Storm, Wind and Hail Roof Damage in High Point
Spring and summer thunderstorms, occasional hail, falling limbs and winter ice all leave marks on Triad roofs. Here is what to look for after a storm, how damage is usually documented, and how repairs come together.
The short version
After a storm, look from the ground, take photos, and write down the date. If water is coming in, limit the damage inside. Then get the roof checked before deciding on repair or replacement.
- Typical asks: shingles in the yard, dented vents, a limb on the roof
- Ask about: documentation, temporary protection, scope in writing
Storm damage estimate request
About a minute. Send the details and expect a call back to talk the project through.
- Common damage
- Missing or creased shingles, hail bruises, dented vents and gutters, punctures from limbs
- First steps
- Photos from the ground, note the date, protect the inside
- Insurance
- NC Department of Insurance publishes claim help for homeowners
- Watch out for
- Pressure to sign on the spot after a storm
The storms that matter here
Central North Carolina sees severe thunderstorms most springs and summers. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center issues the outlooks and watches, and the National Weather Service Raleigh office issues the warnings for the Triad (NOAA Storm Prediction Center; National Weather Service Raleigh (forecast office for the Triad)). Straight-line winds are the most common roof threat. Hail is less frequent but can bruise shingles across a whole slope. Remnants of tropical systems bring long periods of wind and heavy rain, and winter ice storms bring down limbs.
What to look for after a storm
- Shingles in the yard or bare strips on the roof.
- Creased tabs: shingles that lifted and folded back, leaving a line across the shingle.
- Dents on metal vents, gutters, downspouts and flashing, which suggest hail.
- Granules piled at downspout outlets after hail.
- Limbs on the roof, or limbs that hit and bounced off.
- New stains on ceilings or in the attic.
Do this from the ground or a window. Wet roofs and storm debris make climbing dangerous.
Documenting damage
Take dated photos of the roof, gutters, yard debris and any interior water. Keep receipts for tarps or emergency cleanup. The NC Department of Insurance has consumer resources that explain homeowner claims and how to ask the department for help with a claim dispute (NC Department of Insurance, consumer resources). Read the storm claims guide for more.
Temporary protection
If a limb has opened the roof, the first job is keeping water out. Tarps and temporary patches buy time. Ask that temporary work be described separately from the permanent repair in the estimate.
A word on storm-chasers
After big storms, out-of-area crews often knock on doors. The NC Department of Justice publishes consumer-protection tips for home repair offers, including being careful with large deposits and high-pressure sales (North Carolina Department of Justice, consumer protection). Take time to read any contract. The contract guide covers what to look for.
Repair, partial replacement or full replacement
Scattered wind damage on a sound roof can usually be repaired. Hail bruising across several slopes, or wind damage on an older, brittle roof, may point to replacement. If you are replacing, IBHS's FORTIFIED Home program lists roof upgrades that make the next storm less damaging, such as a sealed roof deck and stronger edge details (IBHS FORTIFIED Home program).
Sizing up the job: see what shapes storm repair scope on the estimate-factors page. It lists what moves the scope, never a price.
Further reading
Sources for this page: NOAA Storm Prediction Center; National Weather Service Raleigh (forecast office for the Triad); NC Department of Insurance, consumer resources; North Carolina Department of Justice, consumer protection; IBHS FORTIFIED Home program.
Storm, Wind & Hail Damage: what people ask
How do I know if hail damaged my roof?
Dents on metal vents, gutters and downspouts are a good clue from the ground. Granules piled at downspouts and dark bruised spots on shingles are others. A close inspection confirms it.
Should I climb up to check?
No. Wet shingles and storm debris make roofs slippery. Photos from the ground or a window are enough to start.
Do I need to file an insurance claim?
That is your decision and depends on your policy and the damage. The NC Department of Insurance has consumer guides on homeowner claims.
What is a creased shingle?
A shingle that lifted in wind and bent back, leaving a fold line. Creased shingles lose their seal and often blow off in the next storm.
How fast should storm damage be repaired?
If water is getting in, temporary protection comes first. Permanent repairs follow once the scope is clear. Ask for both in writing.
Someone knocked on my door after the storm. Is that normal?
It is common after big storms. Take your time, check the contractor's license with the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors, and read the contract before signing.
Storm damage estimates by town
Storm exposure, tree cover, housing age and permit offices change from one town to the next. Pick yours for local notes.
The cities
Guilford County
South into Randolph County
West into Davidson and Forsyth
Often planned alongside
Roof Repair
Missing shingles, lifted tabs, worn pipe boots, failed flashing and storm-damaged sections fixed before small problems become leaks.
Roof Replacement
Full tear-off and new roof systems for aging, storm-worn or leaking roofs, planned around Piedmont wind, heat and humidity.
Roof Inspections
Condition checks for aging roofs, home purchases and sales, and after storms, with photos and a written summary.
Planning storm damage work?
Send the details and expect a call back to talk the project through.