Roof Inspection After a Storm: 21-Point Checklist + What to Photograph for Insurance

Never. Hurricane and severe-storm damage often compromises decking and framing in ways invisible from above — adding weight to a damaged roof can cause collapse. Per OSHA roofing safety guidance and CDC injury data, roof falls are a leading cause of post-storm injury and fatality. Professional roofers use safety equipment (harnesses, anchors, rope-grab systems) that homeowners typically do not have. Document damage from the ground, then call a SC LLR-licensed contractor for the on-roof inspection.

Per GAF and Owens Corning contractor inspection data, 50–70% of post-storm roof damage is not visible from ground level. Hidden damage includes: lifted-then-resealed shingle tabs with broken sealant strips, hairline deck punctures under intact shingles, underlayment tears, compromised flashing under wall siding, debris impact damage on the back-side slope away from the street, and granule loss only visible on the actual roof surface. Ground inspection catches the obvious damage; professional inspection catches the rest.

Document from the ground within 24 hours of the all-clear. Schedule a professional inspection within 7 days. Most SC homeowners insurance policies require initial claim notification within 30–60 days of the loss, but earlier reporting produces faster adjuster scheduling, fresher documentation, and better claim outcomes. SC law generally allows up to one year from date of loss to file the written claim, but practical advice is: do not wait. Hidden damage spreads, evidence deteriorates, and adjuster backlogs grow rapidly after named storms.

Photograph: every side of the home (wide-angle), every visible damage point (medium and close-up), every interior ceiling stain or water mark, all debris on the property before moving it, gutters and downspouts, exterior walls and siding, attic interior if accessible, and any neighborhood damage that establishes the storm event. Phone photos automatically embed date and GPS metadata — do not screenshot or re-export, that strips the metadata. Save originals to cloud storage so they survive even if your phone is destroyed.

Reputable Grand Strand roofing contractors offer free post-storm inspections — including WeatherShield. Free inspections are standard practice in the SC roofing market. Be cautious of any contractor charging $200–$500 or more for a basic inspection, especially when the inspection turns into a high-pressure sales pitch. The $200–$500 paid inspections are often a tactic to extract a fee from homeowners who decline to hire the contractor for repair work. The exception: third-party engineering inspections by a SC-licensed structural engineer are appropriately paid services typically running $400–$1,500.

A complete professional inspection includes: 21-point ground exterior assessment, on-roof shingle and flashing inspection (lifting shingles to check sealant and underlayment where appropriate), attic interior inspection for daylight, water staining, and structural concerns, chimney and skylight flashing assessment, gutter and downspout integrity check, photo documentation with GPS metadata for every damage point, written damage report with measured dimensions and Xactimate-compatible line items, and recommendations for emergency mitigation if needed. Reports are typically delivered within 24–48 hours.

Free contractor inspections are not billed to insurance — they are part of the contractor's sales process and routine service. Engineering inspections by SC-licensed structural engineers (typically $400–$1,500) are sometimes covered by homeowners insurance when storm damage is suspected and an engineer's report is needed for the claim, particularly on structural questions. Save receipts for any paid inspection — these may be reimbursable under your policy's mitigation or claim documentation provisions per SCDOI guidance.

From the ground: missing or lifted shingles, granules in gutters or on the ground (look for a layer of small dark sand-like material), dented metal flashing or gutters, torn ridge cap shingles, displaced fascia or soffit, debris on the roof, chimney damage, broken pipe boot collars, leaning or fallen TV antenna, damaged satellite dish mounts. From inside: water stains on ceilings (especially in upstairs rooms or directly below the roof), drips during rain, attic moisture or daylight visible through the deck, sagging insulation, mold smell. Any one of these warrants a professional inspection.

Yes, if there is active water intrusion. But hire a professional — DIY blue-tarp installation typically fails within 7–14 days and can void parts of your insurance claim. Professional tarping uses heavy-duty material rated for 30–90 days, is installed with proper anchoring (sandbags, screw battens, or specialty fasteners), and includes photo documentation. Emergency tarping is usually covered under your insurance policy's mitigation provisions. WeatherShield offers same-day emergency tarping at (843) 877-5539.

Yes, if your home was within 50 miles of a named storm, hailstorm, or thunderstorm with winds over 60 mph. 50–70% of storm damage is invisible from the ground. Lifted-then-resealed shingles look intact but have broken sealant strips. Hairline deck punctures hide under shingles. These show up months later as leaks during the next major rain. Free post-storm inspections catch hidden damage while it is still within the SC insurance claim window. Earlier inspection equals better outcomes.

Most SC homeowners policies require initial notification within 30–60 days of the loss. The written claim itself is typically subject to a one-year contractual limitation from the date of loss under SC policy language. After major federally declared disasters, the SC Department of Insurance sometimes extends filing deadlines. Always check current SCDOI guidance after a named storm. Practical advice: do not wait. Earlier claims get faster adjuster scheduling and stronger documentation. See our SC roof insurance claim process page for the complete 7-step sequence.

This is a major red flag for the residential roofing market. Free post-storm inspections are standard practice among reputable SC roofing contractors. The exception: SC-licensed structural engineers appropriately charge for engineering inspections (typically $400–$1,500). If a contractor offers an 'inspection' for $200–$500, you are likely dealing with either a sales tactic to extract a fee from homeowners who do not hire them for repair, or a less-experienced contractor that does not have the volume to absorb inspection costs into the business model. Walk away and call a contractor who offers free inspections.