Have you ever stepped outside after a raging storm and wondered exactly where to look for hidden damage? Instead of guessing, try a systematic approach that checks the spots most likely to suffer. The sooner you catch trouble, the easier it is to fix and the less it costs.
Use the guide below right after severe weather hits so you can spot issues before they grow into bigger headaches.
Table of Contents
1. Start at the Roof
Heavy wind, rain, and hail hit the roof harder than any other part of your home. It’s the first place to check once the weather clears. You can often spot signs of trouble from the ground or a ladder if it’s safe to use one. Look closely at the condition of the shingles, especially near edges and around vents.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Shingles – Missing, lifted, or curling shingles create gaps where water can enter.
- Flashing – Bent or detached flashing around chimneys and vents lets moisture creep under the covering.
- Granules – Piles of dark grit at the base of downspouts mean protective granules have washed away from asphalt shingles.
- Sagging – Uneven roof lines or dips hint at possible structural damage beneath the surface.
- Punctures – Hail can leave small but serious holes that only appear as dark spots from afar.
- Debris – Branches resting on the roof’s surface can grind against shingles and scrape away layers over time.
If anything looks off, even if it seems minor, it’s worth calling in a professional who specializes in storm damage roof repair. A quick fix now can save you from major leaks and more expensive issues later. Even if the roof looks fine at first glance, hidden damage can lead to slow leaks that go unnoticed until they cause real problems inside.
2. Exterior Walls and Siding
Walk around the house and inspect each wall in daylight. Look for chipped paint, cracks, and warped siding panels. Brick and stone hold up well, but mortar joints sometimes loosen under vibration from high winds. Lightly tap bricks with a rubber handle; a hollow sound could reveal hidden voids behind the face.
3. Windows and Doors
Glass may survive hail, yet seals around frames often suffer. Run your hand along the caulk line to feel for gaps or fresh cracks. Check that windows open and close smoothly. If they stick, the frame might have shifted. For entry doors, verify that locks latch without forcing and look for light shining through edges, which signals a warped slab or misaligned jamb.
4. Gutters and Downspouts
Clean-running gutters guide water away from walls and foundations, so blockages can cause wider harm. Scan for loose fasteners, bent sections, or seams starting to pull apart. Make sure downspouts still direct flow at least three feet from the foundation. If gutters overflow during the next rain, you could face siding stains and basement dampness.
5. Foundation and Crawl Spaces
Floodwater can saturate soils and shift concrete footings. Walk the perimeter, searching for fresh hairline cracks, flaking concrete, or pooled water near the slab. Crawl spaces should stay dry, so shine a flashlight under the house and look for moisture rings, mud lines, or lingering puddles. A musty smell points to soaked insulation or early mold formation.
6. Attic and Insulation
Even a tiny roof puncture sends water straight to the attic. Enter with a flashlight and check rafters for dark stains or fresh drips. Press insulation with a gloved hand; if it compresses easily, moisture might be present. Wet fiberglass loses effectiveness, so replace saturated sections promptly to keep heating and cooling costs in check.
7. Interior Ceilings and Walls
Brown rings on drywall rarely appear immediately. Over the next few days, look upward in every room for discoloration or bubbling paint. Run a finger along the tops of window trims to feel for dampness. Wallpaper seams may ripple, revealing hidden moisture. Catch problems fast to avoid peeling finishes and warped studs.
8. Electrical and HVAC Checks
Power surges during storms can strain wiring and equipment. Listen for unusual buzzing from outlets or breaker panels. If breakers trip repeatedly, call a licensed electrician. For HVAC systems, clear debris from outdoor condenser units and ensure the metal fins remain straight. A sudden spike in utility bills could hint at damaged components working overtime.
9. Yard and Outdoor Structures
Fallen limbs and flying objects often land far from where they started. Walk the entire property, including sheds, fences, and decks, to confirm everything is intact.
- Loose boards – Deck planks or fence pickets might have popped free and now wobble under pressure.
- Play equipment – Swings, slides, and trampolines can shift or pull stakes out of the ground.
- Outdoor lighting – Broken fixtures or exposed wiring pose shock risks when wet.
- Tree branches – Partially broken limbs, still hanging overhead, can drop days later without warning.
- Shed roofs – Thin roofing on garden sheds dents easily and may leak onto stored tools.
Tidying the yard also keeps debris from clogging drains during the next rainfall.
Next Steps When You Spot Damage
Finding trouble is only half the job. Once you know what needs attention:
- Document everything with date-stamped photos and brief notes. Clear evidence speeds insurance claims.
- Make temporary fixes such as covering holes with tarps or sealing small window gaps. Preventing further water entry protects interiors.
- Contact licensed professionals for structural or electrical repairs. Resist the urge to tackle specialized work alone.
- Check your policy to understand what repairs and living expenses your insurance covers. Filing promptly avoids delays.
- Schedule follow-up inspections if storms continue in your region. Repeated events can reopen sealed cracks.
Moving Forward Safely
Storms are unpredictable, yet your response does not have to be. A calm, methodical inspection soon after the clouds clear gives you a head start on repairs and peace of mind. Keep this checklist handy, revisit it each season, and you will turn post-storm uncertainty into confident action that protects both home and family.
