How to Inspect Your Roof for Storm Damage After Severe Weather
Severe weather is a way of life in Missouri and Kansas. From powerful spring thunderstorms to summer hail and winter ice events, your roof takes the brunt of every storm that rolls through. Knowing how to inspect your roof after severe weather can help you catch damage early, protect your home from further harm, and strengthen your insurance claim. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Safety First: Before You Inspect
Before you start examining your roof, your personal safety must come first. Roof surfaces are slippery after rain, and structural damage from storms can make them unpredictable. Climbing onto a damaged roof without proper equipment and training is dangerous and unnecessary for an initial assessment.
Safety Guidelines:
- Wait for the storm to fully pass - Never inspect during active weather, even if it appears to be clearing
- Stay on the ground - Use binoculars to examine the roof from a safe distance rather than climbing a ladder
- Watch for downed power lines - Stay away from any fallen wires near your home and call your utility company immediately
- Beware of weakened structures - If your roof appears to be sagging or buckling, stay out from under it and call a professional
- Avoid walking on wet surfaces - Wet roofs, ladders, and decks are extremely slippery after storms
What to Look for from the Ground
You can identify a surprising amount of storm damage without ever leaving the ground. Grab a pair of binoculars and walk the perimeter of your home, examining the roof from every angle. Take your time and look carefully at each section.
- • Missing shingles or bare spots where shingles have blown off
- • Shingles that appear lifted, curled, or out of alignment
- • Debris such as branches or other objects resting on the roof surface
- • Damage to roof vents, chimney caps, or satellite dishes
- • Dents or damage on gutters, downspouts, and fascia boards
- • Granules accumulating in gutters or at the base of downspouts
- • Damage to siding, window screens, or outdoor furniture that indicates impact force
If you see damage to other exterior surfaces like siding, fences, or your air conditioning unit, there is a strong chance your roof sustained damage too. Hail and wind do not discriminate between surfaces.
Signs of Hail Damage
Hail is one of the most destructive forces your roof will encounter in Missouri and Kansas. The region experiences some of the highest hail frequency in the entire country. Hail damage can be subtle and difficult to spot from the ground, which is why a professional inspection is critical after any hailstorm.
Common Hail Damage Indicators:
- Random dent patterns on shingles - Hail hits create circular or irregular depressions that expose the dark asphalt layer beneath granules
- Bruised shingles - Press on a suspected impact area; if it feels soft or spongy, the shingle mat is fractured underneath
- Dented metal components - Check vents, flashing, gutters, and downspouts for round dent marks
- Cracked or shattered shingles - Large hail can crack shingles on impact, especially older or brittle materials
- Granule loss concentrated in spots - Unlike normal wear, hail creates localized areas of heavy granule displacement
Signs of Wind Damage
Straight-line winds and tornadoes are common across Missouri and Kansas during storm season. Wind damage to roofs is often more visible than hail damage because it physically displaces roofing materials. Even winds below tornado strength can cause significant harm to your roof.
- • Shingles that are lifted, peeled back, or completely torn away
- • Exposed underlayment or roof decking where shingles are missing
- • Damaged or missing ridge cap shingles along the peak of the roof
- • Flashing that has been bent, lifted, or pulled away from its mounting
- • Debris impact marks where airborne objects struck the roof
- • Damaged soffits or fascia boards pulled away by uplift forces
Wind damage tends to be most severe on the corners and edges of roofs, where uplift forces are strongest. Pay special attention to these areas during your inspection. Homes on hilltops or in open areas near Columbia and Wichita are particularly susceptible to wind damage due to increased exposure.
Signs of Rain and Water Damage
Heavy rain alone does not typically damage a healthy roof, but it exploits every weakness. After prolonged or heavy rainfall, inspect both the exterior and interior of your home for water intrusion.
- • Water stains on ceilings or walls, especially in upper floors and the attic
- • Dripping or pooling water in the attic space
- • Damp or discolored insulation in the attic
- • Musty odors indicating mold growth from hidden leaks
- • Overflowing or backed-up gutters that allow water under shingle edges
- • Standing water or staining around chimneys, skylights, or vent pipes
When to Call a Professional Roofer
While a ground-level inspection gives you a general idea of your roof's condition, many types of storm damage are impossible to detect without getting on the roof and examining shingles up close. You should call a professional roofer when:
Call a Professional When:
- You see any visible damage from the ground - If you can see it from below, there is likely more damage up close
- Your area experienced hail of any size - Even small hail can cause damage that leads to leaks months later
- Neighbors are filing roof claims - Storm damage affects entire neighborhoods, so your roof likely needs attention too
- You notice any interior water intrusion - Leaks require immediate professional diagnosis and repair
- Your roof is over 10 years old - Older roofs are more vulnerable to storm damage and warrant closer inspection
JBS Roofers provides storm damage inspections across Columbia, MO and Wichita, KS — won't cost ya a thing. Our team has inspected thousands of roofs after severe weather events and knows exactly what to look for. We provide detailed, documented reports that support your insurance claim.
Documenting Damage for Insurance Claims
Proper documentation is essential for a successful insurance claim. Insurance adjusters need clear evidence of storm-related damage, and the more thorough your documentation, the smoother the claims process will be.
Step 1: Photograph Everything
Take wide-angle photos showing the overall roof condition, then close-up photos of each area of damage. Include photos of damaged gutters, siding, fences, and outdoor equipment. Use your phone's timestamp feature and take photos from multiple angles.
Step 2: Record the Storm Details
Write down the date, time, and type of storm. Note the hail size if possible, whether you heard wind or saw rotation, and how long the storm lasted. Check local weather reports for official data on wind speeds and hail size in your area.
Step 3: File Your Claim Promptly
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after discovering damage. Most policies have time limits for filing claims. Provide your photos, storm details, and any professional inspection reports. Do not delay, as waiting can give your insurer grounds to deny coverage.
Step 4: Get a Professional Inspection Report
A detailed report from a licensed roofing contractor carries significant weight with insurance adjusters. JBS Roofers provides comprehensive inspection reports that document every point of damage with photos and descriptions. We also meet with adjusters on-site to ensure nothing is missed.
Temporary Repairs While You Wait
If your roof has active leaks or exposed areas after a storm, temporary measures can prevent further interior damage while you wait for professional repairs. Cover exposed areas with a waterproof tarp secured with boards or weights. Place buckets under active leaks inside. Move furniture and valuables away from affected areas. Keep all receipts for temporary repair materials as these are typically reimbursable through your insurance claim.
Related Services
Storm Damage Inspections in Columbia MO & Wichita KS — On Us
After severe weather, JBS Roofers responds quickly with thorough roof inspections that won't cost ya a thing. We document all damage, work directly with your insurance company, and handle repairs from start to finish. Do not wait for a small leak to become a major problem.