Free Post-Storm Roof Inspection Checklist for Ohio Homeowners

The 14-Point Post-Storm Checklist

1. 1. Write down the storm date and time.

   Insurance ties every claim to a date of loss. Note when the storm hit before you forget. If you are not sure, local news and weather records can confirm it.

2. 2. Stay off the roof.

   A wet or damaged roof is dangerous, and walking it can create damage that muddies a claim. Do your inspection from the ground and the attic.

3. 3. Walk the full perimeter of your home.

   Start outside. Circle the house slowly and look up at each slope of the roof. Note anything that looks off so you can photograph it in a later step.

4. 4. Check gutters and downspouts for dents.

   Metal gutters and downspouts are the easiest place to confirm hail. Dents and dings there mean the same hail hit your roof.

5. 5. Look for shingle granules.

   Check gutters and the ground under downspouts for granules that look like coarse black sand. Heavy granule loss means the storm stripped the protective layer off your shingles.

6. 6. Scan the roof for shingle damage.

   From the ground or with binoculars, look for missing, cracked, curled, or lifted shingles. Wind damage often shows as shingles that sit slightly out of line with the rest.

7. 7. Check every metal surface for dents.

   Roof vents, flashing, chimney caps, the garage door, the mailbox, and the AC unit all take hail the same way your roof does. Dents on them back up your claim.

8. 8. Inspect ceilings and walls inside.

   Look for new water stains, spots, or discoloration on interior ceilings and walls. A fresh stain after a storm means water is already getting in.

9. 9. Check the attic.

   Bring a flashlight. Look for daylight coming through the roof deck, wet or matted insulation, and damp or stained wood. The attic shows leaks before the ceiling does.

10. 10. Look at siding, windows, and screens.

    Impact marks, cracked window screens, and dinged siding all document the storm's force. Roof claims are stronger when the rest of the exterior tells the same story.

11. 11. Photograph everything.

    Take wide shots that show the whole area and close shots that show each piece of damage. More photos are always better. This is the evidence your claim runs on.

12. 12. Save any debris.

    Keep broken shingle pieces, torn flashing, or anything the storm knocked loose. Physical proof supports the photos.

13. 13. Contact your insurer within the claim window.

    Ohio policies give you a limited window to file after a storm. Do not wait. Call your insurance company, report the date of loss, and open the claim.

14. 14. Get an independent inspection before you sign anything.

    Have a local roofer inspect the roof and document the damage before you sign an estimate or a contract. Be careful with storm chasers who show up uninvited and pressure you to sign on the spot. A trusted local company will still be here when the warranty matters.