What should you do if your roof is damaged by a storm?

Storms and heavy rainfall can cause serious damage to your roof, compromising both its waterproofing and structural integrity. High winds, hail, and heavy precipitation can weaken shingles, waterproof membranes, and gutters, increasing the risk of water infiltration and partial roof collapse.

After a storm, acting quickly is crucial to minimize damage and avoid costly repairs. But what should you do if your roof has been damaged? How can you assess the damage and secure your home? In this guide, our roofing experts will help you identify roof damage, protect your property, and restore your roof efficiently.

What Type of Damage Can a Storm Cause to a Roof?

After a storm or severe weather, inspecting your roof for damage is essential. Strong winds, heavy rain, and hail can weaken the structure and compromise its waterproofing. Here are the most common types of storm damage to watch for:

Missing or Broken Shingles

High winds can lift or tear off shingles, exposing the roof to the elements. Even a single missing or cracked shingle can allow water to seep in, leading to damage to insulation and the wooden framework. A quick repair is necessary to prevent further deterioration.

Torn Waterproof Membrane

For flat roofs, waterproof membranes made of bitumen or elastomer are particularly vulnerable to storm damage. Strong winds and flying debris can tear or puncture the membrane, creating entry points for water infiltration.

Damaged Gutters and Flashing

Gutters, downspouts, and flashing ensure proper water drainage. If they are torn off or damaged, water can pool on the roof or seep into the walls, leading to long-term structural damage.

Roof Sagging

Excessive water accumulation and structural weakening due to strong winds can cause a partial or total roof collapse. This situation is highly dangerous and requires immediate professional intervention.

Water Leaks and Ceiling Cracks

If moisture stains appear on your ceiling or walls after a storm, it’s likely that water has infiltrated through the roof. These leaks may go unnoticed for days but can rapidly damage insulation and promote mold growth. Immediate inspection can identify and fix the issue before it worsens.

What to Do Immediately After a Storm?

Reacting quickly and methodically can help limit damage and reduce repair costs. Follow these steps after high winds or heavy rain.

Secure the Area

Before inspecting the damage, ensure the safety of occupants and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

• Check if the house is structurally safe – If severe leaks or roof collapse are visible, evacuate and contact a professional immediately.
• Beware of falling debris – Loose shingles, metal sheets, or gutters can still detach and cause injuries.
• Do not climb onto the roof – A damaged roof may collapse under your weight, especially if water has seeped into the structure. Only roofing professionals with safety harnesses should inspect it.

Assess the Damage

Once the area is secure, evaluate the extent of the damage to determine the necessary actions.

• Inspect from the ground – Look for missing shingles, detached gutters, or bent flashing. Check if metal components like chimneys or vents are misaligned or damaged.
• Check the attic and ceilings for leaks – Moisture stains, brown rings, or mold odors indicate water infiltration.
• Take photos for insurance claims – Capture clear images of all visible damage, including interior and exterior issues. If possible, compare them with pre-storm photos for a stronger claim.

Contact a Roofer for a Full Inspection

Even if the damage seems minor, a professional roofer can detect hidden weaknesses that could lead to long-term problems.

After a storm, roofing companies receive high volumes of repair requests. Contact them as soon as possible to secure an appointment or reach their emergency repair service if needed.

Filing an Insurance Claim for Storm Damage

If your roof sustains damage from a storm, report the incident to your home insurance provider promptly to receive coverage.

Check Your Insurance Policy

Before filing a claim, review your home insurance contract to understand what is covered.

• Coverage for weather-related damage – Most policies cover damage caused by wind, hail, rain, snow, or falling debris.
• Indirect damage – Some policies also cover secondary damage, such as water infiltration affecting walls and ceilings.
• Exclusions and deductibles – Some insurers do not cover damage if the roof was poorly maintained or over 10–15 years old.

File a Storm Damage Claim

A well-documented claim speeds up compensation and ensures a smoother process.

Claim deadlines – Most insurers process roof damage claims within 60 days of receiving complete documentation.

Required documents – To strengthen your claim, provide:

• Photos and videos of the damage (roof, attic, ceilings, walls, and any affected furniture).
• A detailed report of the incident, explaining the nature and impact of the damage.
• A roofer’s repair estimate to assess repair costs.
• Weather reports from Environment Canada confirming the storm event.
• A list of damaged interior belongings, if applicable.

Insurance Inspection and Compensation

Once the claim is submitted, your insurer may send an adjuster to inspect the damage. The expert will:

• Assess roof condition and maintenance records (if required).
• Confirm if the damage qualifies for coverage based on your policy.
• Propose compensation based on repair estimates and the adjuster’s findings.

How to Protect Your Roof Before a Storm

Instead of waiting for storm damage, take preventive measures to reinforce your roof and minimize risks.

Regular Roof and Gutter Maintenance

• Remove debris and moss – A clean roof prevents moisture buildup and material degradation.
• Unclog gutters – Blocked gutters prevent proper drainage, leading to leaks and excessive water accumulation.
• Inspect flashing and seals – These components must be intact to prevent water infiltration beneath the roofing material.

Check and Secure Shingles Before Winter

Strong winds are a leading cause of roof damage. Before storm season:

• Inspect shingles and replace cracked or loose ones.
• Use nails, hooks, or adhesive to reinforce exposed shingles.

Install Protective Barriers

• Windbreaks reduce wind force on your roof.
• Underlayment membranes provide an extra layer of protection against leaks if shingles get displaced.

Schedule an Annual Professional Inspection

Don’t let bad weather weaken your roof! Les Couvreurs Duro-Toit detects cracks, loose shingles, and potential leak points before they turn into major problems. A yearly roof inspection helps prevent emergency repairs and costly damages.

Contact us today to reinforce your roof before the next storm.