Roof Storm Damage: What You Need to Know

Quick Summary:
Storms can cause major roof damage from wind, hail, heavy rain, snow, or falling debris. Signs include missing shingles, dents, leaks, and sagging roof lines. To prepare, inspect your roof, clean gutters, trim trees, and secure outdoor items. After a storm, stay safe, document damage, cover exposed areas with tarps, and contact a roofing professional. Acting fast helps prevent further issues and makes insurance claims smoother.

When storms hit, they don’t always give much warning. One minute it’s cloudy, and the next you’re dealing with howling winds, pounding rain, or hail hammering your home. In the West—especially in places like Utah—weather can change fast, and storms come in all forms. You might get hit with heavy snow, a late-summer thunderstorm, a windstorm strong enough to tear off shingles, or a hailstorm that dents everything it touches. And while hurricanes and tornadoes are certainly less common, it never hurts to have a plan in place to deal with the extremes.

The bad news is that there’s not much you can do to stop a storm from rolling in. The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your home. A little preparation and a fast response can keep small issues from turning into major roof damage. So, in the interest of having a plan in place when bad weather strikes, we’re going to break down what every homeowner needs to know to prepare for, spot, and handle roof storm damage.

Types of Roof Storm Damage

Not all storms hit the same way. A hard rain might soak your attic while a windstorm tears off shingles, and heavy hail can leave a roof looking like it’s been used for target practice. Different weather patterns bring different kinds of risks, and each one leaves its own clues behind—knowing what kind of damage to look for can help you figure out your next steps.

Here are the most common types of storm-related roof damage and how to spot them:

• Wind damage
  Strong winds can lift, curl, or even rip shingles right off your roof. After a windstorm, look for bare patches where shingles are missing, edges that are starting to peel up, or roofing nails poking through. You may also notice pieces of roofing material in your yard.

• Hail damage
  Hailstones—even small ones—can crack shingles, break tile, and dent metal roofs, and the signs aren’t always obvious. Look for random spots where the roof seems bruised, dented, or has lost its protective granules. Gutters and downspouts may also show dents from the impact.

• Rainwater infiltration
  Heavy rain can find its way into even the smallest openings. If water gets through the roof, you might notice stains on ceilings, wet insulation in the attic, or a musty smell in upper-floor rooms. Sometimes, the first sign of trouble is peeling paint or soft spots on the drywall.

• Fallen tree or debris impact
  Branches and flying debris can cause immediate and obvious damage. Large tree limbs may puncture the roof or crush gutters, while smaller debris can dent flashing or block drainage paths. Even if the structure looks okay from the outside, get it checked by a professional—some cracks or leaks aren’t easy to see with the untrained eye.

• Lightning strikes
  Although rare, a direct lightning hit can scorch or even blow a hole through roofing material. It may also damage electrical systems inside the home. Aside from the more obvious indicators (such as seeing the strike with your own eyes), signs include burn marks, damaged shingles, or a noticeable smell of smoke or fried wiring. If lightning hits your house, the safest route is to call both a roofer and an electrician.

• Snow, rain, or ice buildup
  A little snow and some icicles can sure look pretty, but in large amounts they can put serious pressure on your roof. Wet snow is heavy, and when it piles up, it can strain the roof structure—especially on older homes or those with poor drainage. Signs of trouble include sagging roof lines, creaking sounds, interior leaks, or even doors inside the house starting to stick. If anything looks off, it’s time to get a professional to check things out before the next storm makes it worse.

• Ice dams
  Ice dams form when snow on the roof melts and refreezes at the edges, creating a barrier that traps more water. That backed-up water can force its way under shingles. Signs include icicles hanging off the roofline, water stains on ceilings near exterior walls, or peeling paint.

• Flying or wind-blown debris damage
  Even if trees don’t fall, wind can throw objects hard enough to dent, crack, or break roofing materials. After a storm, scan the roof for oddly shaped marks or roofing material that’s out of place. If the debris hit with enough force to make a mark, it could have also caused less-obvious roof storm damage.

• Roof uplift or missing shingles
  A strong wind can do more than just jostle a few shingles—it has the power to lift large sections of roofing material, leaving the underlayment or roof deck exposed. Uplift damage can also loosen fasteners and flashings. Look for raised edges or flapping shingles, especially around corners and roof ridges.

• Gutter and flashing damage from high winds or debris
  Gutters and flashing are essential for directing water off your roof and away from your house. After a storm, check for gutters that are bent, pulled loose, or clogged with debris, as this can end up redirecting water to areas it shouldn’t get to. At the same time, storms can damage the flashing around vents, chimneys, or skylights, cracking it or pushing it out of place (leading to future leaks).

• Tornado or hurricane damage
  Tornadoes and hurricane-force winds can cause extreme roof damage when they hit. Look for widespread shingle loss, debris embedded in the roof, or parts of the roof deck exposed. In extreme cases, entire sections of the roof may be gone.

How to Prepare Your Roof for Storms

Storms can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time, so it’s never a bad idea to try to get ahead of the weather. A few small steps now can help you avoid major repairs later—and maybe even save you from dealing with insurance claims or emergency patch jobs. Here’s what you can do to get your roof storm-ready:

• Inspect the roof for existing damage
  Before storm season hits, take a close look at your roof—or better yet, hire a professional to do it. Look for cracked, curling, or missing shingles, damaged flashing, and anything that looks out of place. If there are weak spots now, they’ll only get worse in bad weather.

• Clean out gutters and downspouts
  Clogged gutters can cause water to back up onto your roof or spill over and soak your foundation. Clear out leaves, twigs, and dirt so water can drain properly during a storm. Check that all sections are securely fastened and nothing is sagging or dented.

• Trim trees and remove overhanging branches
  Branches that hang over your roof are a real hazard during high winds or snowstorms—even small ones can knock shingles loose or clog up your gutters. Trim everything back at least six feet and get rid of any dead or weak limbs that could come down in a storm.

• Secure rooftop equipment
  If you’ve got anything mounted on your roof—like a satellite dish, solar panel, or even a weather vane—make sure it’s properly fastened. Loose items can break free during a storm and cause extra roof storm damage on their way down.

• Look over skylights, vents, and chimneys
  These areas are more vulnerable during storms. Check that seals are watertight and flashing is solid. If your chimney is starting to crack or lean, get it repaired. Consider adding a chimney cap to keep heavy rain from pouring straight into your chimney flue.

• Reinforce the roof structure if needed
  If you live in an area that sees serious storms, it might be worth adding hurricane straps or clips to strengthen the connection between the roof and the walls. And these aren’t just for hurricanes, either; they help hold everything in place during strong wind events too.

• Take photos of your roof before storm season
  Snap clear pictures of the entire roof from multiple angles. If a storm hits and causes damage, those ‘before’ photos can help prove what changed, which is a big advantage when you’re filing an insurance claim.

• Stock up on emergency supplies
  Don’t wait until the storm is overhead to grab tarps and plastic sheeting. Keep a few key items—like nails, a hammer, and a heavy-duty tarp—on hand just in case you need to cover damage quickly while you’re waiting for a professional.

• Secure items around your yard
  Loose patio furniture, tools, or toys can all turn into ballistic hazards during a windstorm. Bring them inside or tie them down—flying lawn chairs can do more damage than you might think.

What to Do When You Have Roof Storm Damage

Even with the best preparation, some storms hit harder than expected. If your roof takes a beating, acting fast is the key to preventing things from getting worse. Here’s what to do after the wind and rain have finally died down:

• Ensure your safety and evacuate if needed
  If there’s significant damage, structural instability, or water coming in fast, don’t try to tough it out—get yourself and your family to a safe place. Avoid using electricity in water-damaged areas and don’t venture into the attic if the roof might collapse.

• Inspect your home and roof from the ground
  Walk around the outside of your house and look for signs of roof storm damage, like missing shingles, dented gutters, downed tree limbs, or exposed roof decking. Don’t climb on the roof yourself—leave that to the professionals. You can still spot plenty from ground level with a flashlight and a pair of binoculars.

• Take photos of all visible damage
  Before you start cleaning up or covering anything, take pictures. Document all the damage from multiple angles—roof, siding, yard, interior ceiling, and anything else affected. When combined with the ‘before’ photos we suggested in the previous section, these will be invaluable for both insurance claims as well as repair planning.

• Prevent further damage with tarps or temporary covers
  If you can safely do so, cover holes or exposed areas with a tarp to keep out rain and debris. Anchor it securely and make sure it extends well past the damaged section. This quick step can help minimize the mess until repairs are underway.

• Contact a professional roofing contractor immediately
  Even the best roofing companies only have so many crews available to handle repairs after a major storm, so try to get to the front of that queue by making the call as early as possible. A licensed roofer can assess the damage, provide temporary fixes, and schedule the full repair. Look for someone local with storm experience—they’ll understand the specific challenges in your area.

• Notify your insurance company and file a claim
  Reach out to your insurer to report the damage. Have your documentation and photos ready, and be clear about the timeline and extent of the storm. They’ll walk you through the next steps for inspection and claims processing.

• Keep records of all repairs and communication
  Save every receipt, estimate, and message related to the damage. Whether it’s emails with a contractor or paperwork from your insurance company, having a detailed record helps avoid confusion and keeps your claim moving smoothly.

On Top Roofing is Here to Help Your Weather the Storm

Roof storm damage can catch anyone off guard, but knowing what to look for and how to respond gives you a serious advantage. If you suspect that damage has occurred—or if you just want a professional to help you prepare for the next big storm, contact On Top Roofing. We’re leaders in both storm damage roof repair and storm damage roof replacement; we’ll assess your roof, explain what we find, and help you take the next steps with confidence.

When the weather turns, On Top Roofing has you covered.