Post-Storm Checklist: What to Do After Wind or Hail Damage

Here in Traverse City, we know that the weather can turn on a dime. One minute you’re enjoying a beautiful afternoon, and the next, heavy winds and hail are pounding against your house.

When the skies finally clear, the quiet that follows a severe storm can be unsettling. If your home took a beating, you probably want to jump right in and start cleaning up, but it’s crucial to act systematically. Missing hidden damage now can lead to massive headaches—and expenses—down the road.

If a severe storm just rolled through your neighborhood, take a deep breath and follow this step-by-step checklist to assess your property safely and effectively.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety Above All Else

Before you even think about looking at your roof or siding, make sure your property is safe to walk around.

• Watch for Downed Lines: Stay far away from any downed power lines and report them to the utility company immediately. Assume every wire is live.

• Check for Gas Leaks: If you smell gas, leave the property right away and call the authorities.

• Beware of Debris: Broken glass, exposed nails from torn shingles, and splintered branches can cause serious injury. Wear heavy-duty boots and gloves if you are walking the perimeter.

Step 2: Perform a Ground-Level Exterior Inspection

Please, stay off your roof. Walking on a damaged, wet roof is incredibly dangerous. You can spot most major issues safely from the ground with a good pair of binoculars. Walk around your entire home and look for:

• The Roof: Are there missing, torn, or curling shingles? Do you see areas where the underlying roof deck is exposed? If you had hail, look for dimples or bruising on the shingles.

• Gutters and Downspouts: High winds can rip gutters away from the fascia board. Hail often leaves obvious dents in metal gutters, which is a great indicator that your roof likely took hail damage too.

• Windows and Doors: Check for shattered glass, cracked panes, or damaged frames and weatherstripping.

• Siding: Look for cracked, punctured, or completely torn-off pieces of vinyl or wood siding. Paint peeling or chipping off immediately after a storm is also a sign of hail impact.

Step 3: Check the Inside of Your Home

Roof damage isn't always obvious from the outside. Sometimes, the first sign of trouble is water making its way inside.

• Inspect the Attic: Grab a flashlight and carefully check your attic. Look for daylight shining through the roof boards, damp insulation, or actual dripping water.

• Check Ceilings and Walls: Walk through your living spaces looking for yellow or brown water stains on the ceiling or bubbling drywall.

Step 4: Document Everything for Insurance

If you find damage, your next call will likely be to your homeowner's insurance company. Before you move any debris or attempt any temporary fixes, document the scene.

• Take Photos and Videos: Get wide shots of the overall damage and close-up shots of specific issues (like a dented gutter or a pile of blown-off shingles in the yard).

• Make a List: Write down everything you see that is broken or damaged, including outdoor furniture, fencing, or AC units.

Step 5: Call in the Local Experts

If your home has suffered wind or hail damage, it is time to call a professional.

At Traverse City Building Repair, we specialize in fixing the aftermath of Northern Michigan weather. We can provide a thorough, safe assessment of your roof, siding, and exterior, and help you understand whether you need a minor patch job or a major repair.

Don't wait for the next rainstorm to find out your roof was compromised. Give us a call, and let us help you get your home back to normal.