The storm has passed and you suspect your roof took a hit. What you do in the next day or two affects how much more damage your home takes, and how smoothly your insurance claim goes. Here is a clear plan.
1. Stay Safe
Do not climb onto the roof. Storm-damaged roofs can have weakened decking, loose debris, and slick surfaces. Watch for downed power lines on or near the house, and keep away from them. If a tree has fallen on the house or you see sagging ceilings, leave that area and call for professional help.
2. Check Inside First
Look for active leaks, water stains on ceilings and walls, and wet insulation in the attic. If water is dripping:
- Put buckets or containers under the drip.
- Move furniture, electronics, and rugs out of the way.
- If a ceiling is bulging with water, it may be safer to poke a small hole in the center of the bulge to drain it into a bucket, rather than let it collapse.
- Turn off power to any area where water is near light fixtures or outlets.
3. Walk the Outside From the Ground
Look for missing or lifted shingles, exposed underlayment or wood, debris on the roof, damaged gutters, and granules in downspouts. Check siding, windows, fences, and your AC unit too. Our guides on wind damage and hail damage show what to look for.
4. Photograph Everything
Before you clean up anything, take wide shots and close-ups of all damage, inside and out. Video works well too. Note the date and time of the storm. These records are the foundation of your insurance claim.
5. Prevent Further Damage
Most homeowner's policies expect you to take reasonable steps to stop additional damage. If shingles are missing or there is an opening in the roof, it needs to be covered with a tarp as soon as possible. Tarping a roof safely takes the right equipment, so this is usually a job for a roofer. Keep all receipts for emergency repairs and materials. These costs are typically included in your claim.
Do not make permanent repairs yet. Temporary protection is expected. Permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects can make it harder to prove the extent of the damage.
6. Call a Local Roofer for an Inspection
A professional inspection confirms what is damaged and what is not. After major storms, out-of-town contractors often go door to door. Choose an established local company with a real address, references, and reviews. A local roofer will still be around to honor the warranty. See how to spot a storm chaser.
7. Contact Your Insurance Company
If the inspection confirms storm damage, report the claim promptly. Have your policy number, photos, and the date of the storm ready. Then follow the steps in our Texas roof insurance claim guide.
What Not to Do
- Do not sign anything from a door-to-door contractor on the spot.
- Do not pay a large deposit to a company you have never heard of.
- Do not throw out damaged shingles or materials before the adjuster sees them.
- Do not ignore small leaks. Water damage and mold grow quickly in Houston's humidity.
JD Roofing Solutions provides emergency tarping and storm damage repair across the Houston area. Call 832-295-3277, available 24/7 for emergencies.
