How to Check for Roof Damage After a Storm (and What to Do Next)

How to Check for Roof Damage After a Storm

• Start by Checking from the Ground

After the storm passes and it’s safe to go outside, take a slow walk around your home. You don’t need to climb up right away — just look carefully from the ground.

Here’s what to look for:

• Missing or cracked shingles – These are clear signs your roof took a hit.
• Lifted shingles – Wind can loosen shingles, leaving gaps for water to sneak in.
• Pieces of shingles or flashing on the ground – These might have been torn off during the storm.
• Tree limbs or debris on your roof – Even small branches can cause damage if they hit hard enough.

If you spot anything unusual, take photos before cleaning it up. This will help if you need to file an insurance claim later.

• Look at Your Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters can tell you a lot about your roof’s condition. Check if they’re:

• Clogged or sagging – Wind or heavy rain may have loosened them.
• Filled with shingle granules – Those small, sand-like bits are part of your shingles. If they’re washing away, your roof is wearing down.

You should also look at your siding and fascia boards. Hail and flying debris can cause dents, cracks, or holes that let water in.

• Go Inside — Check the Attic and Ceilings

Even if your roof looks okay from outside, there could still be hidden water damage inside.

In your attic, use a flashlight to look for:

• Wet spots or damp insulation – This means water is getting in.
• Sunlight shining through the roof boards – Even a tiny crack can become a leak.
• A musty smell – This could be early mold caused by moisture.

Then, check your ceilings and walls for yellow stains or peeling paint. These are signs of leaks that need attention fast.

• Check Around Vents, Chimneys, and Skylights

The metal trim, called flashing, around roof openings is a common weak spot after storms. Look for:

• Bent, cracked, or missing flashing
• Loose vent covers or broken skylight seals
• Rust spots or exposed nails

If flashing comes loose, it can allow rain to enter even if the rest of your shingles look fine.

• Spot Signs of Hail or Wind Damage

In Pittsburgh and the rest of Western PA, hailstorms and strong winds are common roof wreckers. Here’s how to tell if your roof took a hit:

• Dark, round dents or bruises – These are typical of hail damage.
• Shingles that look shiny or discolored – The protective granules may have been knocked off.
• Torn or curled edges – This usually means the wind lifted them up.

Even minor dents can cause leaks later, so it’s best to have a roofer check it before it gets worse.

• Take Photos and Document Everything

Before calling for storm damage roof repair, take clear pictures of anything that looks damaged — shingles, gutters, ceilings, everything.

This documentation will make it much easier to work with your insurance company or roofing contractor. Include wide shots of the roof and close-ups of problem areas.

• Call for a Professional Inspection

Even if everything looks fine, you might still have hidden problems under the surface. A professional roofer knows how to spot damage that homeowners often miss — like small cracks, weak spots, or structural issues.

That’s where Neill & Son Roofing comes in. We offer free roof inspections and storm damage repair in Pittsburgh PA and surrounding areas. Our licensed and experienced team will:

• Inspect your roof safely and thoroughly
• Provide a same-day report with clear findings
• Help you with your insurance claim so you get fair coverage
• Handle your storm damage roof repair quickly and professionally