If you live in Salt Lake County, you know how quickly storms can roll through. Strong wind and hail can hit in minutes, and sometimes the damage to your roof is not easy to see right away.
Below, we will walk you through what to do after a storm, how roof inspections work, what you should photograph, and how the insurance process usually works so you know exactly what to expect.
Key Takeaways:
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Signs Your Roof Might Have Storm Damage
After a storm, it is a good idea to walk around your home and see if anything looks different.
Here are a few things you should look out for:
- Missing shingles
- Shingle pieces in your yard
- Granules in the gutters
- Dents in gutters or metal vents
- Loose flashing
- Water stains on ceilings
- Leaks in the attic
But remember, even if you do not see these signs, damage can still be present. Wind and hail damage often shows up only when someone gets up on the roof and takes a closer look.
What You Should Photograph After a Storm
Before calling a roofing contractor, one helpful step you can take is documenting what you see around your home.
You do not need to climb onto the roof. Just take photos of anything that looks unusual from the ground or inside your house.
Try to photograph:
- Your roof from the ground
- Shingles or debris on the ground
- Dents in gutters or vents
- Damaged siding
- Broken outdoor fixtures
- Water stains inside the house
- Leaks in the attic
If hail is still on the ground, take a photo of it next to a coin or measuring tape to show the size.
These photos help show when the storm damage happened, which can help during the insurance process.
What Happens During a Storm Damage Roof Inspection
Once you schedule your inspection, we will check several parts of the roofing system. It will be more detailed than a quick glance.
1. Shingles
We will check for hail bruising, cracks, or lifted shingles caused by strong wind.
Sometimes hail damage looks like small soft spots in the shingles that weaken them over time.
2. Flashing and Roof Details
Areas around vents, chimneys, skylights, and valleys are inspected closely because these spots often develop leaks.
3. Gutters and Metal
Hail can leave small dents on gutters, flashing, and vents. These dents help confirm storm impact.
4. Attic
The attic can reveal problems you cannot see from outside.
We will look for:
- moisture
- daylight coming through the roof
- damp insulation
- water stains
5. Photos and Documentation
During the inspection, photos and notes are taken so you have clear documentation of the roof’s condition.
This can be very helpful if you decide to file an insurance claim.
How the Insurance Process Usually Works
Insurance claims can feel confusing at first, but most follow a fairly simple process.
Here is what usually happens.
Step 1: Schedule a Roof Inspection
The first step is to have our team inspect your roof. This will help confirm whether the storm caused damage.
If the roof is fine, you will know right away. If damage is found, we will document it.
Step 2: File an Insurance Claim
If the inspection shows storm damage, you can contact your insurance company and open a claim.
They may ask for:
- the date of the storm
- a description of the damage
- photos if you have them
After the claim is opened, the insurance company schedules an adjuster to inspect the roof.
Step 3: Adjuster Inspection
The insurance adjuster visits the property to evaluate the damage.
They check things like:
- wind damage
- hail impacts
- roof condition
- repair costs
Sometimes the adjuster agrees with the roofing inspection right away. Other times they may need additional information.
Having us present during the visit can help make sure all damage gets documented properly.
Step 4: Claim Decision
If the insurance company approves the claim, they send a document explaining what repairs are covered.
This document usually includes:
- repair or replacement details
- estimated costs
- your deductible
Once everything is approved, the roof work can move forward.
Step 5: Roof Repairs or Replacement
Depending on the damage, the roof may need repairs or a full replacement.
After the work is completed, the insurance company usually receives final documentation.
Most homeowners are just relieved to have the roof fixed and the problem handled.
Typical Timeline After a Storm
Every situation is different, but many insurance claims follow a similar timeline.
Roof inspection: within a few days
Insurance claim filed: same day or shortly after
Adjuster visit: within about a week
Claim review: 1 to 2 weeks
Roof work scheduled: within a few weeks after approval
Large storms can sometimes slow things down because many homeowners schedule inspections at the same time.
Schedule Your Roof Inspection with Patriot Today!
If a recent storm passed through Draper or anywhere in Salt Lake County, it may be worth having your roof checked by our team. Even roofs that look fine from the ground can have hidden damage.
At Patriot Roofing & Construction, we help can help you with:
- storm damage roof inspection
- wind and hail damage documentation
- insurance claim guidance
- roof repairs and replacements
We will take a look, document everything clearly, and help guide you through the insurance process if needed. Just get in touch with us today to schedule your inspection!
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I schedule a roof inspection after a storm?
It is best to schedule a roof inspection as soon as possible after a strong storm. Even if you do not see obvious damage, wind and hail can weaken shingles or flashing. Catching problems early can prevent leaks and bigger repairs later.
Will my homeowners insurance cover storm damage to my roof?
In many cases, homeowners insurance does cover storm damage, especially if it was caused by wind or hail. Coverage depends on your specific policy, but most insurance companies will send an adjuster to inspect the roof after you file a claim.
Do I need to climb on the roof to check for damage?
No, and it is usually not recommended for safety reasons. Instead, walk around your property and look for signs like missing shingles, debris, or dents in gutters. A professional roofer can safely inspect the roof and check for hidden damage.
How long does the insurance claim process usually take?
Every situation is different, but many claims follow a similar timeline. The inspection usually happens within a few days, the insurance adjuster visits within about a week, and claim approval may take one to two weeks.
Should a roofer be present when the insurance adjuster inspects the roof?
Many homeowners choose to have their roofing contractor present during the adjuster visit. A roofer can help point out storm damage and answer technical questions, which helps make sure the inspection is thorough.