After every major storm across Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery counties and the Jersey shore, we get the same call: “I think my roof might be damaged — but I’m not sure.” That uncertainty is exactly the problem. Storm damage often doesn’t announce itself with a dramatic leak on day one. It starts as a lifted shingle, a dented vent or a hairline crack in the flashing, and it quietly lets water in for weeks before you see a stain on the ceiling. This guide walks you through what counts as storm damage, how to check your roof safely, and how to get it repaired — and paid for — the right way.
What Counts as Storm Damage to a Roof?
Insurance adjusters and roofers look for damage caused by a specific weather event — not the slow wear of age. The main categories are:
Wind Damage
Lifted, curled or missing shingles; torn-off ridge caps; and flashing pulled loose around chimneys and vents. Wind also breaks the adhesive seal between shingles even when nothing looks missing.
Hail Damage
Round bruises or dents where hail knocked the protective granules off the shingle. Granule loss shortens roof life and often isn’t visible from the ground.
Impact Damage
Punctures, cracks and crushed shingles from falling branches or wind-blown debris — a common cause of sudden leaks.
Water & Ice
Ice dams and wind-driven rain that force water under shingles and into the roof deck, insulation and ceilings below.
7 Warning Signs Your Roof Has Storm Damage
- Shingles in the yard, gutters or against the fence after a storm
- Bare or shiny patches on shingles where the granules were knocked off
- Dented gutters, downspouts, vents or metal flashing
- Granules collecting at the bottom of downspouts (looks like coarse black sand)
- Lifted, curled or cracked shingles, especially along ridges and edges
- New water stains on ceilings or in the attic after the storm
- Daylight visible through the roof boards in the attic
Don’t climb up to check yourself. Storm-damaged roofs are slippery and unstable, and untrained inspection can void warranties. A free professional inspection is safer — and gives you documentation you’ll need for a claim.
What to Do Right After a Storm
- Stay safe and get temporary cover. If water is actively coming in, move belongings and put down buckets — but leave tarping and roof access to a professional.
- Document everything. Photograph interior stains, fallen debris and anything visible from the ground. Note the date and time of the storm.
- Get a professional roof inspection. A roofer will safely assess the full roof and give you a written report — the foundation of any insurance claim.
- File your claim promptly. Most policies have deadlines. Report the damage to your insurer and reference the storm date.
- Have your roofer meet the adjuster. This is where many homeowners get short-changed — an experienced roofer makes sure nothing is missed in the scope.
How Roof Insurance Claims Work in PA & NJ
A homeowners policy typically covers sudden, storm-caused damage — not gradual wear or lack of maintenance. That distinction is why documentation matters so much. When you file, your insurer sends an adjuster to assess the damage and estimate repairs; you’re responsible for your deductible, and the insurer covers the approved balance. Union Roofing has handled hundreds of storm claims across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We document the damage thoroughly, meet the adjuster on site, and make sure the approved scope actually reflects what your roof needs — so you’re not left with a half-fixed roof and an out-of-pocket surprise.
Why Homeowners Trust Union Roofing After a Storm
Local, Not Storm-Chasers
We’re an established PA/NJ company — here before the storm and long after, unlike the trucks that appear overnight and vanish.
Insurance-Claim Experts
We document, meet the adjuster and advocate for the full, fair scope your roof needs.
Certified & Warrantied
GAF & Atlas certified, BBB A+ rated, with written workmanship warranties on our repairs.
Storm Damage FAQs
Storm damage is roof damage caused by a specific weather event — wind lifting or tearing off shingles, hail knocking granules off or denting metal, and impact from falling debris. It’s different from age-related wear, which insurance generally does not cover. A professional inspection identifies which category your damage falls into.
Deadlines vary by policy, but most insurers expect prompt reporting — often within a year of the storm, and sooner is always better. Document the damage and contact your insurer as soon as you can; waiting can complicate approval.
A single weather-related claim usually has less impact than damage claims you cause, and many policies treat storm events differently. Either way, ignoring real storm damage risks far more expensive water and structural damage down the line.
Yes. If your roof is open to the weather, we provide emergency response to protect your home before permanent repairs. Call (215) 464-6425.
It depends on the extent of the damage — from a few hundred dollars for a small repair to a full insurance-covered replacement for severe damage. With an approved claim, you typically pay only your deductible. We provide a free written assessment either way.
Think the Last Storm Hit Your Roof?
Get a free, no-obligation storm-damage inspection with full insurance-claim support.
