When a severe storm rolls through the Piedmont Triad, the stress doesn't end when the rain stops. Roof damage happens more often than most homeowners realize — and many times you don't notice it until it's already too late and water is finding its way inside. High winds, driving rain, and flying debris all threaten the integrity of your roof, so it pays to know what to look for.
The good news: you can catch most warning signs yourself with a careful look from the ground. If you spot anything concerning, the smartest next step is to call a professional roofer for a closer inspection before the problem grows. Here's a homeowner's checklist for assessing your roof after a storm.
Inspect From the Ground
Start where it's safe — on the ground. You don't need to climb a ladder to catch many of the most common signs of storm damage. Walk the perimeter of your home and look up, paying attention to:
- Missing or dislodged shingles. Bare spots or uneven, patchy areas on the roof are a clear sign that wind has lifted or torn shingles away.
- Granule loss. Tiny black particles collecting in your gutters or on the ground around your home mean your asphalt shingles are wearing down and losing their protective surface.
- A sagging roofline. Any dip or waviness in the line of the roof can point to structural damage underneath and should be looked at right away.
Check Shingles for Cracks and Tears
Look closely at the shingles themselves for cracks, tears, or curling edges. Hail is especially hard on asphalt shingles — it can crack or even puncture them, and once a shingle is compromised it's at risk of deteriorating further with every storm that follows.
Check for Roof Leaks and Water Stains
Some of the most telling signs of roof damage show up inside the house. Head up to your attic and upper floors and look for mold, brown water stains on ceilings or walls, or damp, matted insulation. Even a slow leak can cause significant interior damage over time, so catching it early matters.
Look for Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the metal that seals the joints around chimneys, vents, and skylights — and it's one of the first things high winds and hail can compromise. Check for flashing that's bent, cracked, rusted, or pulling loose, along with any visible gaps. Damaged flashing is a common entry point for water, even when the shingles around it look fine.
Check for Roof Debris
Storms leave debris behind, and that debris can do real harm. Fallen branches and larger objects can crack shingles or puncture the roof surface. Even smaller items like acorns and twigs are a problem — they collect in gutters, clog drainage, and can eventually lead to water pooling and foundation issues. Clearing debris promptly helps prevent further damage.
Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters tell a story after a storm. Gutters packed with granules and shingle fragments are a sign your roof took a beating overhead. Gutters and downspouts that are bent, dented, or pulled away from the house — often from high winds or falling branches — are damage in their own right and need attention.
When to Hire a Burlington Roofing Contractor
A ground-level inspection will catch a lot, but trained roofers can spot hidden damage that the untrained eye simply can't see. A professional can safely get on the roof, assess the full extent of the damage, and give you a clear repair estimate before a minor issue becomes a major expense. If you suspect storm damage — or you're filing an insurance claim — having an experienced contractor document everything is well worth it.
After that brutal hail storm tore through Greensboro, they came out for an estimate and completely won us over — friendly, fast, detailed. The roof looks amazing now.
Get a Free Storm-Damage Assessment
If a storm has rolled through Burlington, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, or anywhere in the Triad, don't wait for a small leak to become a big one. Redeem Roofing & Construction offers free inspections and estimates, and we know how to navigate the insurance-claim process from start to finish. Learn more about our roof repair services, or request your free estimate today and we'll come take a look.