After wind or heavy rain, document visible damage safely and get a written assessment before deciding on roof work.
Safety comes before inspection
Stay clear of downed lines, loose branches and visibly unstable structures. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends checking from ground level and leaving close roof assessment and repairs to a professional. Do not treat a clean-looking roof from the street as proof that every component is sound.
Document the condition
Take dated photos of missing material, fallen debris and any interior water. Keep a short timeline of the weather event and when damage was noticed. If a temporary protective measure is needed, ask for a safe plan and keep receipts and photos of the condition before and after.
- Do not remove materials before documenting them if it is safe to wait.
- Separate emergency protection from permanent repair in the written scope.
- Contact your insurer directly for policy and claim questions.
Review the proposal carefully
Ask which roof planes and components were inspected and which findings support repair or replacement. Look for an itemized scope, material details and a process for concealed damage. Avoid promises that any contractor can guarantee an insurance outcome.
How the scope can change
After a storm, missing ridge material and a fallen branch may be visible, while the rest of the roof looks ordinary from the street. That first view is useful documentation, not a full diagnosis. A professional assessment should map affected planes, edges, flashing and any opening to the interior. Temporary weather protection can be needed before a permanent scope is known; ask for the two pieces of work to be written separately.
Evidence to compare before choosing work
| If the assessment finds | What to discuss |
|---|---|
| A small area is exposed but the surrounding roof is serviceable | Discuss temporary protection followed by a focused permanent repair. |
| Multiple roof planes or details are damaged | Ask for a roof map and compare repair with a wider replacement scope. |
| The damage involves a tree or structural movement | Keep clear and obtain the appropriate structural or emergency assessment first. |
What to get in the written proposal
Ask for enough detail to compare the physical work and understand what could change after materials are opened.
- Storm-date photos, roof-plane map and distinction from prior wear.
- Temporary protection materials, duration and removal responsibility.
- Permanent materials, underlayment, flashing and any deck or structural allowances.
- Permit, inspection and cleanup responsibilities, kept separate from insurance coverage.
Before and after the work
Contact the insurer directly if you may file a claim, and ask what documentation it needs. A contractor can describe physical findings and proposed work, but cannot promise a policy outcome. Keep the temporary-work receipt, permanent proposal, photos and insurer correspondence in separate records so later decisions remain clear.
Common questions
Should I walk on the roof after a storm?
No. Ground-level observations are safer; close assessment should be handled by a roofing professional.
Does visible storm damage mean the whole roof needs replacement?
Not necessarily. The extent of damage and condition of the rest of the roof require an on-site assessment.
Who decides insurance coverage?
Your insurer applies your policy terms. A contractor may document roof conditions but cannot guarantee a claim result.
Sources and further reading
These resources can help you verify general guidance or current local requirements for your property.