What to Do if Your Roof is Damaged in a Storm: Expert Advice for North Carolina Homeowners
Storm damage to your roof can be overwhelming. Whether it’s caused by strong winds, hail, or falling trees, what you do in the hours and days after a storm matters. If you live near Hickory NC, this guide will walk you through the right steps to take—and how Catawba Valley Roofing can help with a free roof inspection and insurance support.
Stay Safe Before Inspecting Storm Damage
Your first priority after a storm is safety. Don’t go outside until you’re certain it’s safe. Storm debris, broken tree limbs, and downed power lines are serious hazards.
Wait until local officials give the all-clear. Never climb onto your roof or enter visibly damaged areas, as they could be unstable. Stay on the ground and look for signs of damage from a distance.
Look for Roof Damage from the Ground
Once conditions are safe, begin inspecting your roof from your yard or driveway. While you should never climb up yourself, you can still spot obvious signs of storm damage from below.
Keep an eye out for:
- Missing, torn, or lifted shingles
- Sagging areas or uneven rooflines
- Tree branches or large debris resting on the roof
- Water stains on ceilings or in the attic
- Detached or damaged gutters and flashing
These signs suggest that your roof may have sustained damage during the storm and needs a professional inspection.
Take Photos and Document the Damage
Carefully document any damage you see. This will be important if you plan to file a claim through your homeowners insurance.
Use your phone to take:
- Wide shots of your entire roof or property
- Close-up photos of any visible shingle damage, fallen debris, or water leaks
- Interior shots of water stains or ceiling damage
Make written notes to accompany your photos, including the date of the storm and a list of the areas affected.
Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection Before You File a Claim
Before calling your insurance company, it’s smart to have your roof professionally inspected. At Catawba Valley Roofing, we offer free roof inspections for storm damage. Our trained inspectors know what to look for and how to spot both visible and hidden problems.
Having an inspection before you file a claim helps ensure:
- You know the full extent of the damage
- Your insurance adjuster doesn’t miss anything
- You can submit strong documentation from a trusted roofing expert
This can make a big difference in how your claim is evaluated and approved.
We Help You Navigate the Insurance Process
Filing a roof damage insurance claim can feel complicated—but you don’t have to do it alone. After your free inspection, we assist you through every step of the process.
- We help you contact your insurance company
- We share our inspection findings and photos with your adjuster
- We’re available to meet with your adjuster during their visit, so no details are missed
Our goal is to give you peace of mind knowing your claim is based on accurate and complete information.
Prevent Further Damage While You Wait
After a storm, taking quick action to protect your home is essential. While you wait for your inspection or claim decision, you can:
- Use a tarp to cover any visible holes or leaks
- Move valuables away from leak-prone areas inside
- Clear your gutters to allow for proper drainage
If you’re unsure how to safely protect your home, we’re happy to offer guidance when you call for an inspection.
Avoid DIY Roof Fixes
Even if the damage seems small, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. DIY roof work can be dangerous and could interfere with your insurance coverage. Let a professional handle the inspection and recommendations.
Plan Ahead with Regular Roof Maintenance
Storm season in North Carolina can be unpredictable. After your insurance claim is settled, consider scheduling regular inspections to catch small issues before they turn into major damage. Trimming nearby tree branches and maintaining clean gutters are simple ways to reduce future risk.
If you live in a storm-prone area, upgrading to more durable, impact-resistant shingles may be a smart investment. We can discuss these options with you during your free inspection.
Book Your Free Roof Inspection Today
If your roof was damaged in a recent storm, don’t delay—schedule a free roof inspection with Catawba Valley Roofing. We’ll identify storm-related damage, help you navigate the insurance process, and provide all the documentation you need to move forward confidently.
Call us today at (828) 962-0617 to schedule your FREE storm damage roof inspection.
Service Areas In North Carolina: Hickory, Conover, Newton, Maiden, Catawba, Claremont, Taylorsville, Lenoir, Lincolnton, Denver, Gastonia, Huntersville, Cornelius, Mooresville, Statesville