The sound of a passing storm—lashing rain, howling winds, and the unnerving thud of hail—is enough to make any homeowner anxious. When the skies clear, that anxiety can turn into full-blown stress as you assess the potential damage. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense, and when it’s compromised, a swift and correct response is critical to protect your property and your peace of mind.
For homeowners in Doylestown, PA, Broomall, PA, and Haddonfield, NJ, severe weather is a fact of life. From powerful nor’easters to intense summer thunderstorms, our region sees it all. If you suspect your roof has been damaged, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Where do you even begin?
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step action plan. By following these five crucial steps immediately after a storm, you can ensure your family’s safety, prevent further damage, and set yourself up for a smooth and successful insurance claim and repair process.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety Above All Else After a Storm
Before you do anything else, your number one priority is safety. A damaged roof can be a hazardous environment, and rushing to assess the situation can lead to serious injury.
Stay on the Ground
The single most important rule is to not climb on your roof. It will likely be slippery from rain, and the storm may have loosened shingles or even compromised the structural integrity of the decking underneath. What looks secure could be weak and dangerous. Professional roofers have the training and safety equipment (like harnesses and specialized footwear) to navigate a roof safely. Leave the up-close inspection to the experts.
Look for Obvious Dangers
From the safety of the ground, perform a visual scan of your property. Look for:
- Downed Power Lines: If you see any downed power lines near your home, stay far away and contact your utility company immediately. This is a life-threatening hazard.
- Fallen Trees or Large Limbs: A heavy tree limb can cause significant structural damage. Be cautious around any fallen trees, as they may be unstable.
- Broken Glass: Storms can easily break windows. Watch your step for shattered glass on the ground.
Check for Interior Damage
The first signs of a roof problem often appear inside your home. Safely walk through your house, paying close attention to the top floor and attic.
- Look Up: Scan your ceilings for any signs of water stains, discoloration, or sagging. A droopy or bulging spot in the ceiling is a sign that water is pooling and requires immediate attention.
- Check the Attic: If it’s safe to do so, head to your attic with a flashlight. Look for wet insulation, dark stains on the underside of the roof deck, or any visible light shining through from the outside.
Step 2: Document Everything (From a Safe Distance)
Once you’ve confirmed it’s safe, your next step is to become a detective. Thorough documentation is the single most important thing you can do to support your insurance claim. The more evidence you have, the smoother the process will be.
Why Photos and Videos are Crucial
An insurance adjuster’s job is to verify the extent of the damage. Providing them with clear, time-stamped evidence from immediately after the storm helps validate your claim. It creates a “before” picture for them, showing the damage before any temporary repairs are made.
What to Photograph and Record
Using your smartphone, walk around your property and document everything you see. Be methodical and capture more than you think you need.
- The Entire Roof: Take wide shots of each side of your roof from different angles on the ground.
- Specific Damage: Use your phone’s zoom to capture close-ups of missing, cracked, or lifted asphalt shingles.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Look for dents, dings, or detachment caused by hail or wind.
- Ground-Level Evidence: Take pictures of any shingles, metal flashing, or other roofing debris you find in your yard. This is undeniable proof that the damage came from your roof.
- Interior Leaks: Document any water stains, drips, or sagging ceilings inside your home. A short video can be very effective for showing an active leak.
Take Detailed Notes
In addition to photos, write down your observations. Note the date and time the storm occurred and list all the specific damages you found, both inside and out. This written log will be incredibly helpful when you speak to your insurance agent and your roofing contractor.
Step 3: Mitigate Further Damage
Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent the damage from getting worse. This is known as “mitigating damage.” Acting quickly can save you from far more expensive and complex repairs down the road, like mold remediation or structural issues.
Emergency Roof Tarping
If you have a significant leak or large sections of missing shingles, covering the area with a waterproof tarp is the most effective temporary solution. However, this circles back to Step 1: Safety. Tarping a roof is a dangerous job that is best left to professionals. A company like Nailed It Roofing can respond quickly to an emergency call and safely secure a tarp over the damaged area, protecting your home’s interior until permanent repairs can be scheduled.
Managing Interior Leaks
While you wait for help to arrive, manage any active leaks inside your home.
- Place buckets or pans directly under drips to catch water.
- Use old towels to soak up any water that has pooled on the floor.
- If a ceiling is bulging, the water pressure needs to be relieved. Carefully place a bucket underneath the bulge and use a screwdriver to poke a small hole in the center. This will allow the water to drain in a controlled way, preventing the entire section of the ceiling from collapsing.
- Move furniture, electronics, and valuable items away from the affected area.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company
With your initial safety checks and documentation complete, it’s time to officially start the claims process. Contact your insurance agent or the company’s claims hotline as soon as possible.
Starting the Claim Process
When you call, have the following information ready:
- Your policy number.
- The date and type of storm (hail, wind, etc.).
- A general description of the damage you’ve documented.
Your insurance company will assign a claim number and an adjuster to your case. They will guide you on the next steps, which typically involve an inspection from the adjuster. Important: You do not have to accept the first settlement offer, and you have the right to have your own contractor inspect the damage.
For more information on navigating the claims process, the Insurance Information Institute (III) provides an excellent, unbiased guide for homeowners.
Step 5: Call a Trusted, Local Roofing Professional
While the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, your roofing contractor works for you. Hiring a reputable, local roofer is essential for getting an accurate assessment of the damage and ensuring a high-quality repair.
Why Local Matters in Doylestown, Broomall, and Haddonfield
Choosing a local company like Nailed It Roofing means you’re hiring a team that understands the specific challenges of our regional weather. We know the local building codes and permitting requirements, and our reputation is built on serving your community.
A local roofer is also more accountable. We live and work where you do, so our success depends on your satisfaction. This is a stark contrast to “storm chasers.”
Beware of “Storm Chasers”
After a major storm, out-of-state roofing companies often flood the area, going door-to-door with high-pressure sales tactics. These “storm chasers” may offer a cheap, quick fix, but they often perform subpar work with inferior materials and are gone as soon as the work is done, leaving you with no recourse if problems arise.
Red flags of a storm chaser include:
- Pushy or aggressive sales tactics.
- Asking for a large down payment or the entire cost upfront.
- Lack of a permanent local address or phone number.
- Vague answers about licensing, insurance, or warranties.
What to Expect from a Nailed It Roofing Inspection
Your contractor’s inspection is often more thorough than the insurance adjuster’s. We will get on the roof to perform a detailed, hands-on assessment. We will identify not only the obvious damage but also the subtle issues—like lifted shingles, hail “bruises,” and compromised seals—that can lead to future leaks.
After our inspection, we provide you with a detailed report and a transparent, fair estimate for the repairs. This report can be used to ensure your insurance company covers the full scope of the damage, not just the most visible parts.
For guidance on what to do during and after a natural disaster, always refer to federal resources like FEMA’s guide on what to do after a hurricane, as many of the safety principles apply to severe storms as well.
Your Partner in Storm Recovery
Discovering storm damage to your roof is stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone. By following these five steps—Safety, Documentation, Mitigation, Insurance, and Professional Inspection—you can take control of the situation and start the path to recovery.
If your home in Doylestown, PA, Broomall, PA, Haddonfield, NJ, or the surrounding areas has been hit by a storm, don’t wait for a small problem to become a catastrophe. Contact Nailed It Roofing today for a free, no-obligation storm damage inspection. We’re here to help you secure your home, navigate the insurance process, and restore your peace of mind.
FAQs from Nailed It Roofing
- Q: How can I tell if my roof has storm damage from the ground? A: You can spot storm damage from the ground by looking for key signs. Check your yard and landscaping for fallen shingles or pieces of roofing material. Inspect your gutters and downspouts for dents from hail. Binoculars can also help you see obviously cracked, curled, or missing shingles on the roof itself.
- Q: What should I do first if my roof is actively leaking after a storm? A: Your first priority is to minimize interior damage. Place buckets under drips and use old towels to soak up water. If you see a ceiling bulge, place a bucket underneath and carefully puncture the center with a screwdriver to release the water in a controlled manner and prevent a collapse.
- Q: Is it safe to get on my roof myself to check for damage? A: No, you should never get on your roof after a storm. It can be slippery, and the storm may have caused structural damage that isn’t visible, creating a serious fall hazard. Always call a licensed and insured professional with the proper safety equipment.
- Q: Will my homeowner’s insurance cover all storm damage to my roof? A: Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover damage from specific events like wind and hail. However, coverage can depend on your policy’s age and specific terms. It’s crucial to document all damage immediately and contact your insurance agent to understand your specific coverage.
- Q: How long do I have to file an insurance claim for roof damage? A: The time limit for filing a claim varies by state and insurance provider, but you should always start the process as soon as possible. Promptly notifying your insurer and documenting the damage strengthens your claim and prevents you from missing any deadlines.
- Q: What is a “storm chaser” roofer? A: “Storm chasers” are out-of-state contractors that travel to areas hit by severe weather. They often use high-pressure tactics, perform subpar work, and are gone before any warranty issues arise. It’s safer to work with a trusted, local company like Nailed It Roofing with a permanent presence in your community.
- Q: Should I get a roof inspection even if I don’t see any leaks? A: Yes. Not all storm damage causes immediate leaks. Hail can create “bruises” or micro-fractures on shingles that weaken them and lead to leaks months or years later. A professional inspection is the only way to identify these hidden issues.
- Q: Do I have to accept the first offer from my insurance adjuster? A: No, you are not required to accept the initial settlement offer. It’s wise to have your own trusted roofing contractor provide an independent inspection and estimate. Their detailed report can be used to negotiate with your insurer to ensure the settlement covers the full scope of necessary repairs.
- Q: What does it mean to “mitigate further damage”? A: This is a common requirement in insurance policies. It means you must take reasonable steps to prevent the existing problem from getting worse, such as having a professional place an emergency tarp over a damaged section of your roof. This protects your home and shows the insurance company you’ve acted responsibly.
- Q: Should I sign a contract with a roofer before my insurance claim is approved? A: You should be cautious. Never sign a contract that locks you into using a specific roofer before you have an approved claim and a clear scope of work from your insurer. Reputable contractors will provide a detailed estimate and wait for claim approval before requiring you to sign a final work contract.
