When a storm passes through and the wind finally stops howling, most people take a deep breath of relief—then immediately look up. The roof that’s been quietly doing its job all year suddenly becomes the center of attention. After more than 40 years in the roofing business, I can say with confidence that no one truly appreciates a good roof until it looks like a tornado played darts with it.

Storms have a funny way of turning even the most solid homes into temporary science experiments. Shingles go airborne, gutters turn into musical instruments, and tree branches somehow find the one weak spot you didn’t know existed. The chaos can be overwhelming, but a calm, careful response makes all the difference. So let’s talk about what actually needs to happen once the skies clear and the mess is left behind.

Step One: Stay on the Ground (and Off the Roof)

It’s natural to want to climb up there and see what happened. But here’s the thing—roofs after storms are like frozen ponds in spring. They might look solid, but one wrong step and down you go. The safest approach is a ground-level inspection first.

A good pair of binoculars or a drone (if you’ve got one of those fancy gadgets) works wonders. Look for missing shingles, flashing that’s pulled away, or anything hanging off the edge that wasn’t there yesterday. If daylight is shining where daylight doesn’t belong, it’s safe to say there’s an issue.

Remember: the roof’s job is to protect the house, and your job is to protect yourself. The last thing anyone needs after a storm is a sprained ankle—or worse—because curiosity got the best of them.

Step Two: Take Photos Before Anything Moves

Before tarps, ladders, or repair kits come into play, documentation is key. Grab a phone or camera and take wide shots of the entire property first, then close-ups of any visible damage. Think of it as your “roof portfolio”—the kind of thing your insurance adjuster dreams about.

Don’t forget to photograph gutters, siding, and any debris that might have contributed to the damage. A stray branch can tell a story, especially if it came from your neighbor’s tree. (Best to have proof before pointing fingers.)

Step Three: Protect What’s Left

If the roof is letting water in, short-term protection is the next step. Tarps, heavy plastic, or even a thick painter’s sheet can make a difference until professional repairs can be done. Just remember that temporary fixes should always be done safely.

If the roof looks questionable, stay off it. A ladder, a slick surface, and gravity make a dangerous combination. Instead, focus on interior damage control—move furniture, cover electronics, and place containers under leaks. The goal here is to limit further problems while keeping everyone out of harm’s way.

When in doubt, let gravity do its job. Water always finds the path of least resistance, and your job is simply to make sure that path doesn’t lead directly onto the sofa.

Step Four: Look for the Subtle Signs

Not all damage shouts for attention. Sometimes it whispers.

After a storm, I’ve seen roofs that look perfectly fine from the street, but the attic tells a different story. A faint water stain, a damp patch of insulation, or a musty smell are all signs that water found its way in. Left alone, that moisture can quietly rot wood, feed mold, and ruin insulation before the next season even begins.

Inside the house, check ceilings, corners, and around vents. Outside, inspect gutters and downspouts for loose granules—those tiny pebbles that come off shingles when they’ve been hit hard by hail or debris. If the gutters look like a sandbox, that’s nature’s way of saying the roof took a beating.

Step Five: Bring in a Professional

Once the initial panic settles, it’s time for a professional inspection. A qualified roofer knows how to find hidden damage and assess whether the roof needs a patch, repair, or full replacement. Experience goes a long way in spotting trouble before it gets worse.

In my 40 years on rooftops, I’ve seen everything from the obvious—half a tree sitting in a living room—to the subtle, like a small puncture that caused a ceiling to collapse months later. Storm damage can be deceptive, and guessing rarely works out well. A professional evaluation ensures nothing is overlooked.

Step Six: Patience Beats Panic

After a major storm, everyone wants their home fixed yesterday. Roofing crews are busy, insurance lines are long, and patience wears thin. But rushing through the process often creates more headaches later. A methodical approach—document, protect, inspect—ensures the right repairs happen the first time.

The temptation to hire the first person who knocks on the door offering a quick fix is strong. But roofing is one of those professions where quality matters more than speed. A rushed patch job might hold through one more rainstorm… and then let loose during the next one.

Good things take time—especially when it comes to the structure keeping the rain out and the heat in.

Step Seven: Prepare for the Next One

The best post-storm plan is a pre-storm plan. Regular maintenance makes a huge difference when bad weather strikes. Keeping gutters clear, trimming nearby trees, and checking flashing before storm season can prevent half the problems that cause leaks in the first place.

A roof that’s cared for consistently can withstand a lot more punishment than one that’s ignored until the rain starts pouring in. Think of it like a relationship—it takes a little attention now and then to keep things solid.

Final Thoughts

Storms are unpredictable, but preparation and common sense go a long way. When the wind dies down and the yard looks like a scene from a disaster movie, the key is to stay calm and work smart.

A roof can always be repaired or replaced—but safety, documentation, and proper procedure are what keep a bad day from turning into a worse one.

Forty years of roofing has taught me a simple truth: storms may test a roof’s strength, but they also test patience, planning, and perspective. With the right response, a home can weather the next one even better than the last.

And if the neighbor’s tree happens to land in the driveway again—well, that’s just nature’s way of keeping roofers in business.