What to Do Immediately After Storm or Wind Damage to Your Roof

In Utah, weather can turn in an instant. One moment it is calm, and the next, high winds or a heavy hail storm are battering your home.

When the storm passes, the panic often sets in. You see shingles on the lawn, or worse—water dripping from your ceiling.

At Insight Roofing, we know how stressful this moment is. But taking the right steps in the first 24 hours can save you thousands of dollars and ensure your insurance claim is approved. Here is your step-by-step guide on what to do immediately after storm damage in Elsinore.

1. Stay Safe (Do Not Climb on the Roof)

The most important rule is safety first.

After a storm, your roof is slippery, potentially unstable, and likely covered in debris. A damaged roof structure might not support your weight.

• Do not climb a ladder to inspect damage yourself.
• Do not touch fallen power lines.
• Do inspect your home from the safety of the ground.

2. Assess the Damage from the Ground

Walk around the perimeter of your house and look for these tell-tale signs:

• Missing Shingles: Look for dark patches on your roof where shingles have blown away.
• Fascia and Gutter Damage: Are the gutters hanging loose or dented?
• Debris: Are there tree limbs on the roof?
• Granule Loss: After a hail storm, check your downspouts. If you see a large accumulation of black granules, your shingles have been compromised.

3. Mitigate Further Damage (Tarping)

Most homeowner insurance policies require you to take “reasonable steps” to prevent further damage. If you have an active leak:

• Place buckets under interior drips.
• Move furniture and electronics away from the wet area.
• Call Insight Roofing for emergency tarping. We can safely install a heavy-duty tarp to stop water from entering until a permanent repair can be made.

4. Document Everything for Insurance

Before you clean anything up, take pictures.

• Photograph shingles on the ground.
• Photograph water stains on your ceiling.
• Photograph exterior damage from different angles.
• Note the date and time of the storm.

Detailed documentation is the key to getting your insurance claim approved quickly.

5. Call a Local Professional (Not a Storm Chaser)

After big storms, “storm chasers” often flood the area. These are out-of-state contractors who knock on doors, promise quick fixes, take your money, and leave town before problems arise.

Stick with a local contractor. Insight Roofing is based right here in Elsinore. We know the local building codes, we work with local insurance adjusters, and we will be here next year if you need us.