Vera's RoofingQuick answer
Check from the ground and from inside. Please don't climb up on it.
Look for missing or lifted shingles, loose flashing, debris on the roof, new ceiling stains and fresh leaks. If anything's changed, ask us for a roof inspection. It's free and comes with photos and notes, so you can see what we found before you decide anything. We do these in Southport, Wilmington, Leland, Oak Island and elsewhere in Brunswick and New Hanover counties.
Safety first
Stay off the roof after a storm.
Wet shingles, hidden soft spots, loose branches and shifted material can make a roof dangerous even when it looks fine from the driveway. Use your phone camera from the ground. If you can safely look out an upstairs window or into the attic, do that instead of getting on a ladder.
If you see downed power lines, major structural movement, a sagging ceiling, standing water near electrical fixtures, or a tree resting on the house, stay away from that area and call the right emergency, utility or tree-removal help first. Ready.gov also advises against touching wet electrical equipment and wading through floodwater. The roof inspection comes after the property is safe to approach.
Post-storm checklist
What to check first
| What you notice | Why it matters | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Missing, lifted, curled or loose shingles | Wind can open a path for water | Roof Repair |
| New ceiling stain, damp wall or drip | The source may be uphill, at flashing or at a transition | Roof Inspection |
| Branches, loose metal or debris on the roof | Impact can damage shingles, vents and flashing | Photograph it from the ground |
| Loose flashing or stains near walls and chimneys | Wind-driven rain finds weak details first | Roof Vent Leak Repair |
| Repeated storm leaks or widely aging shingles | It may need more than a small repair | Repair vs. replacement |
Outside roof check
Outside: roofline, shingles, flashing, debris
Stand back far enough to see the whole roof. Look for spots that don't match the rest anymore. Storm damage isn't always dramatic. It can be one lifted edge, one missing tab, or a piece of flashing that's shifted.
- Missing, lifted, creased or loose shingles
- New debris, branches or impact marks
- Loose metal at edges, valleys, vents, walls or chimneys
- Roofing pieces in the yard or driveway
- Water stains on siding, fascia, soffits or porch ceilings
Also check that water's running off the roof edge the way it normally does.
Inside the home
Inside: ceilings, walls, attic
Leaks don't always show up right under the damaged spot. Water can travel along rafters, decking or insulation first.
- Ceilings and walls: new brown rings, bubbling paint, damp drywall
- Attic (if it's safe to get to): damp decking, wet insulation, daylight at pipes and vents
- Closets and corners: small leaks behind stored stuff or near vents
Jot down the date you first noticed a stain. If it changes after the next rain, photograph it again from the same angle.
Local storm record
Hurricane damage roof: what's different after a big storm
After a hurricane or tropical storm, it's worth a slower look than after an ordinary rain. Our storm season guide has more.
Here's a roof vent repair we did in Southport. (See the project.)
When to ask for an inspection
Give us a call when something's changed.
Give us a call when something's changed, even if the roof isn't actively leaking. If the storm moved shingles or metal, left a new stain, or dropped debris somewhere hard to reach, it's reasonable to have it looked at.
- Ask for an inspection: visible shingle movement, loose flashing, new staining, debris impact, or a leak that showed up during the storm.
- Ask about repair: one limited area like a vent, flashing or a few shingles. See Roof Repair and our leak and storm repair page.
- Ask about planning a replacement: repeated leaks or a roof that's aging all over. See Roof Replacement.
If part of the roof is open, we can tarp it when needed. For what repairs can cost, see our storm damage roof repair cost guide. To get ahead of the next one, read how to prepare your roof for a hurricane.
Call (910) 228-8034 or use the contact form to ask for a free roof inspection in Southport, Wilmington, Leland or anywhere else in Brunswick and New Hanover counties.
Your own records
What to photograph for your own records
- Each side of the roof, from the ground
- Any debris, loose metal or missing pieces
- Stains inside, with the date
- Spots in the attic, if you can get to them safely
Ready.gov recommends documenting property damage with photos. For the claim process, see our insurance claim guide.
FAQs
Common questions about roof inspection after a storm.
Should I get on my roof after a storm?
No. Check from the ground and from inside.
What does Vera's free roof inspection include?
Photos and notes on what we found.
Do I need an inspection if nothing is leaking?
If the storm visibly changed the roof or left debris on it, it's reasonable to have it checked.
Do you inspect roofs in Southport?
Yes. Vera's Roofing serves Southport and the rest of Brunswick and New Hanover counties.
Sourced records