1. Put Safety First
- Stay off the roof. It may be slick or weak after wind and rain.
- Scan for hazards. Look for downed power lines, the smell of gas, broken glass, and leaning trees. If a power line is down, call your utility or 911 and keep clear.
- Watch the ceilings. Bulges, water stains, or sagging drywall mean water could be pooling above. Keep people and pets out of that room.
- Turn off power to wet areas. If water is near outlets or light fixtures, switch off the breaker for that room.
- Wait for daylight if possible. Good light makes hidden hazards easier to spot.
- Protect belongings—safely. If it’s safe, move furniture and electronics away from leaks and place a bucket under drips.
Call right away if you see: downed lines, a gas smell, a collapsed roof section, or fast leaking you can’t control.
Pro tip: Do a quick video walk-through of the inside and outside before you move things. It helps with insurance later.
2. Inspect From The Ground & Inside
After you’ve made sure the area is safe, take time to inspect your home for possible roof damage. You don’t need to climb on the roof—most issues can be spotted from the ground or inside your home. This step helps you get a clear picture of what the storm may have done.
From the ground, look for:
- Shingles or tiles that are missing, cracked, or scattered in the yard.
- Sections of the roof that appear lifted, sagging, or uneven.
- Fallen branches, tree limbs, or other debris resting on the roof.
- Loose or broken gutters, vents, or metal flashing along edges and corners.
Inside your home, check for:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls, especially near corners and vents.
- Damp or soggy insulation in the attic.
- Musty or moldy odors, which can point to hidden leaks.
- Light shining through roof boards in the attic, a clear sign of gaps or holes.
Schedule Your Free Storm Damage Roof Inspection Today
Don’t wait until small leaks turn into costly repairs. Our Arizona roofing experts are ready to inspect your roof, document the damage, and guide you through the insurance process—so you can protect your home with confidence.
3. Document What You See
Once you’ve checked your home, it’s time to document what you see. A strong record will make your insurance claim smoother and give your roofer a clear starting point. The goal is to capture both the big picture and the small details of the storm damage.
When documenting, be sure to:
- Take wide photos: Step back and photograph each side of your home so you capture the full roof and yard.
- Get close-ups: Snap detailed pictures of missing shingles, cracked tiles, broken gutters, or torn flashing.
- Include indoor damage: Photograph water stains, wet drywall, ceiling leaks, and any damaged belongings.
- Use video walk-throughs: Record short clips while pointing out damage in your own words. This helps tell the story clearly.
Other helpful tips:
- Write down the date and time of the storm, along with the type of weather (hail, high winds, heavy rain).
- Save receipts for emergency supplies like tarps, plywood, or buckets. Many insurance providers reimburse these costs.
- Keep your notes and media organized in a folder so it’s easy to share with your insurance adjuster or roofing contractor.
The more thorough your documentation is, the less chance there is for questions or delays later in the repair or claim process.
Pro tip: Take notes as you go. Even if the damage seems minor, recording what you find now makes it easier to explain the situation to a roofing professional later on.
4. Make Temporary Fixes
After a storm, it may take some time before a roofing professional can get to your home. In the meantime, there are a few safe steps you can take to prevent further damage. The goal here isn’t to repair the roof yourself, but to keep water and debris from making the situation worse.
Simple temporary fixes include:
- Cover leaks with a tarp: If you can safely reach the area from a ladder, secure a heavy-duty tarp over the damaged section to keep rain out.
- Protect the inside of your home: Place buckets or containers under active leaks to catch water and prevent damage to flooring or furniture.
- Move belongings out of danger: Relocate electronics, rugs, or valuable items away from leak-prone areas.
- Clear light debris: Pick up smaller branches, leaves, or trash from around the roofline to prevent gutter blockages.
Important safety reminders:
- Do not climb on the roof if it looks unstable, wet, or steep—leave that to professionals.
- Avoid making major repairs on your own, as DIY work can be unsafe and may affect your insurance coverage.
- If leaks are severe and spreading quickly, call an emergency roofing service for immediate assistance.
Pro tip: Think of these steps as damage control. They buy you time and help protect your home until a licensed roofer can provide a permanent solution.
5. Contact a Roofing Professional
- Proper licensing and insurance: Always hire a licensed contractor who carries insurance to protect you and your property.
- Local experience: Roofers familiar with Arizona’s extreme heat and monsoon storms will understand the unique challenges your roof faces.
- Storm-damage inspections: Many companies offer free or low-cost post-storm inspections, giving you a clear assessment before moving forward.
- Emergency service availability: If your roof damage is severe, you’ll want a contractor who can respond quickly.
Bringing in a trusted roofing professional as soon as possible helps protect your home, prevents further damage, and gives you peace of mind during the recovery process.
Pro tip: Ask the roofer to provide a written inspection report with photos. This documentation can be shared with your insurance company to speed up your claim and reduce back-and-forth questions.