Category: Storm Damage & Inspections

There are roof problems you can see from the ground and others that develop quietly around flashing, penetrations, ventilation or concealed materials. A professional inspection helps determine whether the sensible next step is maintenance, a focused repair or replacement.

Questions to Ask Before Approving Replacement

• Which conditions are repairable and which are not?
• Can you show photographs of each concern?
• Is the decking condition known or only estimated until tear-off?
• Are ventilation, flashing and drainage included in the scope?
• What alternatives were considered?
• Which product and workmanship warranties apply?
• How will unexpected repairs be approved and priced?

When to Arrange an Inspection Promptly

Call promptly after a significant wind or hail event, when water is actively entering the home, when materials are visibly displaced, or when a recurring leak returns after repair. Protect belongings and avoid electrical hazards, but do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof.

Frequently Asked Questions

After wind, hail or falling debris, the safest first steps are to protect people, prevent additional damage when reasonably possible and document visible conditions. Insurance policies differ, so your policy and insurer—not a roofing contractor—control coverage.

Step 1: Put Safety First

• Stay away from fallen power lines and unstable trees.
• Do not climb onto a wet, steep or visibly damaged roof.
• Photograph visible conditions from the ground.
• If water is entering, move belongings and use containers only where it is safe.
• Arrange reasonable temporary protection with a qualified professional when needed.

Step 2: Review the Policy and Contact the Insurer

Locate the declarations page, deductible information and claim-reporting instructions. Give the insurer the date of loss, known conditions and reasonable documentation. Ask what emergency work is authorized, what records to keep and when an adjuster will inspect.

Step 3: Document Conditions

• Wide photographs showing each side of the property
• Closer ground-level images of displaced materials, gutters, siding or debris
• Interior water stains and attic conditions that can be accessed safely
• Receipts for emergency protection and cleanup
• A written timeline of the storm, discovery and communications

Step 4: Arrange a Professional Roof Inspection

A roofing contractor can inspect accessible components, photograph visible conditions and prepare a scope of recommended repairs. The contractor should distinguish storm-related observations from age, wear, installation defects and maintenance issues. The contractor does not decide insurance coverage.

Step 5: Compare the Adjuster Estimate With the Repair Scope

Insurance estimates and contractor estimates may organize work differently. Review quantities, material specifications, tear-off, flashing, ventilation, code-required work, waste and documented decking conditions. Ask the insurer how to submit additional documentation if something appears omitted.

Common Claim Terms

Avoid These Mistakes

• Waiting unnecessarily to notify the insurer
• Discarding damaged materials before the insurer’s instructions are understood
• Signing a contract that promises to “handle everything” without a clear scope
• Allowing a contractor to interpret coverage or negotiate a claim when not legally authorized
• Agreeing to conceal or waive the deductible
• Authorizing permanent work before responsibilities, price and approvals are understood

Frequently Asked Questions

A roof can be damaged even when the house looks normal from the street. After a Central Ohio wind or hail event, use a calm, safety-first process: document what you can see, prevent additional loss where practical and arrange qualified evaluation.

Immediately After the Storm

1. Check for immediate hazards. Stay clear of power lines, unstable trees, damaged structures and standing water near electrical equipment.
2. Look from the ground. Photograph missing shingles or panels, displaced ridge material, dented gutters, damaged siding, fallen limbs and debris.
3. Check inside. Look for active leaks, ceiling stains, damp insulation or unusual attic moisture only where access is safe.
4. Limit additional damage. Move valuables, contain water and arrange professional temporary covering when necessary. Keep receipts.
5. Notify the insurer. Follow the policy’s reporting instructions and ask about emergency mitigation and inspection timing.
6. Schedule a professional roof inspection. Choose a contractor with a verifiable local presence, insurance and a clear written inspection process.

Signs That Justify Professional Evaluation

• Missing, creased or displaced shingles
• Loose panels, trim, ridge caps or flashing
• Dents in gutters, downspouts, vents or other soft metals
• Branches or debris that struck the roof
• New interior staining, dripping or musty odors
• Heavy shingle granules at downspout outlets after a storm
• Damage reported on nearby homes

What a Roofing Inspection Should Cover

• Roof surfaces and slopes that can be accessed safely
• Ridges, hips, valleys and edges
• Wall, chimney and penetration flashings
• Vents, pipe boots and roof accessories
• Gutters, downspouts and related exterior indicators
• Attic or interior evidence when access is authorized and safe
• Photographs and a clear explanation of storm observations versus age or wear

Choosing Help After a Storm

Severe weather can attract both reputable traveling crews and unreliable operators. Location alone does not prove quality. Verify the legal business name, insurance, references, local registration or permit requirements, written scope, payment schedule and warranty service plan.

Temporary Repairs Versus Permanent Work

Emergency tarping or limited mitigation may prevent additional water entry. Permanent repairs should follow a documented inspection and written scope. Ask the insurer what evidence to retain before damaged materials are removed.

Frequently Asked Questions