Wind damage is not always easy to see. A storm can loosen shingles, damage siding, pull gutters away from your home, and create gaps where water can enter. You may not notice a problem until water stains appear inside your house days or weeks later. After strong winds, it helps to look around your property for signs of damage. You can take pictures of what you see and help protect your home before the next rain. You do not need to climb onto your roof to check for problems. This guide explains what to look for from the ground, when to call a roofing professional, and how to keep a record of any damage you find.
Why Should You Check Your Home After a Windstorm?
Strong winds can damage a roof in a short amount of time. Spring and summer storms across Illinois and Missouri can bring high winds, hail, and heavy rain. These conditions can affect your roof, gutters, and siding. Damage does not always cause a leak right away. A missing shingle or loose piece of metal around a roof opening may let water in during a later storm. That is why it helps to look for damage as soon as it is safe. Taking pictures of damage can also help you explain what happened to your insurance company. However, photos alone do not decide whether your insurance will cover the damage. Coverage depends on your policy and your insurance company’s review.
Many homeowners first notice roof problems when water stains appear on a ceiling or wall. By then, water may have damaged insulation, wood, or other parts of the home. A walk around your property after a windstorm can help you spot visible problems early. Wait until the area is safe, and stay away from fallen power lines, loose materials, and other hazards.
Safe Ground-Level Checks: What to Look For
Shingles: Missing, Curled, or Lifted
From your yard or driveway, look at the parts of your roof you can see. Check for missing shingles or edges that appear to be lifting. Strong winds can tear shingles off the roof. They can also loosen shingles without blowing them away. If a shingle is loose or missing, water may be able to get underneath it.
What to document: Take pictures from the ground of any missing or curled shingles. If you can see bare wood or a dark layer beneath the shingles, take a picture from a safe spot. Write down where you noticed the problem, such as the front or back of the house.
Why it matters: Missing or loose shingles can leave parts of your roof open to rain. Water may reach the wood beneath the shingles and cause damage inside your home.
Granules in Gutters and on the Ground
Asphalt shingles have small, colored granules on their surface. These granules help protect the shingles from sunlight and normal wear. After a storm, you may notice granules in your gutters, near your downspouts, or on the ground. Some granule loss is normal, especially as a roof gets older. A large amount of new granule loss in one area may be a reason to look closer.
What to document: If you notice a pile of granules below one part of the roof or a buildup in one section of the gutter, take a picture from a safe place.
Why it matters: A sudden change in granule loss may point to roof damage or wear. However, granules on the ground do not prove that wind or hail damaged your roof. A closer inspection can help explain what is happening.
Flashing Around Chimneys, Vents, and Skylights
Flashing is the metal used to help seal the places where your roof meets a chimney, vent, skylight, or wall. Strong winds can bend or loosen flashing and create gaps where water can enter.
What to document: From the ground, look at the areas around chimneys and roof vents that you can see. If the metal looks bent, lifted, or out of place, take a picture and write down where you saw it. Do not climb onto the roof to get a closer look.
Why it matters: Loose or damaged flashing can allow water to enter your home. The damage may not become clear until you notice a water stain on a ceiling or wall.
Gutter Damage: Dents, Gaps, or Sagging
Flying branches and other debris can dent gutters during a storm. Strong winds may also loosen gutters or pull them away from the edge of your roof. Look along the gutters for sections that sag, have large dents, or appear to be pulling away from the house.
What to document: Take pictures of gutters that look badly dented, loose, or uneven. Note any gaps where the gutter no longer sits against the house.
Why it matters: Damaged gutters may not carry rainwater away from your home as they should. Water may spill behind the gutter and damage the wood trim or nearby parts of your home.
Loose or Damaged Downspouts
Downspouts carry water from your gutters toward the ground and away from your home’s foundation. Wind and flying debris can bend them or knock their connections loose.
What to document: Check where the downspouts connect to the gutters and where they end near the ground. Take pictures if a connection is loose, a section is missing, or a downspout is bent out of place.
Why it matters: A damaged downspout may allow water to collect near your foundation. Depending on the amount of water and the condition of your home, this can increase the risk of basement leaks or other water problems.
Siding: Cracks, Dents, or Loose Panels
Flying branches, hail, and other debris can crack or dent siding. Strong winds can also loosen siding panels, especially near corners and edges.
What to document: Take pictures of visible cracks, deep dents, or panels that appear to be loose. Write down which side of the house has the damage.
Why it matters: Damaged or loose siding may allow water or insects to get behind it. If water gets inside the wall, it may damage the wood or other materials hidden from view.
Soffit and Fascia: Gaps or Loose Sections
The soffit is the panel under the edge of your roof. The fascia is the trim along the roof edge where the gutters often attach. Both help protect the edge of your roof and the space below it. Strong winds may loosen these parts or pull them away from the house.
What to document: Look along the roof edges, especially on the side facing the strongest winds. If you see a gap or a section that appears to be pulling away, take a picture from the ground.
Why it matters: Gaps around the soffit or fascia may allow wind-driven rain to enter the attic. Water can then damage insulation, wood, and other materials.
Signs That Need Prompt Professional Attention
Some signs of wind damage should be checked as soon as possible. If you notice any of the following, contact a qualified roofing professional.
- Water stains on ceilings or walls: New stains after a storm may mean water is getting inside. If water is actively coming in, take steps to protect people and belongings, and contact a professional about temporary protection before more rain arrives.
- Large areas of missing shingles: Several missing shingles may leave parts of your roof open to rain and need prompt attention.
- Visible wood or the layer beneath the shingles: If shingles have blown off and you can see what is underneath, a professional should check the area and explain what protection or repairs may be needed.
- Sagging gutters or loose soffit: These areas should be checked to find out whether the storm caused damage that needs repair.
- Bent or creased flashing: Metal that has moved out of place may no longer keep water out. A professional can check whether it needs repair.
Do not climb onto your roof or try to fix loose roofing materials yourself. Roofs can be slippery and unsafe, especially after a storm.
How to Record Damage for Your Insurance Company
Photos and notes can help you explain what you found after a storm. They may also be useful if you decide to file an insurance claim. Keep in mind that your insurance company will review the damage and decide whether your policy covers it. Here are some helpful steps:
Take pictures in daylight. When it is safe, take photos from different angles. Include wider pictures that show the area of the house and closer pictures of the damage.
Show the size of the damage when possible. If you are taking pictures of a dent or a piece of debris on the ground, you can include a common object nearby to show its size. Do not climb or reach into unsafe areas to do this.
Write down the date and time. Note when the storm happened and when you looked around your property. Describe what you saw in simple words.
Photograph debris on your property. If you find pieces of shingles or siding on the ground, take pictures before moving them, as long as the area is safe. These pictures may help document what you found after the storm.
Keep your photos together. Save your pictures and notes in one place so you can share them with your insurance company or roofing professional if needed.
A roofing professional may also be able to take photos of areas that cannot be seen safely from the ground. These pictures can help show the roof’s condition and the location of any damage.
When Should You Call a Roofing Professional?
A walk around your home is a useful first step, but it cannot show every problem. Some roof damage is difficult to see from the ground. Consider contacting a qualified roofing professional in these situations:
After strong winds: If your area had a severe windstorm, an inspection may help you find damage that is not easy to see from the ground. Even if your roof looks fine, some loose shingles or flashing may be hidden from view.
If you notice signs of damage: A roofing professional can check the roof and explain whether repairs may be needed. In some cases, the damage may be limited. In others, more work may be needed. The right choice depends on what the inspection finds.
Before deciding whether to file an insurance claim: An inspection can help you better understand the condition of your roof before you decide what to do next. Edwards & Sons Roofing can document visible concerns and explain the findings. Your insurance company makes the final decision about coverage.
If you are unsure how serious the damage is: A professional can help you understand whether the problem appears to be limited to a few shingles or may involve other parts of the roof.
You do not have to agree to a roof replacement just because you ask for an inspection. At Edwards & Sons Roofing, we believe homeowners should understand what their roof needs before making a decision. If a repair may be enough, we will explain that option.
What Does a Professional Roof Inspection Include?
A thorough inspection may include several steps, depending on the condition of your roof and what can be checked safely.
Checking the roof: A roofing professional may examine the roof’s different sections, the ridge caps along the top, exposed nails or other fasteners, and the metal around chimneys and vents.
Checking the attic: If it is safe and accessible, the inspector may look for water stains, damp materials, or other signs that water has entered the roof.
Taking roof photos: A professional may use a drone or other tools to photograph areas that are hard to see from the ground. These pictures can help show the roof’s condition and document concerns.
Checking the wood beneath the shingles: If shingles are missing or loose, the inspector may look for signs of damage to the wood below them. If damaged wood is found during repair work, it should be explained and documented before additional work is done when practical.
Providing findings and an estimate: Ask for a written explanation of the damage found and the recommended repairs. The estimate should explain the work being considered and its cost. If more damage is found after work begins, ask the contractor to explain the issue and any added cost before moving forward when possible.
An inspection report can help you understand the condition of your roof. It may also help you share information with your insurance company, but it does not guarantee that a claim will be approved or that specific repairs will be covered.
How to Prepare for the Inspector’s Visit
A little preparation can help your inspection go smoothly.
- Have your photos and notes ready. Show the inspector the areas where you noticed missing shingles, loose siding, or other concerns.
- Share your insurance claim number if you have one. If you have already contacted your insurance company, let the roofer know. They may be able to help coordinate inspection details when needed.
- Ask questions. A good roofer should explain what they found, why it matters, and what options may be available.
- Ask for photos and written findings. These records can help you understand the roof’s condition and discuss the next steps with your insurance company.
- Review the estimate before approving work. Make sure you understand what is included, what it will cost, and how possible extra repairs will be handled.
You should feel comfortable asking questions and taking time to understand your options.
Taking the Next Steps After a Windstorm
After a windstorm, it is helpful to deal with roof concerns before the next heavy rain. Water that gets into your home can damage ceilings, walls, insulation, and wood. If your roof has missing shingles or other openings, ask a roofing professional whether temporary protection, such as a tarp, is needed until repairs can be made. Temporary protection can help reduce the risk of more water getting inside, but it is not a permanent repair. Before work begins, ask your roofing contractor about the schedule and the steps involved. The time needed for a repair or replacement depends on the size of the job, the condition of the roof, the weather, and whether extra repairs are needed.At Edwards & Sons Roofing, we believe homeowners deserve clear information about their roof and the work being recommended. Our goal is to help you understand the problem and make a choice that fits your home’s needs.
Key Takeaway
A windstorm can damage your home even if you do not see a leak right away. Missing shingles, loose flashing, damaged gutters, and cracked siding may allow water to enter your home. Once it is safe, walk around your property and look for visible damage. Take pictures from the ground, write down what you find, and contact a roofing professional if you have concerns. Never climb onto your roof to inspect or repair it yourself. A professional inspection can help you understand your roof’s condition and what repairs may be needed. If you decide to file an insurance claim, photos and written findings may help you explain the damage. Your insurance company will decide what your policy covers.
If a recent windstorm has you concerned about your roof in the St. Louis or Metro East area, Edwards & Sons Roofing can help you understand what may need attention. We are a family-owned company with more than 50 years of experience serving Illinois and Missouri homeowners. We believe in honest inspections, clear answers, and explaining repair options without pressure. If your roof needs a repair, we will explain that. If we find signs of more serious damage, we will show you what we found and discuss the next steps. Contact Edwards & Sons Roofing to ask about an inspection and learn more about your options. An inspection can help you make a more informed decision about your home.
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