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Immediate: Call for emergency tarping if active leaks (912-999-7989), document all damage with photos/video before tarping -
Within 24 hours: File insurance claim, get professional inspection with moisture detection and thermal imaging -
Common damage signs: Missing/lifted shingles, granule loss, dented metal, cracked flashing, interior water stains, soft spots -
Insurance tip: Most Savannah policies cover full replacement if damage exceeds threshold (typically 30%+ of roof)
Coastal Georgia faces frequent severe weather: tropical storms, hurricanes, intense thunderstorms with damaging winds, and occasional hail events. Each storm season brings potential roof damage that, if left unidentified and unaddressed, can lead to extensive water intrusion, mold growth, structural deterioration, and costly repairs.
This comprehensive guide teaches you to identify storm damage, document it properly for insurance claims, understand when emergency response is necessary, and navigate the repair/replacement process. Drawing from 20+ years of Savannah storm restoration experience, we'll help you protect your home and maximize insurance coverage.
Visible Signs:
- • Missing shingles (complete or partial)
- • Lifted/creased shingles that failed to reseal
- • Blown-off ridge caps and hip shingles
- • Torn or damaged flashing around chimneys/vents
- • Scattered granules in gutters or ground
- • Exposed underlayment or decking
Wind Speed Impact:
60-75 MPH: Loose/poorly installed shingles begin lifting
75-100 MPH: Standard shingles blow off, edge damage occurs
100+ MPH: Widespread damage, structural issues possible
Identification:
- • Random dents/divots in shingle surface (look closely)
- • Loss of protective granules exposing black asphalt
- • Bruising (looks like dark spots) on shingles
- • Dented metal flashing, vents, or gutters
- • Cracked shingles from impact force
- • Shiny black spots where granules knocked off
Damage Severity by Hail Size:
1" or less: Usually cosmetic, may not warrant replacement
1-2": Moderate damage, check for granule loss and bruising
2"+: Severe damage likely, immediate inspection required
- • Fallen branches puncturing or crushing sections
- • Abrasion damage from rubbing branches
- • Shingle gouges from flying debris impacts
- • Dented/damaged metal components
- • Cracked/broken tiles from large impacts
- • Structural damage requiring immediate attention
Important: Never attempt to remove large fallen trees yourself. Professional tree removal services coordinate with roofing contractors to prevent additional damage during extraction.
- • Moisture infiltration into decking/insulation
- • Cracked/compromised underlayment not visible from ground
- • Structural damage to trusses or rafters
- • Fastener pull-through in high-wind events
- • Flashing separation hidden by shingles
- • Micro-cracks that leak but aren't immediately visible
Pro Tip: Thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters detect hidden water infiltration not visible to the naked eye. Professional inspections often find 30-50% more damage than homeowner visual assessments.
Before Storm (If Possible):
- • Overall roof condition from multiple angles
- • Close-ups of any pre-existing issues
- • Date-stamped photos from ground level
Immediately After Storm:
- • Entire roof from ground (all sides, multiple angles)
- • Close-ups of visible damage areas
- • Missing/damaged shingles with surroundings for context
- • Gutters, downspouts, and ground debris
- • Interior water stains, ceiling damage
- • Attic moisture or leaks (if accessible safely)
- • Adjacent property damage for storm severity proof
Photo Tips:
- • Use phone camera with location/date stamps enabled
- • Take 3-5x more photos than you think necessary
- • Include reference objects for scale
- • Shoot in good lighting (morning/afternoon)
- • Back up photos to cloud storage immediately
Storm Details: Date, time, weather service reports showing wind speeds/hail size, news coverage of event
Damage Notes: Written description of what you observed, when leaks appeared, sounds heard during storm
Timeline: Date damage discovered, when claim filed, contractor inspection dates, adjuster visit dates
Mitigation Actions: Emergency tarping receipts, temporary repair costs, cleanup expenses
Keep a dedicated folder (physical and digital) with all storm documentation, receipts, correspondence, and professional inspection reports. Organized documentation speeds claims processing and increases approval likelihood.
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Active leaks: Water entering through ceiling or walls requires immediate tarping to prevent interior damage -
Structural compromise: Sagging sections, visible rafter damage, or large punctures need immediate assessment -
Large exposed areas: Missing shingles covering 50+ sq ft expose underlayment/decking to weather -
More storms approaching: Weather forecasts showing additional rainfall within 24-48 hours
24/7 Emergency Storm Response: (912) 999-7989
Average response time: 2-4 hours for emergency tarping services
Learn more about our 24/7 emergency roof repair services and storm damage restoration process .
Step-by-Step Claims Guide
Step 1: Document Everything (Day 1)
Photograph all damage before any mitigation work. If emergency tarping is needed, document extensively before tarping and photograph the tarping process itself. Save all receipts for emergency services.
Step 2: Contact Insurance (Within 24 hours)
File claim promptly with your insurance company. Provide storm date, preliminary damage description, and emergency mitigation actions taken. Request adjuster inspection scheduling. Document claim number and representative name.
Step 3: Get Professional Inspection (Days 1-3)
Hire licensed roofing contractor for comprehensive inspection with thermal imaging and moisture detection. Professional report identifies damage insurance adjusters might miss, increasing claim value by average $2,000-5,000.
Step 4: Meet Insurance Adjuster (Days 3-14)
Have your roofing contractor present during adjuster inspection. Contractor expertise ensures all damage is identified and properly documented. Adjusters often underestimate damage—contractor advocacy protects your interests.
Step 5: Review Settlement (Days 14-30)
Compare insurance settlement with contractor's repair estimate. If settlement is too low, file supplemental claim with additional documentation. Most insurers negotiate—don't accept first offer without review.
Step 6: Complete Repairs (Timeline Varies)
Once settlement is acceptable, schedule permanent repairs. Insurance typically issues depreciation holdback after work completion and final inspection. Keep all invoices and warranty documentation.
- • Delaying claim filing: File within 30-60 days for best results
- • Inadequate documentation: Take 3-5x more photos than you think necessary
- • Meeting adjuster alone: Always have contractor present
- • Accepting low settlement: File supplemental claims when needed
- • Using unlicensed contractors: Insurance requires proper credentials
- • Not reading policy: Know your coverage, deductible, and exclusions
We provide complete insurance claim assistance services , including documentation, adjuster meetings, and claim advocacy to maximize your settlement.
- • Less than 30% of roof damaged
- • Damage isolated to one section
- • No structural/decking compromise
- • Existing roof less than 10 years old
- • Matching materials still available
- • No hidden moisture infiltration
- • 30%+ of roof area damaged
- • Multiple roof sections affected
- • Decking/structural damage exists
- • Roof already 15+ years old
- • Material discontinuation prevents matching
- • Extensive hidden moisture damage
Insurance Consideration: Many policies include "matching" clauses requiring full replacement if damaged sections can't be matched to existing materials. If your roof is 15+ years old, replacement often costs less than attempting partial repairs that may not match. Professional inspection with insurance expertise determines optimal approach.
Storm Damage FAQ
Storm Damage? Get Expert Help Now
Our storm damage specialists provide 24/7 emergency response, free inspections, and complete insurance claim assistance. We'll protect your home and maximize your insurance settlement.
