What to Do Within 24 Hours of Storm Roof Damage
Shocking Industry Truth
The first 24 hours after storm damage are critical. What you do—or don't do—in this window can mean the difference between a smooth insurance claim and a denied one, between minor repairs and catastrophic water damage.
Living in Myrtle Beach means storms are part of life. After 18+ years helping Grand Strand homeowners recover from hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe thunderstorms, I've developed a clear action plan that protects both your home and your insurance claim.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do in the first 24 hours after discovering roof damage: safety priorities, temporary protection, documentation requirements, and who to call first.
If you have active leaks right now, call us at (843) 877-5539 for emergency guidance.
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Schedule your free roof inspection today. No obligations, just peace of mind.
Hour 0-2: Safety First—Before You Do Anything Else
Before inspecting damage or making calls, ensure your family's safety. Storm damage can create hidden hazards that aren't immediately obvious.
Immediate Safety Priorities:
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Stay off the roof. Wet, damaged roofing materials are extremely slippery. Structural damage may not be visible. Leave roof access to professionals.
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Check for downed power lines. If you see any lines near your home or in your yard, stay away and call Duke Energy at 1-800-769-3766.
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Look for structural damage. If walls are bulging, ceilings are sagging significantly, or you hear creaking sounds, evacuate immediately.
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Turn off power to affected areas. If water is leaking near electrical fixtures or outlets, turn off the circuit breaker for that area.
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Check gas lines. If you smell gas or suspect damage to gas lines, leave immediately and call SCE&G at 1-800-815-0083.
Safe Ground-Level Assessment
Once immediate hazards are addressed, you can safely assess damage from the ground:
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Walk around your home's perimeter. Look for fallen shingles, debris, damaged siding, and broken gutters.
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Use binoculars. From a safe distance, scan your roof for missing shingles, exposed underlayment, or visible holes.
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Check your attic from inside. Look for daylight coming through the roof, water stains, or active dripping.
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Inspect ceilings throughout your home. Water stains, bubbling paint, or sagging indicate roof leaks.
Important Reminder:
Never climb on a ladder or roof after a storm, especially if surfaces are wet. In Myrtle Beach's humid conditions, algae-covered shingles become dangerously slick. We respond to multiple ladder-fall injuries after every major storm—don't become a statistic.
Hour 2-6: Temporary Protection to Prevent Further Damage
Once you've confirmed it's safe, your next priority is preventing additional water damage. This step is crucial for both protecting your home and satisfying insurance requirements.
Your Insurance Policy Requires This:
Most homeowner's insurance policies require you to take "reasonable steps to prevent further damage." This is called your duty to mitigate. Failure to protect your home after initial damage can result in denied claims for secondary water damage.
Keep all receipts for temporary protection materials and services—these are typically reimbursable under your policy.
Interior Water Management
While you arrange for professional tarping, manage water intrusion from inside:
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Place buckets under active leaks. Use multiple containers if needed. Empty frequently to prevent overflow.
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Move furniture and valuables. Get belongings away from leak areas. Cover items you can't move with plastic sheeting.
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Roll up area rugs. Prevent mold growth by removing rugs from wet areas. If already wet, lay flat outside to dry.
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Set up fans. Circulate air to speed drying. Point fans at wet spots on ceilings and walls.
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Run dehumidifiers. Myrtle Beach's high humidity (74% average) makes dehumidifiers essential after water intrusion.
Emergency Tarping: Professional vs. DIY
Tarping a damaged roof properly requires professional equipment and training. However, if you're waiting for professional help and have safe roof access, here are the basics:
DIY Tarping Considerations:
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Tarp size: Use a tarp that extends at least 4 feet past the damaged area on all sides.
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Thickness: Use heavy-duty tarps (minimum 6 mil) rated for outdoor use.
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Securing: Weight down edges with 2x4s screwed through the tarp into the roof deck. Never nail through shingles only.
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Ridge coverage: Extend the tarp over the ridge if possible to prevent wind from lifting it.
Recommendation: Call a professional for tarping. The risk of injury and improper installation typically outweighs the cost savings. Most storm-responsive roofing companies offer emergency tarping services.
WeatherShield Emergency Tarping:
We provide emergency tarping for Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, and surrounding areas. Our crews carry commercial-grade tarps and proper attachment equipment.
Call (843) 877-5539 for emergency tarping assistance.
Hour 2-8: Documentation—Your Insurance Claim Foundation
Proper documentation in the first 24 hours dramatically increases your chances of a successful insurance claim. Insurance adjusters need evidence of what happened and when—the more detail, the better.
Photo and Video Documentation
Essential Photos to Take:
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Wide shots of your entire roof from multiple angles (all four sides if possible). Use a smartphone's zoom feature rather than climbing.
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Close-ups of visible damage—missing shingles, exposed underlayment, dents, punctures, debris impacts.
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Fallen debris in your yard—shingles, vent caps, flashing, tree branches that struck your roof.
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Gutter and downspout damage—crushed gutters, detached sections, accumulated debris.
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Interior damage—water stains, wet ceilings, dripping, damaged belongings. Include ruler or coin for scale.
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Attic photos—visible daylight through roof, wet insulation, water stains on decking.
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Neighboring property damage—shows storm affected the area, not just your home (helpful for claim validation).
Video Walkthrough
In addition to photos, record a video walkthrough:
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Narrate as you walk. State the date, time, and describe what you're seeing.
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Start outside. Walk the perimeter showing exterior damage, then move inside.
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Show active leaks. Video captures the urgency better than photos alone.
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Include audio of rain/wind. If the storm is ongoing, capture sounds that demonstrate conditions.
Written Documentation
Create a Written Record:
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Storm date and time. Note when the storm occurred and when you discovered damage.
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Weather conditions. Wind speed, hail size (compare to coins), rainfall intensity.
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Damage description. List each area of damage you've identified.
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Mitigation steps. Document what you did to prevent further damage (tarping, water removal, etc.).
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Timeline of calls. Record when you called your insurance company, roofing contractors, etc.
Pro Tip: Cloud Backup
Immediately upload all photos and videos to cloud storage (Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox). If your phone is damaged or lost, you won't lose critical documentation. Email copies to yourself as additional backup.
Hour 4-12: Who to Call and In What Order
The order of your calls matters. Making the right calls at the right time protects your claim and ensures fastest response.
Call Order Priority
Emergency Services (if needed)
Call 911 for life-threatening situations. Call utilities for gas leaks or downed power lines. This is always first priority.
A Reputable Local Roofing Contractor
Call a local, established roofing company for emergency tarping and a professional damage assessment. A good contractor will:
- Provide emergency tarping if needed
- Document damage with professional photos
- Provide a detailed damage report for your insurance
- Guide you through the claims process
WeatherShield Roofing: (843) 877-5539
Your Insurance Company
File your claim within 24-48 hours. Have this information ready:
- Policy number
- Date and time of storm
- Description of damage
- Photos/videos you've taken
- Any emergency repairs performed
Your Mortgage Company (for major damage)
If you have a mortgage, you may need to notify your lender about significant damage. Insurance checks over a certain amount are often made out to both you and your mortgage company.
Why Call a Contractor BEFORE Insurance?
Many homeowners wonder why they should call a roofing contractor before their insurance company. Here's why:
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Professional documentation. Contractors know exactly what to photograph and how to document damage for insurance purposes.
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Complete damage assessment. Trained eyes catch hidden damage that homeowners (and sometimes adjusters) miss.
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Emergency tarping. Contractors can provide immediate protection while you navigate the claims process.
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Adjuster meeting support. Your contractor can meet with the insurance adjuster to ensure nothing is missed.
Beware of Storm Chasers
After every major storm, out-of-state "storm chasers" flood Myrtle Beach. Warning signs include:
- • Knocking on your door uninvited within hours of the storm
- • Offering to pay your deductible (this is insurance fraud)
- • Pressuring you to sign contracts immediately
- • Unable to provide local references or permanent address
- • Asking for large deposits before work begins
Always verify: SC contractor license, local business address, insurance certificates, and references from local jobs.
Hour 12-24: Insurance Claim Best Practices
How you handle your insurance claim in the first 24 hours sets the tone for the entire process. These strategies maximize your chances of a fair settlement.
When Filing Your Claim
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Be thorough but don't guess. Report all damage you've documented, but don't speculate about damage you can't see. Say "I observed X" not "I think there might be Y."
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Request a claim number immediately. Write it down and reference it in all future communications.
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Ask about your policy's deadlines. Some policies require you to make permanent repairs within a certain timeframe.
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Document who you spoke with. Note the representative's name, date, time, and what was discussed.
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Ask about Additional Living Expenses (ALE). If your home is uninhabitable, your policy may cover temporary housing.
Preparing for the Adjuster Visit
Before the Adjuster Arrives:
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Don't make permanent repairs yet. The adjuster needs to see the damage. Only make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
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Keep damaged materials. Don't throw away fallen shingles, broken vents, or other debris—adjusters may want to inspect them.
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Organize your documentation. Have photos, videos, and written notes ready to share.
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Have your contractor present. A professional can point out damage the adjuster might miss and speak to repair requirements.
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Create access. Clear paths to the attic, affected rooms, and the area where your roof can be safely accessed.
Understanding Your Deductible
South Carolina coastal homes often have separate wind/hail deductibles that differ from your standard deductible:
Common Deductible Structures:
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Named Storm Deductible: Often 2-5% of your home's insured value. For a home insured at $300,000, that's $6,000-$15,000.
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Hurricane Deductible: Similar to named storm, triggered by declared hurricanes.
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Wind/Hail Deductible: May apply to any wind or hail damage, not just named storms.
Review your policy: Know your deductible structure before filing. This affects whether filing a claim makes financial sense for minor damage.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Insurance Claims
After helping hundreds of Myrtle Beach homeowners through storm damage claims, we've seen patterns in what causes claims to be denied or underpaid.
Avoid These Costly Mistakes:
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Waiting too long to file. Most policies require prompt notification. Waiting weeks or months raises red flags and can result in denied claims.
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Not documenting pre-storm condition. If you have previous inspection reports or photos showing your roof's good condition before the storm, save them.
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Making permanent repairs before inspection. The adjuster needs to see original damage. Temporary protection is fine, but don't replace your roof before the claim is settled.
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Accepting the first settlement offer. Initial offers are often lower than fair value. You have the right to negotiate or request re-inspection.
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Not requesting itemized estimates. Get detailed, line-by-line estimates that match insurance scope requirements (Xactimate format preferred).
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Signing away rights too early. Don't sign "Release of All Claims" or similar documents until you're fully compensated.
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Ignoring interior damage. Focus on visible roof damage but forget to document water damage to ceilings, walls, insulation, and belongings.
WeatherShield Insurance Assistance
We help Myrtle Beach homeowners navigate the insurance claims process:
- • Professional damage documentation and reporting
- • Adjuster meeting attendance
- • Xactimate-format estimates that match insurance requirements
- • Supplement requests for missed damage
- • Guidance through the entire claims process
Free roof inspections after storms: (843) 877-5539
Complete 24-Hour Storm Damage Checklist
Print this checklist or save it to your phone for quick reference after a storm:
24-HOUR STORM DAMAGE ACTION CHECKLIST
HOUR 0-2 Safety First
- Check for immediate hazards (downed lines, gas leaks, structural damage)
- Stay off the roof and away from damaged areas
- Turn off power to areas with active leaks near electrical
- Conduct safe ground-level damage assessment
HOUR 2-6 Temporary Protection
- Place buckets under active leaks
- Move furniture and valuables away from water
- Set up fans and dehumidifiers
- Arrange professional tarping if needed
HOUR 2-8 Documentation
- Photograph all visible exterior damage
- Photograph all interior damage (ceilings, walls, belongings)
- Take video walkthrough with narration
- Write down storm details and timeline
- Back up all documentation to cloud storage
HOUR 4-12 Make Calls
- Call local roofing contractor for inspection/tarping
- File claim with insurance company
- Record claim number and representative names
- Schedule adjuster visit
HOUR 12-24 Prepare for Adjuster
- Keep damaged materials (don't throw away fallen shingles)
- Organize documentation for adjuster
- Confirm contractor will attend adjuster meeting
- Clear access to attic and affected areas
- Save all receipts for emergency repairs/supplies
Emergency Contact Numbers
WeatherShield Roofing:
Duke Energy (Power Lines):
1-800-769-3766
Dominion Energy (Gas):
1-800-815-0083
Horry County Emergency:
911
Myrtle Beach-Specific Storm Damage Considerations
Living on the Grand Strand presents unique challenges when dealing with storm damage. Here's what local homeowners need to know:
Coastal Humidity Accelerates Secondary Damage
Myrtle Beach's average 74% humidity means water damage escalates faster than in drier climates:
- • Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours of water intrusion
- • Wet insulation doesn't dry—it must be replaced
- • Drywall absorbs moisture and wicks water beyond visible damage
- • Wood framing in attics can develop rot if not dried quickly
Action: Time is critical. Get temporary protection in place and dehumidifiers running immediately.
Service Area Coverage
WeatherShield Roofing provides emergency storm damage response throughout Horry and Georgetown counties:
Horry County
- • Myrtle Beach
- • North Myrtle Beach
- • Conway
- • Surfside Beach
- • Garden City
- • Little River
- • Loris
- • Aynor
Georgetown County
- • Pawleys Island
- • Murrells Inlet
- • Litchfield Beach
- • Georgetown
- • Andrews
Brunswick County, NC
- • Calabash
- • Sunset Beach
- • Ocean Isle Beach
- • Shallotte
Local Resources
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Horry County Building Department: (843) 915-5120 - For permit questions and inspection scheduling
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SC Department of Insurance: 1-800-768-3467 - For insurance complaint assistance
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SC Contractor Licensing Board: (803) 896-4686 - To verify contractor licenses
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FEMA: 1-800-621-3362 - For disaster assistance after federally declared disasters
Take Action Now—Before the Next Storm
The 24 hours after storm damage are critical, but the best time to prepare is before a storm hits. Here's how to be ready:
Pre-Storm Preparation:
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Get a professional roof inspection. Identify and fix vulnerable areas before storm season.
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Review your insurance policy. Know your deductibles and coverage limits.
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Document your roof's current condition. Photos and inspection reports prove pre-storm condition.
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Have a contractor relationship. Know who to call before you need emergency help.
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Keep emergency supplies. Tarps, plywood, and basic tools for immediate protection.
Free Storm Damage Inspection
If you've experienced storm damage—or want to assess your roof's storm readiness—we're here to help. WeatherShield Roofing provides free, no-obligation inspections for Myrtle Beach area homeowners.
Remember: the first 24 hours matter. Act quickly, document thoroughly, and partner with a reputable local contractor. Your roof—and your insurance claim—depend on it.
The Cost Comparison: Maintenance vs. Neglect
Without Maintenance
- Roof lifespan: 12-15 years
- Insurance claims often denied
- Emergency repairs cost 3x more
- Property value decreases by 5-10%
- Warranty becomes void
- Total 20-year cost: $35,000+
With Regular Maintenance
- Roof lifespan: 25-30+ years
- Insurance claims approved
- Prevent costly emergencies
- Property value protected
- Full warranty coverage maintained
- Total 20-year cost: $8,000-10,000
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
Every day you delay costs you money. Get your FREE professional roof inspection today and discover exactly what condition your roof is in.
Emergency? Call our 24/7 hotline: (843) 877-5539
Need Professional Help?
WeatherShield Roofing is Myrtle Beach's highest-rated roofing company with a perfect 5.0-star Google rating. We can help with any roofing need:
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
David Karimi
Owner & Storm Damage Specialist
David Karimi is the owner of WeatherShield Roofing with over 18 years of experience helping Myrtle Beach homeowners recover from storm damage. As a GAF Master Elite certified contractor, David has guided hundreds of families through the critical first 24 hours after roof damage, maximizing insurance claim success and preventing secondary water damage.
The Bottom Line: Your Roof, Your Choice
Every day you wait is another day closer to that emergency call no homeowner wants to make. The statistics are clear: 80% of roofs fail prematurely, and 61% of homeowners can't afford the emergency repairs that follow.
What You Get with Weather Shield Roofing:
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
Join thousands of smart Myrtle Beach homeowners who protect their investment with regular maintenance.
Emergency? Call our 24/7 hotline: (843) 877-5539
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Serving the Grand Strand
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