Storm Damage Roof Inspection: What Happens and What to Expect

Western PA and North-Central WV get hit by severe storms multiple times every year. Thunderstorms with hail roll through from March to September. Ice storms hit from November through February. High winds come year-round. And every one of those events can damage your roof without you knowing it.

Most storm damage is invisible from the ground. You cannot see hail bruising on shingles from your driveway. You cannot see wind-lifted edges from your front yard. That is why a professional post-storm inspection matters. Here is exactly what happens during one.

When to Call for a Storm Damage Inspection

Call within 30 days of any significant weather event. Significant means hail larger than a quarter, sustained winds over 50 mph, heavy ice accumulation, or any storm that drops large debris on your roof. Most insurance policies have a time window for filing damage claims, so do not wait months to get inspected.

You should also call if you notice any of these signs after a storm: new water stains on ceilings or walls, granules piling up in gutters, dented or missing siding, broken window screens, or damage to your fence, mailbox, or outdoor furniture. If the storm damaged items at ground level, it almost certainly affected your roof too.

What We Look for During an Inspection

Our inspector walks the entire roof surface and documents everything with photos and measurements. Here is what we check:

Shingles: We look for hail hits (circular dents with missing granules), wind lifts (shingles bent upward or torn), cracking, and missing shingles. Hail damage is subtle. A hail hit on an asphalt shingle looks like a dark bruise about the size of a dime to a quarter.

Flashing: We inspect every piece of metal flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, walls, and valleys. Storm impacts can bend or dislodge flashing, creating leak paths.

Gutters and downspouts: We check for dents, bending, pulled fasteners, and clogs from debris. Damaged gutters can cause water to back up under the roof edge.

Roof vents and penetrations: We inspect pipe boots, ridge vents, turbine vents, and any other penetrations for cracks, dislodgement, or damage.

Soffit and fascia: We check the underside of the roof overhang for wind damage, water intrusion, and animal entry points that storms can create.

The Insurance Claim Process

If we find storm damage, we provide a detailed inspection report with photos that you can submit to your insurance company. Here is how the process typically works:

First, you file a claim with your insurance company. Give them our inspection report. The insurance company assigns an adjuster who schedules a visit to your property. We attend the adjuster's inspection to make sure nothing gets missed. We walk the roof with the adjuster and point out every area of damage we documented.

The adjuster writes an estimate for the repairs. If the estimate is fair and covers the necessary work, we proceed. If the estimate is too low or misses damage, we file a supplement with additional documentation. Supplements are common and we handle the entire process for you.

Watch Out for Storm Chasers

After every major storm, out-of-state contractors flood into the area knocking on doors. They offer free inspections and push you to sign contracts on the spot. Many of these companies disappear after collecting payment, leaving homeowners with incomplete work and voided warranties.

Here is how to protect yourself: Never sign a contract the same day someone knocks on your door. Ask for proof of local licensing and insurance. Ask for local references from the last 12 months. Check if they have a physical office in the area. Verify they will be around for warranty service.

Roofing Pro Plus has been in the Pittsburgh and Morgantown market for 25+ years. We are based in Sewickley, PA. We are not going anywhere. Call (412) 510-2666 for Pittsburgh or (304) 376-8832 for Morgantown.

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

From initial inspection to completed repairs, the timeline depends on storm severity and insurance processing speed. A typical timeline looks like this:

Inspection: Scheduled within 1 to 3 days of your call. Inspection takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Insurance filing: We provide your report the same day or next day after inspection.

Adjuster visit: Usually scheduled 5 to 15 days after you file the claim.

Approval and scheduling: Once approved, we schedule your repairs within 1 to 3 weeks depending on our workload and weather.

Repairs: Most residential storm damage repairs take 1 to 3 days. Full replacements take 2 to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the storm damage inspection free?

Yes. We provide free storm damage inspections throughout Pittsburgh and Morgantown. There is no obligation. If we do not find damage, we tell you and you owe us nothing.

What if my insurance denies the claim?

We can help you appeal a denied claim by providing additional documentation, getting a second opinion from another inspector, or escalating to a public adjuster. Denials are not always final.

Should I get a tarp on the roof before the inspection?

If you have an active leak after a storm, call us for emergency tarping right away. We can tarp the damaged area to prevent further water intrusion while the inspection and insurance process plays out. Emergency tarping costs are usually covered by your insurance policy.

How do I know if the damage is from the recent storm or from age?

Our inspectors are trained to distinguish storm damage from normal wear. Hail damage has a specific pattern (random, circular, with splatter marks). Wind damage lifts shingles in specific patterns based on wind direction. Age-related wear looks different. We document the cause clearly so your insurance company cannot attribute storm damage to pre-existing conditions.

Can I choose my own contractor or does insurance pick one?

You always have the right to choose your own contractor. Insurance companies sometimes suggest their preferred vendors, but you are under no obligation to use them. Choose a local, licensed contractor you trust. Call (412) 510-2666 to schedule your free inspection.