Signs You Need a Storm Damage Roof Inspection
By the Des Moines Water Damage team · September 20, 2026
Roof damage from wind and hail often isn't visible from the ground — granule loss, bruised shingles, and lifted edges can all lead to a leak weeks later, which is why a professional inspection after any significant storm is worth doing even without obvious signs.
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1. Any Significant Hail or Wind Event
If your area experienced hail over roughly an inch in diameter, or wind gusts strong enough to bring down branches, it's worth having your roof checked — impact damage isn't always visible from the ground.
2. Granules in Your Gutters
Asphalt shingles shed some granules naturally over time, but a noticeable increase after a storm — especially visible collections in gutters or downspouts — suggests hail impact stripping the protective layer.
3. A New Ceiling Stain
Any new water stain on a ceiling after a storm points to an active leak, meaning the roof has already been breached and needs prompt attention, not just a future inspection.
4. Visible Shingle Damage From the Ground
Missing, curled, or cracked shingles visible without climbing up are a clear sign, but they represent only the most obvious cases — plenty of real damage is subtler.
5. Your Neighbors Are Getting Roof Work Done
If a storm caused noticeable roofing activity in your neighborhood, it likely affected your roof too, even if damage isn't obvious yet — hail and wind events tend to affect whole areas, not single houses.
6. It's Been Several Years Since Your Last Inspection
Roofs accumulate wear from UV exposure and weather over time, and a periodic inspection — especially after any severe storm since the last one — helps catch developing issues before they become leaks.