Wind-Damaged Roof: What to Check and What to Do Next
Updated: Oct 14
Updated October 2026: This guide focuses on safe observations and professional assessment. It replaces the earlier do-it-yourself repair instructions.
A missing shingle after a storm deserves attention. The first step is to understand what happened and get the roof assessed safely. A view from the driveway can help you describe the problem, but it can't confirm the full condition of a roof.
Start with safety
Wait until conditions are safe before walking around the property. Stay away from downed power lines, unstable trees, standing water near electrical equipment, and visibly damaged structures. Leave climbing, debris removal, tarping, and roof repairs to a professional.
If a ceiling is sagging or water is near wiring, keep people out of that area and seek appropriate emergency help. Don't enter an unsafe attic to investigate a leak.
Manufacturer reference: GAF's post-storm safety guidance
What you can notice from the ground
Shingles on the ground, missing patches, or visibly lifted roofing.
Bent or displaced flashing around roof edges or penetrations.
Branches or other debris resting on the roof.
New damage to gutters, downspouts, fascia, or soffit.
New ceiling stains or leaks visible from a safe interior location.
Use binoculars or your phone's zoom from a safe spot. Take photos of what you can see. A visible change is a reason to investigate; it doesn't establish the cause or scope on its own.
Manufacturer reference: GAF's guide to checking a roof from the ground
Keep a useful record
Write down when you noticed the problem and, if known, when the storm occurred. Save clear photos and any earlier photos that show the same area. When you contact a roofer, explain whether water is actively entering and which rooms or roof sections appear affected.
Ask about temporary protection if an active leak needs attention before permanent work can be completed. A professional can assess whether tarping or another temporary measure is appropriate.
Manufacturer reference: GAF's storm-damage resources
Repair or replace? Ask for the reasoning
The answer depends on the extent of damage, the condition of the surrounding roof, and whether a sound repair is practical. Ask the contractor to show the affected areas, explain the proposed work, and identify anything that needs closer inspection.
Useful questions include: What was damaged? Can the affected area be repaired reliably? What condition is the rest of the roof in? What is included in the estimate, and what remains uncertain?
Manufacturer reference: GAF's explanation of repair-versus-replacement considerations
Talk through the next step
Candor Construction provides roof repair and replacement services in Brandon, Mississippi. Call 601-500-2233 or send a description of what you're seeing. Include photos taken from a safe location if you have them.
