Spring in Pennsylvania does not mess around

We get the full package. Heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and every once in a while… something that makes you question your life choices as a homeowner.

So when the storm rolls through, and you step outside to see branches down, your first thought is usually:

“Great… what did that just do to my roof?”

Take a breath.

Here’s exactly what to do next, step by step, without turning a bad situation into a worse one.

Step 1: Stay Off Your Roof

We’re going to start with the big one.

Do not climb up there.

Even if everything looks minor from the ground, your roof could be slick, unstable, or damaged in ways you can’t see. Wet shingles, loose flashing, soft spots, and hidden structural issues are all common after a storm. One wrong step and now you’ve got two problems instead of one. This is not the time to play part-time roofer.

You can usually spot major damage from the ground anyway, which brings us to the next step.

Step 2: Look for Damage from the Ground

Walk around your home and actually look at your roof. You’re not trying to diagnose everything. You’re just looking for signs that something isn’t right.



Here’s what to watch for:

• Bent or detached gutters
• Lifted fascia or trim
• Shingles on the ground
• Debris or tree limbs on the roof
• Dented metal or flashing
• Pieces of your roof in your yard (never a good sign)

If something looks off, it probably is.

Use your phone camera or even binoculars to get a closer look if needed. No ladder required.

Step 3: Check the Attic

In most cases, your attic will tell you more about your roof than your roof would. So it is important to check your attic first before your actual roof.

If you can safely get into your attic, look for:

• Water stains
• Damp insulation
• Dripping or moisture
• Dark spots on wood
• Sunlight coming through where it shouldn’t be 

Many people don't realize that your roof can look fine from the outside but still be leaking. 

Step 4: Take Pictures

Document everything. And we mean everything.

Take photos of:

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Debris and fallen branches
• Dents in metal or vents
• Gutter damage
• Ceiling stains
• Attic moisture or leaks

Get wide shots and close-ups. This helps if repairs are needed, and it becomes extremely important if insurance gets involved.

Step 5: Contact a Trusted Roofer

Once you’ve checked things out safely, it’s time to bring in a pro. A good roofer is not just looking for obvious damage. They’re checking for the stuff most homeowners would never catch from the ground.

This is especially important after:

• High winds
• Hail
• Heavy rain

Because storm damage is not always dramatic. Sometimes it’s subtle. And subtle roof issues have a nasty habit of turning into very expensive problems later.

Step 6: Decide If an Insurance Claim Makes Sense

Not every storm means you should file a claim. Sometimes the damage is minor, and a simple repair is the smarter move. Other times, there’s enough storm-related damage that insurance should absolutely be part of the conversation.

A reputable roofer will help you understand:

• What they’re seeing
• How severe the damage is
• Whether it looks claim-worthy

The goal is not to force a claim. The goal is to make a smart decision based on real damage, not panic.



The Bottom Line

If a storm hits your roof, here’s the game plan:

• Stay off the roof
• Inspect from the ground
• Check the attic
• Take pictures
• Call a trusted roofer
• Then decide if insurance makes sense
• 
  

The faster you catch damage, the better your chances of avoiding bigger issues down the road. And if you’re standing in your yard after the next storm thinking, “Now what?”… you don’t have to guess.

We’ll take a real look and give you a straight answer.

Schedule your roof inspection today with a trusted Lancaster, PA roofing company and get clear answers before small damage turns into a bigger problem.

Frequently Asked Questions