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Claim Mastery · Storm Response

The First 24 Hours After Storm Damage

Hail or wind just hit your roof. What you do now shapes how well your claim goes. These steps protect your home, protect your evidence, and protect your case.

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Quick checklist

Protect the home from active leaks, photograph the scene before anything changes, note the storm date, and document before you repair.

Do these in order

Protect against weather

If water is actively coming in, move valuables, lay buckets, and clear the immediate spill path. Only tarp a roof if it is safe to do so — roof access is a real fall risk, so when in doubt let a professional handle it.

Photograph everything now

Capture the whole exterior first, then close-ups of suspected damage: shingles, gutters, vents, flashing, skylights, and any interior stains. Date-stamped photos taken before repairs are the single most important evidence you can gather.

Note the storm event

Write down the date and approximate time of the storm, what fell (hail, wind, debris), and anything neighbors reported. Adjusters confirm events against weather records, so an accurate date matters more than you would think.

Stop repairs before documentation

Do not let temporary cleanup or a contractor "just clean up" the damage before it is documented. Once the scene changes, it becomes much harder to prove what the storm caused.

Do not do these

  • ✕Signing anything before the scope and estimate are explained
  • ✕Letting someone throw away damaged shingles or old receipts
  • ✕Rushing a permanent repair before the adjuster inspects
  • ✕Agreeing to "cover your deductible" — that is a red flag
  • ✕Waiting weeks before you open the claim or document damage
  • ✕Touching sagging or visibly unsafe areas of the roof

Your next 48 hours

  1. 1Document the damage with date-stamped photos
  2. 2Schedule a professional inspection for a photo report
  3. 3Open your claim with date and description of loss
  4. 4Prepare your file for the adjuster visit

Fullstack coordinates photo-documented inspections across Utah with an independent licensed and insured contractor who can produce the report your adjuster wants. See the Utah hail damage roof inspection guide for what a good inspection covers.

Frequently asked questions

How fast do I need to act after storm damage to file a claim?

Most homeowner policies provide a 1-2 year window from the storm date to file. But acting within the first 24 hours matters for a different reason: the fresher the scene, the easier it is to document what the storm caused and to prevent secondary damage like leaks and mold. Do not wait to take photos and protect the home.

Should I call my insurance company first or a roofer?

Document the damage first, before any repairs. Then open your claim with your insurer, and bring in a roofing contractor for a photo-documented inspection and written scope. Starting repairs before the adjuster visit can complicate coverage.

Should I tarp my roof myself after damage?

Only if it is safe. Roof access carries a serious fall risk, especially right after a storm on wet or damaged surfaces. If water is coming in, prioritize moving valuables and containing the leak, and have a professional tarp or repair where needed.

What counts as evidence if I did not photograph right away?

Many roofs still show clear evidence weeks later — granule loss, bruising, wind creasing, and dents in soft metals like gutters and vents. A professional inspection that photographs the roof and notes the storm date can still build a strong file, especially when metal collision damage is present.

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