Storm Damage Roof Inspection in Massachusetts
A storm damage inspection looks at a roof after wind, hail or a fallen tree, and it documents what the storm did so the scope of the repair is clear. Storm damage is often spread across the roof rather than confined to one place, and some of it is hard to see from the ground. This page explains what is checked, how the findings are documented, and what happens next.
What a Storm Damage Inspection Covers
A storm damage inspection looks at the whole roof: the covering for missing, lifted or bruised shingles, the flashing for dents and tears, the gutters and vents for impact damage, and the deck beneath damaged sections where it can be seen. The attic is checked for water entry, and any punctures from fallen branches are noted. The findings are set out area by area, so the scope of the repair is clear.
Documenting the Damage
Documentation matters after a storm, since it is the record of what the storm did and when. The inspection notes each affected area and photographs the damage, which is useful for the homeowner's own records and for any conversation with an insurer. Keeping the records, the photographs and notes of any temporary protection put in place gives the homeowner a clear file to work from.
Hail Damage and What It Looks Like
Hail damage is the hardest storm damage to spot. Hail bruises shingles so they feel soft or spongy when pressed, and knocks granules away in small circles. Dented gutters, vents and metal flashing are also signs of hail. A roof can look sound from the ground after hail and still have damage across its surface, which is why an inspection on the roof itself is the reliable way to tell.
Insurance Questions After Storm Damage
Whether storm damage is covered depends on the individual insurance policy, and coverage is a matter for the homeowner and the insurer to settle. What an inspection provides is a clear, documented picture of the damage found, which is what an insurer will ask to see. No promise about coverage can be made on a roofing page, and none is made here.
After a Storm Damage Inspection
After the inspection, the homeowner has a documented picture of the damage and the recommended repair scope, and an estimate can be provided for the work. Where the roof needs temporary protection, the emergency roofing pages explain tarping and the steps to take. The repair itself is covered on the storm damage repair page, which explains how each damaged area is dealt with.
Problems and Solutions
Common Problems
- Missing or lifted shingles after wind
- Hail-bruised shingles and dented metalwork
- Punctures from fallen branches
- New damp patches after a storm
- Damage spread across the roof
- Granules washed into gutters
How These Problems Are Addressed
- Whole roof examined, not just the obvious damage
- Damage documented area by area
- Attic checked for water entry
- Hail damage identified on the roof itself
- Findings useful for the homeowner's records
- Repair scope set out with an estimate
How It Works
Request an Inspection
Describe the storm and the damage seen through the estimate form.
Roof Assessment
An independent local provider examines the whole roof and the attic for water entry.
Findings Explained
The damage found is explained and documented, with the recommended repair scope.
Estimate for Any Work
Where work is recommended, an estimate is provided for it.
Records Kept
The documented findings are useful for the homeowner's own records.
What to Expect
Benefits
- Documents what the storm actually did
- Examines the whole roof, not just the visible damage
- Finds hail damage that is hard to see from the ground
- Gives a clear basis for the repair scope
- Findings useful for conversations with an insurer
- Temporary protection explained where needed
Frequently Asked Questions
A storm damage inspection looks at the whole roof: the covering for missing, lifted or bruised shingles, the flashing for dents and tears, the gutters and vents for impact damage, and the attic for water entry. The findings are set out area by area, so the scope of the repair is clear.
Hail bruises shingles so they feel soft or spongy when pressed, and knocks granules away in small circles. Dented gutters, vents and metal flashing are also signs of hail. Damage is often hard to see from the ground, so an inspection on the roof itself is the reliable way to tell.
Whether storm damage is covered depends on the individual insurance policy, and that is a matter for the homeowner and the insurer. An inspection provides a documented picture of the damage found, which is what an insurer will ask to see. No promise about coverage is made here.
The cost varies with the size and pitch of the roof and the extent of the damage. An estimate for the particular property is the way to get a figure, and it sets out the scope before anything is agreed.
Stay off the roof and check from the ground for missing shingles, debris and dented metalwork, then look inside for new damp patches. Photograph anything visible for the homeowner's own records, and request an inspection to establish the full scope of the damage.
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