Severe weather can leave homeowners wondering what to do next. High winds, hail, heavy rain, and falling branches can damage a home’s roof and exterior, sometimes leaving problems that are difficult to see from the ground.
For homeowners in St. Louis, St. Charles County, and surrounding Missouri communities, knowing what to look for after a storm can help you respond quickly and avoid allowing a small problem to become a larger one.
If you suspect storm damage, the first step is to prioritize safety and arrange a professional inspection. A qualified roofing professional can evaluate visible damage, identify areas that may need attention, and explain the appropriate repair options.
What Types of Storm Damage Can Affect Your Home?
Missouri storms can affect several parts of a home’s exterior. The extent of damage can vary depending on the severity and duration of the weather.
Roof Damage
Your roof is one of the areas most exposed to severe weather. High winds can loosen or displace shingles, while hail can damage roofing materials. Heavy rain may expose existing weaknesses or enter through damaged areas.
Common signs of storm-related roof damage include:
- Missing or displaced shingles
- Cracked or damaged shingles
- Lifted or loose roofing materials
- Excessive granules in gutters
- Damaged flashing
- Visible dents or impact marks
- Fallen branches or debris
- Water stains inside the home
- New leaks or moisture in the attic
Not all roof damage is immediately visible. That is why a professional inspection can be valuable after significant weather.
Siding Damage
Storms can also affect siding and other exterior materials.
Hail may leave dents or impact marks, while strong winds and flying debris can crack, loosen, or damage siding. Damage may affect both the appearance and the ability of the exterior system to protect the home from weather.
Gutter and Downspout Damage
Gutters and downspouts can be damaged by hail, wind, falling branches, or debris.
Look for gutters that are:
- Bent or dented
- Pulling away from the home
- Cracked or separated
- Blocked by storm debris
- No longer directing water properly
Damaged drainage components can contribute to water problems around the home if they are not repaired.
What Should You Do After a Storm Damages Your Home?
If you believe your home has experienced storm damage, avoid rushing onto the roof or attempting repairs before the condition has been properly evaluated.-
1
Check the Property From a Safe Location
Start by looking around your property from the ground.
Look for missing shingles, visible siding damage, damaged gutters, fallen branches, and other obvious problems.
Do not climb onto the roof yourself. Roofing surfaces can become slippery or unstable after severe weather.
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2
Check for Signs of Water Intrusion
Look inside the home for signs that water may have entered the roofing system.
Pay attention to:
- Ceiling stains
- Damp walls
- Dripping water
- Wet insulation
- Moisture in the attic
- Musty odors
- New areas of discoloration
If you find active water intrusion, address the situation promptly to reduce the chance of additional interior damage.
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3
Arrange a Professional Roof Inspection
A professional inspection can help determine whether the roof has visible storm damage and whether additional evaluation or repairs may be appropriate.
An inspection is particularly important after significant hail or wind events because some damage may not be obvious from ground level.
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4
Document Visible Damage
If it is safe to do so, take photographs of visible exterior damage and areas inside the home that show signs of water intrusion.
Photos can help document the condition of the property and may be useful when discussing the damage with your insurance company.
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5
Contact Your Insurance Company When Appropriate
If your home has sustained significant storm damage, you may need to contact your insurance provider.
Keep records of photographs, inspection information, repair estimates, and communications related to the damage.
Horizon Roofing & Exteriors can help homeowners understand the roofing damage found during an inspection and explain what repair work may be appropriate.
When Should You Call a Roofing Contractor After a Storm?
You should consider contacting a roofing professional when you notice visible damage or have concerns about the condition of your roof after severe weather.
Signs that warrant an inspection include:
- Missing shingles
- Shingles that appear lifted or displaced
- Hail impact marks
- Large amounts of shingle granules
- Damaged flashing
- Fallen trees or branches
- New roof leaks
- Ceiling or wall stains
- Moisture in the attic
- Damaged gutters
- Unexplained changes in the appearance of the roof
You do not necessarily need to wait until water is leaking into your home. Having potential damage evaluated earlier may help you identify problems before they become more extensive.
Can Storm Damage Be Hidden?
Yes.
A roof can appear relatively normal from the ground while still having damage that deserves professional attention.
Hail can affect roofing materials without creating an obvious hole, while wind can loosen or lift roofing components. Damage around flashing, vents, and other roof penetrations may also be difficult for a homeowner to identify safely.
This is one reason professional storm-damage inspections are useful. A roofing professional can examine accessible areas of the roofing system and identify visible signs of damage that may otherwise be overlooked.
Does Storm Damage Always Mean You Need a New Roof?
No.
The appropriate solution depends on the extent and location of the damage, the condition and age of the existing roof, and whether the roofing system can be effectively repaired.
Depending on the inspection findings, the recommended solution may involve:
Minor repair → Targeted repairs → More extensive restoration → Roof replacement
A few damaged shingles do not automatically mean the entire roof needs to be replaced.
A professional evaluation can help determine whether repair or replacement makes more sense for the specific condition of your roof.
How Does the Storm Damage Roof Repair Process Work?
Every property is different, but the process generally begins with an evaluation of the damage.
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1
Roof and Exterior Inspection
A roofing professional evaluates the roof and other accessible exterior components for visible signs of storm damage.
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2
Damage Assessment
The inspection findings are reviewed to determine which areas require repair, further evaluation, or monitoring.
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3
Repair Recommendations
Based on the condition of the property, the roofing contractor can explain the recommended repair or replacement options.
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4
Repair or Replacement
If repairs are appropriate, damaged components are addressed using suitable roofing and exterior materials.
If the roof has widespread damage or has reached the end of its service life, replacement may be considered.
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5
Final Review
After the work is completed, the repaired areas should be reviewed to ensure the project has been completed properly.
What About Storm Damage and Homeowners Insurance?
Storm damage and insurance claims can be confusing, particularly when homeowners are unsure what damage occurred or what their policy covers.
If you believe your home has sustained storm damage, document the condition of the property and contact your insurance provider to understand your policy and claim requirements.
A roofing professional can inspect the roof and provide information about visible roofing damage and recommended repairs. However, homeowners should rely on their insurance company for decisions about coverage and claim approval.
Keeping photographs, inspection information, estimates, and other project documentation organized can make the process easier to manage.
How Can You Prevent Some Storm-Related Roofing Problems?
You cannot prevent severe weather from occurring, but regular roof maintenance can help keep your roofing system in better condition before the next storm arrives.
Consider:
- Scheduling regular roof inspections
- Replacing damaged or deteriorated shingles
- Keeping gutters and downspouts clear
- Checking visible flashing for deterioration
- Keeping trees and branches away from the roof where appropriate
- Addressing small leaks promptly
- Checking the roof after significant storms
- Keeping records of major roofing repairs and maintenance
A roof that is already deteriorated may be more vulnerable when severe weather arrives, so routine maintenance can be an important part of protecting your home.
Why Choose Horizon Roofing & Exteriors for Storm Damage?
When your home has been affected by severe weather, you need clear information about what happened and what should be done next.
Horizon Roofing & Exteriors serves homeowners throughout St. Charles County, St. Louis, and surrounding Missouri communities. Our team can inspect your roofing system, identify visible storm-related concerns, and explain the repair or replacement options that may be appropriate for your home.
We understand that storm damage can be stressful. Our goal is to help homeowners understand the condition of their roof and make informed decisions about the next step.
Schedule a Storm Damage Roof Inspection
If your home has recently experienced hail, strong winds, heavy rain, or other severe weather, do not ignore signs of possible roof damage.
A professional inspection can help determine whether your roof has been affected and whether repairs are needed.
Concerned about storm damage to your roof or exterior? Contact Horizon Roofing & Exteriors to schedule an inspection and discuss your repair options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storm Damage Roof Repair
Look for missing or displaced shingles, visible impact marks, damaged flashing, excessive granules, fallen debris, new leaks, and water stains. Some damage may not be visible from the ground, so a professional inspection can provide a more complete evaluation.
Yes. Hail can damage roofing materials even when the damage is not immediately obvious. A professional inspection can help identify visible signs of impact and determine whether repairs may be necessary.
Yes. Wind can loosen, lift, or damage roofing components without completely removing shingles. Problems may not become obvious until later, particularly when rain reaches vulnerable areas.
Storm damage should be evaluated as soon as reasonably possible, especially if you notice an active leak, exposed roofing materials, or significant visible damage. Prompt attention can help reduce the possibility of additional damage.
No. Some storm damage can be addressed with targeted repairs. Whether repair or replacement is appropriate depends on the extent of the damage and the overall condition of the roofing system.
You can look for obvious damage from the ground, but climbing onto a roof after a storm can be dangerous. Roofing materials may be slippery, damaged, or unstable. A professional inspection is a safer option for evaluating areas that cannot be seen from the ground.
If you believe your property has sustained storm damage, you can contact your insurance provider to understand your policy and claim process. A roofing professional can separately inspect the roof and document visible roofing damage.
In addition to the roof, check visible siding, gutters, downspouts, exterior trim, and areas around the property where branches or debris may have caused damage. Inside the home, look for ceiling stains, damp walls, and signs of water intrusion.
Brian Donohue
Brian Donohue is the owner of Horizon Roofing & Exteriors, the leading roofing company in St. Peters, Missouri, dedicated to delivering quality roofing solutions. With a strong background in project management, sales, and customer service, Brian has built a reputation for reliability and excellence in the roofing and construction industry.