What to Do Right After a Storm Damages Your Roof
Storms in Western North Carolina don’t play around. A hard burst of wind can lift shingles, hail can bruise the roof surface without “obvious” holes, and driving rain can find weaknesses around chimneys, skylights, and valleys. If you suspect storm damage, what you do in the next few hours can prevent bigger repairs, speed up insurance decisions, and protect your home.
This guide is built for homeowners across Asheville, Hendersonville, Weaverville, Black Mountain, Arden, Fletcher, Candler, Waynesville, Canton, Swannanoa, Fairview, Leicester, and Mills River.
If you want the fastest path to clarity, start with a Free Roof Inspection.
Step 1: Safety first (don’t climb the roof)
Right after a storm is the worst time to “go check it out” on the roof.
Stay off ladders if surfaces are wet, icy, or covered in debris.
Watch for downed power lines and unstable branches.
If you smell gas or see electrical damage, treat it as an emergency.
You can spot most major issues from the ground and from inside the attic.
Step 2: Do a quick exterior scan from the ground
Walk your property and look for storm indicators:
Shingles on the lawn or in gutters
Lifted edges or missing ridge caps
Bent flashing or exposed underlayment at eaves/valleys
Dents on roof vents, pipe collars, and gutter runs
Tree limbs or debris sitting on the roof
Even if damage looks small, wind can create hidden creases that shorten the roof’s lifespan. If you see anything suspicious, schedule a Roof Inspection and get it documented.
Step 3: Check inside for active leaks (ceiling + attic)
A storm-damaged roof doesn’t always leak immediately—sometimes it shows up on the next heavy rain.
Look for:
Fresh water stains or rings on ceilings
Damp drywall, bubbling paint, or musty odor
Wet insulation or shiny decking in the attic
Drips around skylights, chimneys, and vent pipes
If you have an active drip, put a bucket underneath and move anything valuable away from the area. For bulging ceiling spots, carefully poke a small hole to release water pressure and prevent a wider collapse.
If you need immediate help, go straight to Roof Repair.
Step 4: Document everything (photos now = less friction later)
Good documentation is one of the most underrated parts of storm recovery.
Take:
Wide shots of each roof slope (from ground angles)
Close-ups of missing shingles, lifted tabs, punctures, and exposed areas
Photos of dented metal components (vents, gutters, flashing)
Interior evidence: ceiling stains, wet drywall, attic damage
Any fallen limbs or debris that hit the roof
We also provide full photo documentation during your Free Roof Inspection so you have a clean, organized record.
Step 5: Prevent further damage (simple mitigation)
The goal is to stop things from getting worse while you line up permanent work.
Contain leaks with buckets/towels
Protect furniture and floors with plastic
Clear downspouts at ground level so water runs away from the home
Don’t pressure wash or “blast-clean” shingles after a storm
If the roof needs a temporary cover, have a professional handle it. Poor tarping can create new leak points and complicate claim outcomes.
Step 6: Get a professional inspection before you talk insurance details
Here’s why: storm damage can be subtle. Hail bruises and wind creases often don’t look dramatic but still compromise roof performance and warranty coverage.
A thorough inspection should include:
Photos of every slope, ridge, and valley
Flashing checks at chimneys, skylights, sidewalls
Vent boot and penetration checks
Notes on shingle bruising, uplift, creasing, and granule displacement
Identification of any decking softness or trapped moisture
Start here: Roof Inspections – Asheville
Step 7: Decide if you need repair, replacement, or both
After storms, the right move depends on scope and roof age.
When repair makes sense
Repairs are usually best when:
Damage is isolated to one area or one slope
The rest of the roof is in good condition
Decking and underlayment are still solid
You want the fastest stabilization option
If that’s you, schedule Roof Repair.
When replacement is smarter
Replacement is usually the better call when:
Damage is widespread across multiple slopes
You have repeated leaks or repeated patching history
Shingles are brittle, curled, or near end-of-life
The storm exposed underlying system weaknesses (ventilation, flashing, underlayment)
Explore the path: Roof Replacement
Step 8: If you file a claim, keep it clean and organized
Once you have an inspection report, filing is smoother.
File promptly and follow your policy timelines
Provide documentation and photos
Schedule the adjuster inspection
Review the estimate for completeness (vents, flashing, drip edge, underlayment, code-required items)
If you’re replacing, this is also a great time to upgrade materials:
Architectural shingles: Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Metal options for longevity: Metal Roofing
Gutter upgrades after heavy rain: Seamless Gutters
Skylight sealing/replacement: Skylight Replacement
Watch out for storm chasers (quick checklist)
After major weather events, out-of-town crews often flood the area.
Protect yourself:
Confirm licensing + insurance
Ask for a real local presence and references
Require an itemized written scope
Avoid “sign today” pressure
Don’t sign paperwork that gives control of your claim away
True North Roofing keeps it simple: local crews, honest assessments, clean documentation, and workmanship we stand behind.
Service areas we cover
We serve homeowners across Asheville, Hendersonville, Weaverville, Black Mountain, Arden, Fletcher, Candler, Waynesville, Canton, Swannanoa, Fairview, Leicester, and Mills River.
Find your local page here:
Asheville Roofing
Hendersonville Roofing
Weaverville Roofing
Black Mountain Roofing
Arden Roofing
Fletcher Roofing
Candler Roofing
Waynesville Roofing
Canton Roofing
Swannanoa Roofing
Fairview Roofing
Leicester Roofing
Mills River Roofing
The fastest next step: a documented inspection
If you want to avoid guesswork, we’ll inspect the roof, document the findings, and give you a clear plan—repair now, replace soon, or monitor and maintain.
Book your visit here: Free Roof Inspection
Or call (828) 507-0778.
