How to Safely Inspect Your Roof for Storm Damage

Gravity is the primary hazard when dealing with roof inspections. While the impulse is to grab a ladder and climb to the ridgeline, most storm damage is identifiable from the ground or by examining the interior structure of your home. A job well done means gathering enough information to decide if a licensed contractor needs to be called, without ever putting yourself at unnecessary risk. Storm damage typically reveals itself through missing shingles, dented flashing, or compromised chimney caps. By approaching this systematically—starting from the exterior perimeter and moving to the attic rafters—you build a clear picture of the roof's integrity. Focus on identifying what has changed since the last clear-sky day rather than searching for perfection.

  1. Start from the ground, not the roof. Walk the entire perimeter of your house and look for debris in the yard, such as shingle granules or broken roof tiles. Use high-powered binoculars to scan the roof surface for missing, curled, or cracked shingles.
  2. Look for granules and debris. Inspect your gutters for heavy buildup of shingle granules or metal shards from flashing. Clogged downspouts or visible damage to the gutter hardware often indicate wind-blown debris impact.
  3. Inspect flashing first. Check all metal components, including plumbing vent boots, chimney flashing, and valley metal. Look for dents, peeling sealants, or gaps that may have been caused by wind uplift.
  4. Hunt for light leaks. Enter your attic during the day and turn off all artificial lights. Look for pinpricks of light coming through the roof deck, which indicate missing shingles or holes.
  5. Feel for moisture damage. Run your hand along the underside of the roof decking and rafters to check for dampness or rot. Look for dark water stains or mold growth that suggest long-term seepage.
  6. Record every issue found. Take photos of all identified damage from the ground or attic. Keep a written list of specific locations to provide to your insurance adjuster or contractor.