After a storm: questions to ask before deciding what the roof needs
Direct answer: storm damage can be obvious or hidden. Do not climb onto the roof to diagnose it yourself. Document what you can safely observe, then use a professional inspection to determine damage extent and whether the written repair/replacement scope matches the findings.
Inspection questions
- Which roof areas show storm-related damage, and how was that determined?
- Is the damage localized or spread across multiple roof planes?
- Are flashing, vents, gutters, skylights or penetrations affected?
- Is there evidence of moisture entry or deck damage?
- What can be repaired independently, and what conditions would change that recommendation?
Proposal questions
- Does the written scope identify storm-related work separately from unrelated maintenance?
- How are hidden conditions and change orders handled?
- What photos, measurements or inspection notes support the proposed work?
- Which warranties apply to the resulting repair or replacement?
FAQ
Does a storm automatically mean I need a new roof?
No. Damage extent, roof condition and inspection findings matter. Localized damage can lead to a repair discussion, while widespread damage can make replacement worth discussing.
Can this page tell me whether damage is covered by insurance?
No. Coverage depends on your policy, cause of loss, timing and insurer process. HomeQuoteCheck does not interpret insurance coverage.
Related decisions
Repair or Replace tool · Quote Checker · Complete replacement scope
This page is not a roof inspection, structural assessment, emergency guide or insurance-coverage opinion.