After a dark and stormy night, you wake up to assess the damage and find roofing shingles scattered on the ground. Now what? It's important to act fast, as ignoring potential wind damage can lead to more significant issues, such as roof leaks, mold and mildew growth, and even structural problems if not addressed promptly.
To help you stay ahead of costly repairs, refer to this guide on what to do if shingles blow off your roof during a storm, from immediate next steps to proactive measures that can help keep your roof protected in gusty conditions.
Safety First: Immediate Actions After the Storm
The most important thing to do after a storm is to make sure you and your family are safe and check whether your home is structurally sound. If your roof has sustained severe damage, you may need to relocate temporarily for safety.
A word of caution: Don't climb on the roof, especially if it's wet or visibly damaged. Hidden structural issues could create dangerous conditions.
If you're wondering what to do if shingles blow off during a storm, start by documenting the visible damage from the ground with photos or video. Your insurance company will need this evidence when assessing your claim.
Next, remove or secure any loose debris around your property to prevent further damage or injury. If you're dealing with water leaks, use buckets or tarps to help mitigate the damage inside your home. Then, contact your homeowners insurance provider to report the damage and start the claim process.
Assessing the Damage: A Comprehensive Checklist
A thorough inspection by a qualified, experienced roofing professional is essential to identify any damage to your roof and your home's interior. Here's what they'll typically look for:
- Missing, cracked, or curled shingles
- Damage to flashings around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Issues with gutters and downspouts, such as dents, blockages, or detachment
- Signs of water damage in the attic, including stains, wet insulation, and mold or mildew
These indicators point to potential roof damage that must be addressed during repairs. Keep in mind that damage to one area of your roof may lead to leaks and water damage in another area, so a comprehensive inspection of both the roof and attic space is key.
Navigating the Insurance Claim Process
Before submitting a claim to your homeowners insurance, review your policy carefully—specifically concerning wind damage and what portion of the repair costs it covers. The next steps for what to do if shingles blow off your roof during a storm comes down to what type of policy you have.
If you have an actual cash value policy, your insurer will pay only the depreciated value of your roof at the time of loss. If your claim is approved, the insurance company will issue a payment based on that value. You'll be responsible for any remaining repair or replacement costs out of pocket.
In comparison, a replacement cost value policy covers the full cost of a complete roof replacement. With this type of policy, you'll receive payment in two parts:
- The first payment covers the actual cost value of your roof.
- The second payment covers the remaining balance, but only after you provide proof that the work has been completed. If you don't submit the required proof or choose not to replace your roof, the insurer will not issue the second payment.
Once you've contacted your insurance company and submitted photo or video documentation of the damage, here's what to expect in the claims process:
- Adjuster inspection. An insurance adjuster may visit your property to inspect the damage and determine if your claim is valid. If you want, you can choose to have your roofing contractor present during this inspection.
- Contractor selection. You'll need to select a roofing contractor to do the work. Choose a licensed, reputable contractor with experience handling insurance claims. For peace of mind, consider hiring a GAF Master Elite® contractor. These professionals are vetted for quality and reliability and are well-versed in the claims process.
- Damage assessment and estimate. The contractor will come out and inspect the roof, document the damage, provide a repair estimate, and submit this estimate to your insurance company.
- Final approval. If an adjuster hasn't already visited, the insurance company may send one out at this point. Once all documentation is reviewed, the company will determine whether to approve the claim and move forward with payment.
Finding the Right Roofing Contractor
When choosing a roofing contractor, it's important to select someone who will deliver high-quality work and follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines. After a storm, it's common for out-of-town contractors to move into the area, offer quick, low-cost repairs, and leave as fast as they came in—which can leave homeowners with subpar work and no recourse.
Before hiring a contractor, make sure they are licensed, insured, and bonded (if required in your area). Look for someone with a strong local reputation and a proven track record of quality service.
The best approach is to get estimates from multiple contractors and carefully compare them, paying attention not just to the price but also to the quality of the materials and the warranties offered. Once you've selected a contractor, review the contract thoroughly to ensure it clearly outlines the expected work, warranty terms, and project timeline.
Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Informed Choice
When deciding what to do if shingles blow off your roof after a storm, you ultimately have two options: repair or replacement. To help you choose, consider the following factors:
- Age of the roof
- Extent of the damage
- Cost of repair vs. replacement
- Current local building code requirements
- Potential for improved protection for your home with updated materials
- Increase in home value when using higher-quality roofing materials
If you aren't sure which way to go or the estimate seems high, it's a good idea to get a second opinion from another qualified roofing professional.
Preventing Future Damage: Proactive Measures
Here are a few proactive steps you can take to help prevent future storm and wind damage:
- Schedule regular roof inspections at least twice a year to identify potential issues early.
- Trim nearby trees to reduce the risk of damage from falling branches.
- Upgrade your roofing materials to options designed for better impact resistance, especially if you live in a high-wind location.
What to Do If Shingles Blow Off Your Roof: Preparing for the Storm
Before a storm hits, take time to review your homeowners insurance policy so you understand what's covered and how to file a claim. If a storm does cause damage, such as shingles blown off your roof, document it with photos or videos, and secure any loose debris to prevent additional harm. Then, contact your insurance company and a trusted roofing contractor to inspect the damage and begin the claims process.
By acting quickly and proactively, you can help ensure timely repairs, minimize further damage, and keep yourself and your family protected.
