Storm Damage Roof Repair – What to Do After a Storm

Severe storms hit Northern Virginia every year, bringing high winds, hail, heavy rain, and falling trees that can cause significant damage to your roof. Whether you have just weathered a summer thunderstorm, a winter ice storm, or a remnant hurricane, knowing what steps to take immediately after the storm can mean the difference between a manageable repair and extensive water damage to your home.

At Roofers of Arlington, we respond to storm damage calls throughout Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, and the greater Northern Virginia area. This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a storm damages your roof, from initial safety steps through working with insurance and completing repairs.

Immediately After the Storm: Safety First

In the chaotic aftermath of a severe storm, your first priority must be the safety of your family and yourself. Resist the urge to immediately climb onto your roof to assess damage.

Critical Safety Steps

Assessing Storm Damage from the Ground

Once immediate safety concerns are addressed, you can begin assessing damage from a safe distance. Grab your phone to document everything with photos and videos.

What to Look For

Walk around your property and observe from the ground:

• Missing shingles: Look for gaps in your roof covering or shingles in the yard
• Damaged or sagging areas: Any visible deformation of the roof line indicates potential structural damage
• Debris on the roof: Branches, tree limbs, or other objects that may have caused impact damage
• Gutter damage: Crushed, detached, or overflowing gutters and downspouts
• Damaged vents and flashing: Bent, displaced, or missing roof vents and metal flashings
• Granules in gutters or on ground: Excessive granule loss from shingles (some is normal, heavy accumulation is not)
• Dents in metal: Hail damage may show on metal vents, flashing, or gutters

Interior Signs of Roof Damage

Check inside your home, particularly in the attic if safely accessible:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls (may appear as discoloration or bubbling paint)
• Dripping water or damp insulation in the attic
• Daylight visible through the roof deck
• Musty odors indicating moisture intrusion
• Damaged insulation or displaced materials

Documenting Damage for Insurance

Thorough documentation is essential for a successful insurance claim. Start documenting before any repairs are made.

Photo and Video Documentation

• Take wide shots showing the overall property and damage context
• Capture close-up photos of specific damage areas
• Photograph debris in the yard, especially any shingles or roofing materials
• Document interior damage including water stains and wet areas
• Record video walking around the property, narrating what you see
• Note the date and time on all documentation

Keep Damaged Materials

Do not throw away fallen shingles or other damaged materials. Your insurance adjuster may need to examine them. Place damaged items in a safe location until after the claims process is complete.

Written Notes

Create a written record including:

• Date and approximate time of the storm
• Type of storm (wind, hail, tornado, fallen tree, etc.)
• Description of damage discovered
• Any emergency repairs performed
• Names and contact information for anyone you speak with about the damage

Emergency Temporary Repairs

While you wait for professional help, temporary repairs can prevent additional water damage. Most insurance policies cover reasonable emergency mitigation efforts.

Tarping a Damaged Roof

If there is an active leak and you can safely access the roof (or hire someone to do so), covering the damaged area with a tarp provides temporary protection. Proper tarping involves:

• Using a heavy-duty tarp that extends several feet beyond the damaged area
• Securing the tarp with boards weighted down or screwed through the tarp (not nailed through shingles)
• Ensuring the tarp sheds water away from the damaged area

Many roofing contractors, including Roofers of Arlington, offer emergency tarping services. Given the safety risks of roof access after a storm, professional tarping is often the wisest choice.

Temporary Interior Protection

Inside your home:

• Continue collecting water from active leaks
• Cover exposed areas with plastic sheeting
• Run fans and dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth
• Move belongings to dry areas

Filing Your Insurance Claim

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after documenting the damage. Most policies require prompt reporting of storm damage.

The Claims Process

Working with the Adjuster

When the adjuster visits:

• Be present to point out all damage areas
• Share your documentation and photos
• Have your roofing contractor present if possible
• Ask questions about anything you do not understand
• Request a copy of the adjuster's report

Types of Storm Damage

Different types of storms cause different types of damage. Understanding what to look for helps ensure nothing is missed.

Wind Damage

High winds can lift, crease, or completely remove shingles. Wind damage often concentrates on roof edges, corners, and ridges where uplift forces are strongest. Signs include:

• Missing shingles, particularly at edges and peaks
• Lifted or creased shingles that no longer lie flat
• Exposed nail heads or underlayment
• Damaged or displaced ridge cap shingles

Hail Damage

Hail impacts cause distinct damage patterns that may not be immediately obvious from the ground. Hail damage includes:

• Circular dents or bruises in asphalt shingles
• Cracked or broken shingles from larger hailstones
• Granule displacement exposing the asphalt mat
• Dents in metal flashing, vents, and gutters
• Cracked or broken skylights

Hail damage may not leak immediately but shortens the roof's lifespan and can lead to problems later. Professional inspection is important after any hail event.

Fallen Tree and Debris Damage

Trees and large branches falling on roofs cause obvious impact damage but may also create hidden problems:

• Punctures or holes in the roof surface
• Structural damage to trusses or rafters
• Damaged or displaced decking
• Torn or missing shingles in the impact zone and surrounding areas
• Compromised flashing and seals

Heavy Rain and Flooding

While rain itself does not damage a properly functioning roof, heavy rain can expose existing weaknesses or overwhelm drainage systems:

• Water backup from clogged gutters pushing under shingles
• Leaks at flashing points and penetrations
• Pooling on flat roof sections
• Saturated attic insulation from ventilation issues

Choosing a Storm Damage Contractor

After major storms, your area may be flooded with roofing contractors, including some who follow storms seeking quick business. Choosing carefully protects your home and your wallet.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Door-to-door solicitation: Legitimate contractors are busy enough without canvassing neighborhoods
• Out-of-state license plates: Storm chasers often leave before warranty issues arise
• Pressure to sign immediately: Reputable contractors do not need high-pressure tactics
• Requests for large upfront payments: Standard practice is a reasonable deposit, not most of the payment upfront
• Offers to waive your deductible: This is insurance fraud and a major red flag
• No local references or address: Established contractors have verifiable local history

What to Look For

A reputable storm damage contractor should have:

• Virginia contractor license in good standing
• Proof of liability insurance and workers compensation
• Local physical address and phone number
• Manufacturer certifications for the materials they install
• Positive reviews and references from local customers
• Experience working with insurance claims
• Written warranty on workmanship

Learn more about finding reliable roofing contractors and questions to ask before hiring.

The Repair Process

Once you have selected a contractor and received insurance approval, the repair process typically follows these steps:

Detailed Inspection and Scope

Your contractor will conduct a thorough inspection, often accessing the roof safely with proper equipment. They will document all damage and develop a complete scope of work that addresses every issue, not just the most visible damage.

Insurance Coordination

Experienced storm damage contractors work directly with insurance companies. They can supplement initial estimates if additional damage is discovered, provide documentation insurance companies require, and advocate for proper coverage on your behalf.

Material Selection and Ordering

If your roof needs replacement rather than repair, you will select from available materials. Consider this an opportunity to upgrade to more durable or efficient options. Your contractor can explain the cost difference between what insurance covers and any upgrades you choose.

Repair or Replacement

Depending on the extent of damage, your roof may be repaired with targeted fixes or require complete replacement. Factors influencing this decision include:

• Extent and severity of damage
• Age and condition of existing roof
• Ability to match existing materials
• Insurance coverage and settlement
• Long-term cost considerations

Final Inspection and Documentation

After work is complete, inspect the finished project with your contractor. They should provide documentation of the work performed, material warranties, and workmanship guarantee. Keep these records with your other home documentation.

Preventing Future Storm Damage

While you cannot prevent storms, you can take steps to minimize damage from future severe weather:

• Regular maintenance: Keep your roof in good condition so it can better withstand storms
• Impact-resistant materials: When replacing, consider Class 4 impact-rated shingles
• Proper installation: High-wind rated installation methods provide better resistance
• Tree management: Keep trees trimmed and remove dead or hazardous specimens
• Secure loose items: Outdoor furniture and objects become projectiles in high winds
• Review insurance coverage: Ensure your policy provides adequate protection

For guidance on seasonal maintenance, see our winter roof maintenance guide and flat roof maintenance tips.

We Are Here When Storms Strike

Storm damage is stressful, but you do not have to navigate it alone. The team at Roofers of Arlington has helped thousands of Northern Virginia homeowners recover from storm damage, working with insurance companies and providing quality repairs that restore protection and peace of mind.

We serve Falls Church, McLean, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Springfield, and communities throughout Northern Virginia. Our emergency response team is available when you need us most, and our commitment to quality means repairs that last.

If your home has been affected by a recent storm, contact us for a professional damage assessment. We will help you understand your options, work with your insurance company, and restore your roof to full protection.