Quick Answer
After a summer storm, the systematic inspection priority is: life safety first (downed power lines, gas smell, structural stability), then exterior from the ground (roof, gutters, siding, windows), then interior (attic, ceilings, basement). Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Document everything with photos before any cleanup — this is critical for insurance. Most homeowners miss 30 to 40% of storm damage because they look in the wrong order.
Safety First — Before Any Inspection
- Do not approach downed power lines. Stay at least 30 feet away and call your utility company immediately. A line on the ground may still be energized.
- If you smell gas inside or near the home, leave immediately without switching any lights on or off, and call your gas utility from outside or from a neighbor’s home.
- Do not enter a basement with standing water if there is any chance electrical outlets, appliances, or the panel are in contact with the water. Shut off the main electrical breaker from a dry location first.
- Do not climb onto a roof that is wet, covered in debris, or has visible structural damage. All roof inspection should be from the ground with binoculars or from an attic interior view.
- Inspect for structural issues before entering any heavily damaged area — cracks in load-bearing walls, displaced beams, or doors that suddenly will not open or close can indicate structural movement.
The 10-Point Post-Storm Inspection Sequence
Work through these in order. Items 1 to 3 are safety; items 4 to 7 are exterior; items 8 to 10 are interior.
- Utility hazards. Walk the property perimeter. Look for downed lines, damaged electrical equipment, or gas meter damage. Do not touch. Call utility immediately.
- Structural stability. Walk around the exterior. Look for walls that are visibly bowed, foundations with new wide cracks, or any portion of the structure that has shifted or collapsed.
- Gas smell check. Before re-entering the home, stand at the door and sniff. Any sulfur or rotten egg smell: do not enter — call the gas utility.
- Roof inspection from ground. Use binoculars if possible. Look for: missing or displaced shingles, lifted shingle edges, damaged or missing ridge cap, dented metal flashing, debris penetrating the surface, and any visible sagging.
- Gutters and downspouts. Are gutters torn away, bent, or sagging? Are downspouts disconnected? Check whether debris is packed in gutters that could redirect water into fascia or soffit.
- Siding and exterior walls. Walk the perimeter. Look for: impact dents or holes in vinyl or aluminum siding, cracked or missing sections, any area where siding has lifted away from the wall. Check window trim and exterior caulk for gaps.
- Windows and doors. Inspect each window for cracked or broken glass. Check exterior doors for damage to frames and weatherstripping. A door that no longer closes easily after a storm can indicate frame or structural movement.
- Attic inspection. Enter the attic with a flashlight. Look for daylight visible through the roof deck, wet insulation, water stains on rafters, or debris that has penetrated. Water stains that are still wet indicate active leaking.
- Ceiling and interior walls. Walk every room and look up. New water stains, bulging ceiling sections, or wet drywall indicate roof or exterior penetration. See our guide on ceiling water stains for follow-up.
- Basement and crawl space. Check for new water entry, standing water, or new foundation cracks. If the sump pump ran heavily during the storm, confirm it is still functioning.
Document Everything Before Any Cleanup
Photograph damage before removing debris, before tarping a roof, before mopping water, and before any contractor begins work. This documentation is essential for insurance claims. See our complete water damage documentation guide for the full checklist.
- Wide shot of each damaged area showing context.
- Close-up of each specific damage point.
- Timestamp photos using phone settings or by photographing a handwritten note with the date.
- Video walkthrough of the property showing the full extent of visible damage.
- Document any temporary repairs (tarp, board-up) that were necessary for immediate protection.
Prioritizing Repairs After a Storm
| Damage type | Priority | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Active water entry through roof or windows | Immediate | Every hour of additional rain increases interior damage |
| Broken window glass | Same day | Security and weather exposure |
| Downed tree on structure | Immediate professional | Structural risk and continued roof exposure |
| Missing roof shingles | Within 48 hours | Tarping first; then roofer assessment |
| Damaged gutters | Within 1 week | Impairs drainage but not immediately critical |
| Dented siding with no penetration | Within 1 month | Cosmetic and moisture sealing |
| Interior water stain, currently dry | Within 1 week | Identify source before next rain |
What Not to Do
- Do not begin cleanup or repairs before photographing all damage.
- Do not climb onto a wet or debris-covered roof under any circumstances.
- Do not use a generator indoors or in the garage. Carbon monoxide poisoning from generators causes deaths every storm season. See our guide on CO alarms.
- Do not sign contractor agreements during the initial post-storm period under pressure. Post-storm contractor fraud is common — get multiple written estimates and verify licenses.
- Do not throw away damaged materials before your insurer has had a chance to inspect. Keep debris in one location.
Related Guides
- Roof Leak After Rain: Safe First Steps
- How to Document Water Damage for Insurance
- What to Do If Your Basement Floods
When to Call a Professional
- Any downed power lines — utility company only.
- Gas damage or gas smell — utility company immediately.
- Structural damage visible — licensed contractor or structural engineer before re-entry.
- Tree on structure — licensed tree removal and roofing contractor.
- Active roof leaking — licensed roofing contractor; tarp as emergency first step.
- Any time you are unsure whether an area is safe to enter.
Prevention Tips for the Next Storm
- Keep gutters clear of debris — the most common cause of water damage during storms is overflowing gutters that redirect water into the home.
- Trim tree branches that overhang the roof — branches that fall during storms cause roof penetration and gutter damage.
- Inspect roof flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights annually — the most common points where rain enters.
- Know where your main water, gas, and electrical shutoffs are before you need them.
- Keep important documents (insurance policies, contractor contacts) accessible and backed up digitally.
Recommended Next Step
Begin the 10-point inspection sequence starting with safety. Do not skip to interior checks before completing the exterior — you may walk under a structurally compromised area without knowing it. Document everything before touching anything. For active water entry, temporary tarping is the first repair priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my roof needs to be replaced or just repaired after a storm?
A roofing contractor’s assessment is the definitive answer. General indicators for repair: isolated missing shingles with the surrounding roof in good condition, localized flashing damage, minor impact marks. General indicators for replacement: more than 25 to 30% of shingles are damaged, the roof is near the end of its service life (20+ years for asphalt shingles), or widespread granule loss is visible in gutters.
Should I call my insurance company before or after I get contractor estimates?
Call your insurer first and open a claim. They will send an adjuster to assess damage. Getting your own estimates in parallel is fine, but do not have work completed before the adjuster visits unless it is emergency protective work (tarping, board-up) needed to prevent further damage. Document all emergency work separately.
Can I tarp my own roof as a temporary measure?
From the ground or from a stable second-floor window onto a low-slope area: possibly. On a steep wet roof: do not attempt without appropriate fall protection equipment. Many roofing companies offer emergency tarping services for exactly this situation.
My basement flooded during the storm. What do I do first?
Confirm electrical safety before entering. Shut off the basement circuit breakers if any water is near outlets or electrical equipment. Then see our complete guide on what to do if your basement floods.
How long does it take for water damage inside a wall to cause mold?
Mold can begin growing on damp organic material (drywall, wood framing) within 24 to 48 hours under warm, humid conditions. This is why drying out water-damaged areas promptly — within 24 hours — is the standard professional recommendation for minimizing mold risk.
