ceiling damage. Record the date and time the storm hit your area.
File your claim promptly
Call your insurance company or file online within 24–72 hours of the storm. Provide the storm date, your address, and a general description of the damage. Get your claim number in writing — you'll need it for all follow-up communication.
Schedule a contractor inspection before the adjuster visit
Have a licensed storm damage contractor inspect your roof before the insurance adjuster arrives. They document all damage in a format adjusters recognize and can identify damage adjusters might miss, such as broken adhesive seals and hidden granule loss.
Have your contractor attend the adjuster inspection
Your contractor's presence during the adjuster visit is critical. They can point out damage the adjuster may overlook, dispute incorrect scope-of-loss decisions on the spot, and ensure the repair estimate reflects the true cost of bringing the roof up to code.
Review the settlement and negotiate if needed
Once you receive the insurance settlement offer, have your contractor review it against their estimate. If the payout is lower than the actual repair cost, your contractor can submit a supplemental claim with additional documentation. Do not sign off on the claim until the settlement covers the full scope of work.
How to Avoid Storm Chaser Roofing Scams
After every major storm, out-of-state contractors flood the affected area offering quick, cheap repairs. These "storm chasers" often collect deposits and disappear — leaving homeowners with substandard work, voided warranties, and no recourse. Watch for these red flags:
- !They appear door-to-door immediately after a regional storm event
- !They are out-of-state and cannot provide a local license number
- !They pressure you to sign immediately or offer 'today only' discounts
- !They ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) form
- !They request full payment upfront before work begins
- !They have no local reviews, BBB rating, or verifiable business address
All contractors in our network are verified for state licensing, insurance coverage, and local business history before they can receive leads from USA Roof Repair.
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, granules accumulating in downspout discharge, and bruised or cracked shingles that require 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 inspections.
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 old damage to wear and tear instead. 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 the actual damage. This service is typically included at no extra charge — the contractor is 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.
What is the difference between hail damage and wind damage on a roof?
Hail damage creates circular impact points on shingles where granules are knocked loose, exposing raw asphalt. Wind damage breaks the factory adhesive seal between shingle tabs, causing tabs to lift or blow off entirely. Both can compromise the roof without looking severe from the ground. A professional inspection is the only reliable way to distinguish and document each type for insurance purposes. See our roof repair guide for more on how each is repaired.
How do I avoid storm chaser roofing scams?
Storm chasers are out-of-state contractors who follow major storm events and often disappear after collecting payment. Protect yourself by verifying a local state license number, checking BBB and Google reviews, never paying more than 10% upfront, and avoiding contractors who ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits form. Get at least two independent estimates before signing any contract.
What documentation do I need for a storm damage insurance claim?
Gather photos and video of all visible exterior damage, interior water damage, and granules in gutters. Note the storm date and time, and save any local weather reports confirming the event. Your contractor will provide a written damage assessment, itemized repair scope, and cost estimate. Keep all receipts for emergency measures such as tarping — these are reimbursable under most policies.
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 →