Hail and wind don’t just “mess up shingles.” Storms can loosen fasteners, fracture shingle mats, bend flashing, tear ridge caps, damage vents, and create leak paths that show up days or weeks later. This page is your clear, homeowner-friendly guide to storm damage repair—how to spot the problems, what to do first, when a repair is enough, and when an insurance claim may be the right next step. If you want to route by damage type, visit the Storm Damage Hub. If you’re already dealing with a claim decision, jump to the Insurance Hub.
Storm damage repair is the process of restoring your roofing system (and related exterior components) after a weather event—hail, wind, fallen limbs, driving rain, and rapid temperature swings. The key word is system. Your roof isn’t just shingles. It’s an assembly that includes underlayment, flashings, penetrations, ventilation, decking, fasteners, drip edge, ridge cap, and transitions. If one part fails, water can find a path inside.
Some storms cause obvious destruction—missing shingles, torn ridge, downed tree damage. Other storms create “quiet” damage that still matters: bruised shingle mats that shorten lifespan, creased shingles from wind lift, punctures in soft metal vents, or loose flashing that later becomes a leak. The goal of storm damage repair is to restore performance, not just to make things look okay from the driveway.
Important: Storm damage is time-sensitive. The longer a compromised roof stays exposed, the greater the risk of interior damage and the harder it becomes to document the original event. If you suspect damage, start with an inspection-first evaluation.
The biggest mistakes homeowners make after a storm are (1) waiting until a leak appears and (2) climbing the roof. You can protect your home and improve outcomes without doing anything unsafe. Here’s the safest, fastest approach.
Not every storm requires a full roof replacement—and not every roof can be “patched” responsibly. The right choice depends on roof age, shingle type, slope count, damage density, ventilation needs, code requirements, and whether repairs will actually restore long-term performance.
Our philosophy: We recommend the smallest scope that truly fixes the problem—but we won’t “band-aid” a roof if it creates repeated leaks, higher long-term cost, or a future claim risk.
We are inspection-first and documentation-driven. That means we start with clarity—what happened, what’s damaged, what’s at risk, and what the best path is based on your roof system and your timeline. We don’t want you guessing, and we don’t want you stuck between a contractor and an insurance company with no plan.
Homeowners often ask: “Should I call insurance?” The most effective approach is usually to start with an inspection so you can make a decision based on evidence. If damage is minor and repairable, you may choose to avoid a claim. If damage is widespread and storm-created, a claim may be appropriate depending on your policy and deductible.
If you do pursue a claim, the process is more successful when documentation is clear and the roofing system is scoped correctly. Under-scoped estimates can leave out essential components—flashings, ventilation, drip edge, and other items needed for a code-compliant installation. Our job is to help you understand what’s included, what’s missing, and what “complete restoration” means for your roof.
Already in a claim? Route to the Insurance Hub to follow the approved/denied pathway and avoid dead ends. Go to Insurance Hub →
Ground-level clues include missing shingles, debris impacts, granules collecting near downspouts, bent vents, and lifted ridge caps. Inside, look for new ceiling stains, damp attic insulation, or musty odors. The best way to confirm is a professional inspection that documents storm-created patterns.
Often, yes. Wind-driven rain can exploit weak flashing transitions, pipe boots, ridge lines, or areas where shingles have lifted and unsealed. We focus on identifying the true entry point and restoring waterproofing at the system level.
It depends on damage density, roof age, and the type of impacts. Localized issues can sometimes be repaired, but widespread hail impacts often reduce roof lifespan and may justify replacement. An inspection-first evaluation will clarify the best option.
A denial often means the carrier didn’t see enough proof or didn’t scope the damage correctly. We can reinspect, document storm-created damage, and help you route into the “Denied/Underpaid” pathway for next steps.
As soon as it’s safe. Even if you don’t see leaks yet, documenting conditions early protects your timeline and reduces risk of secondary interior damage. Early inspections also help identify issues before they become expensive repairs.
Inspector Roofing and Restoration serves Alpharetta and surrounding Metro Atlanta areas. If you’re nearby, schedule an inspection and we’ll route you to the right solution.
Some storm damage shows up immediately; other issues appear later as materials expand/contract and seals fail. Use this checklist to decide when it’s time to schedule an evaluation.
Homeowner reality: A roof can “look fine” from the ground and still be damaged. An inspection clarifies what’s real.
Storm seasons bring a wave of contractors. The difference is in process and integrity. We focus on evidence, scope accuracy, code-compliant systems, and clear next steps—so you’re not guessing, and you’re not pressured into the wrong decision.
Best next step: Schedule your inspection, then route into the Storm or Insurance hub based on what we find.