Storm damage: the first 48 hours

Homeowner guide · 6 min read · Educational only, not a substitute for professional inspection

A bad storm can leave your roof looking fine from the driveway and still be seriously compromised. The first two days after a storm are when homeowners make the decisions that matter most — for safety, for the insurance claim, and for keeping a small problem from becoming a bigger one. Here's a level-headed walkthrough of what to do, in order.

1. Safety first, always

Roof damage is not a reason to go climb a ladder. Downed power lines, weakened structures, and slippery or unstable roofing materials cause more injuries after storms than the storms themselves. A few basics:

• Stay off the roof. Leave inspection to a professional with the right equipment and training.
• Watch for sagging ceilings, water stains that are spreading, or cracking sounds — these can signal structural stress, not just a leak.
• If you smell gas, see sparking, or spot a downed line anywhere near your property, get everyone clear and call your utility or 911 before doing anything else.
• If part of the roof or attic looks unsafe to be under, treat that room as off-limits until someone qualified has looked at it.

2. Document everything before you touch anything

Documentation is the foundation of a smooth insurance claim later, and it costs you nothing but a few minutes with your phone.

• Photos and video from the ground. Walk the perimeter of your home and capture the roofline, gutters, downspouts, and any visible damage — missing shingles, dented vents, damaged flashing. Wide shots and close-ups both help.
• Interior damage too. Water stains on ceilings, drips, or damp spots in the attic are just as important to capture as anything visible outside.
• Date and time. Most phones stamp this automatically, but note the storm date in your own records as well.
• Keep any storm-related debris or damaged material if it's safe to do so — a fallen tree limb, hail-dented gutter, or torn-off shingle piece can support your claim.

3. Prevent further damage — temporary mitigation only

If there's an active leak, your goal is to reduce further interior damage without doing anything risky or permanent.

• Place buckets or containers under active drips and move furniture or valuables out of the way.
• If it's safe and legal in your area, a tarp over an exposed section can help — but this is a job for a roofer or a very careful, ground-supported approach, not a solo ladder trip in wet or windy conditions.
• Most insurance policies expect you to take "reasonable steps" to prevent further damage. Keep receipts for any tarps, buckets, or materials you buy — these are often reimbursable as part of your claim.
• Don't attempt permanent repairs yet. You want the damage documented and assessed before anything is patched or replaced.

4. Who to call, and in what order

1. Your insurance company — to open a claim and get a claim number. Ask about their timeline for sending an adjuster.
2. A licensed, insured roofer — for a professional inspection. A second, independent set of eyes on the damage (beyond just the insurance adjuster) helps you understand the full scope before repairs are approved.
3. Your mortgage company — only if the claim involves a significant payout; some insurers issue checks jointly to you and your lender, and it helps to know that going in.

5. Don't sign anything on the spot

After a major storm, it's common for contractors to canvas affected neighborhoods offering to inspect roofs for free. A free inspection isn't automatically a problem — but be cautious about signing a contract, a "certificate of completion," or anything that authorizes work before you've verified the company is licensed and insured and you've had time to think it over. Reputable roofers expect homeowners to take a day or two to decide. Anyone pushing you to sign immediately is a red flag worth taking seriously — see our guide on how to spot a bad roofer for more on this.

6. What happens next

Once you've documented the damage and had a professional look at it, the insurance side of things typically moves into a claims process with its own steps — deductibles, adjuster visits, and a settlement offer. Our guide to roof insurance claims basics walks through that part in plain language.