How to Inspect a Roof After a Storm: Step-by-Step Guide

A post-storm roof inspection involves a systematic assessment of roofing materials, structural elements, flashing, gutters, and drainage to identify weather-related damage before it worsens. Inspectors should complete this process within 24–72 hours of a storm event where safe access is possible. Early documentation is critical for insurance claims, repair prioritisation, and liability protection.

Key Takeaways

• Post-storm roof inspections should be completed within 72 hours of the event, following all fall-prevention requirements under AS/NZS 1891, OSHA 1926.502, or the UK Work at Height Regulations 2005.
• Document every defect with geotagged photos and timestamped notes before any temporary repairs are made — insurers require pre-repair evidence.
• Common storm damage thresholds: hail damage is typically reportable at dents ≥25 mm diameter on metal roofing; missing shingles or tiles require immediate temporary waterproofing.
• A professional post-storm inspection report should reference the relevant building standard (e.g. AS 4349.1-2007 in Australia, InterNACHI SOP in the US, RICS guidance in the UK).
• AI-assisted platforms like Inspectra AI can convert site photos and voice notes into compliant inspection reports in minutes, reducing documentation time by up to 70%.

Before You Climb: Safety and Site Preparation

No inspection is worth a fall. Before setting foot on a ladder or roof surface, complete these pre-inspection steps.

Assess Ground-Level Hazards First

Walk the entire perimeter of the building at ground level before touching a ladder. Look for:

• Downed power lines or damaged service masts — if present, do not proceed until the utility provider has isolated the supply.
• Pooled water near the structure, which may indicate hidden structural damage or saturated substrate.
• Fallen debris, displaced ridge capping, or cracked fascia visible from below.
• Any visible sagging or displacement of the roof plane, which may signal structural compromise.

In Australia, work at height above 2 metres requires fall-prevention controls under the WHS Regulations 2017 (and state equivalents). In the US, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 applies to construction and inspection work on roofs. In the UK, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 govern all roof access. Inspectors working solo should always have a ground-level contact aware of their location.

Confirm Weather Conditions

Do not attempt roof access if:

• Wind speed exceeds 25 km/h (15 mph) — roof surfaces become significantly more hazardous.
• The surface is wet, icy, or frost-covered.
• A further storm event is forecast within the inspection window.

If conditions are unsafe, complete a thorough ground-level and attic inspection, document your limitations in the report, and reschedule the roof-surface assessment.

Gather Your Equipment

| Equipment | Purpose | |---|---| | Chalk or non-marking tape | Mark damaged zones without obscuring evidence | | Moisture meter | Detect saturated insulation or substrate | | Binoculars or telephoto lens | High-level assessment without roof access | | Hail gauge or ruler | Measure dent diameters on metal roofing | | Ladder (rated to load) | Access; ensure footing and top are secured | | PPE: helmet, non-slip boots, harness | Fall prevention | | Camera or smartphone | Photographic documentation | | Voice recorder or dictation app | Hands-free field notes |

Step 1: Document the Storm Event

Before recording any damage, capture the context of the weather event. This is critical for insurance assessments and liability reports.

• Record the date, time, and approximate duration of the storm.
• Note the type of weather event: hail, high wind, heavy rain, lightning, or a combination.
• Source Bureau of Meteorology (Australia), NOAA (US), or Met Office (UK) weather data for the location and include it in the report. Many insurers require corroborating weather station data.
• Photograph the property exterior before accessing the roof — this establishes a pre-inspection baseline.

Step 2: Inspect the Roof from Ground Level

A significant amount of storm damage is visible without roof access. Conduct a systematic ground-level sweep before ascending.

What to Look For From Below

• Missing or displaced tiles/shingles: Gaps in the roof plane are often visible from the perimeter.
• Ridge capping displacement: Mortar or capping units lifted or cracked along the ridge line.
• Gutters and downpipes: Detached brackets, crushed sections, blockages from debris, or overflow staining on the fascia.
• Fascia and bargeboards: Splits, impact damage, or paint stripping caused by hail or wind-driven debris.
• Skylights and rooflights: Cracked or shattered glazing, displaced frames.
• Antenna, solar panel, and HVAC supports: Displaced or bent mounting hardware.

Photograph each defect from multiple angles and use your field notes to record the approximate location (e.g.

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