Capital City Roofing
Storm Damage Assessment
Professional Assessment

Storm Damage Assessment Process

After severe weather, professional storm damage assessment is critical for insurance claims and protecting your home. Capital City Roofing's certified inspectors use advanced technology to document damage and maximize your claim.

Common Types of Storm Damage

Hail Damage

Hail impacts cause bruising, cracking, and granule loss on shingles. Even small hail (1" diameter) can cause significant damage that compromises shingle integrity and voids warranties.

Signs to Look For:
  • • Circular dents or bruises on shingles
  • • Granule loss exposing asphalt
  • • Dents on metal flashing, vents, or gutters
  • • Cracked or broken shingles

Wind Damage

High winds can lift, tear, or completely remove shingles. Wind damage often occurs in patterns—affecting specific roof sections based on wind direction and roof design.

Signs to Look For:
  • • Missing shingles or tabs
  • • Lifted or creased shingles
  • • Exposed underlayment or deck
  • • Damaged or missing ridge caps

Debris Impact

Fallen trees, branches, or wind-blown debris can puncture roofs, damage flashing, and cause immediate leaks. This type of damage is usually obvious but requires professional assessment for full extent.

Signs to Look For:
  • • Punctures or holes in roof deck
  • • Broken or displaced shingles
  • • Damaged flashing or gutters
  • • Interior water damage or leaks

Water Intrusion

Heavy rain can expose existing vulnerabilities—damaged flashing, worn seals, or compromised underlayment. Water stains on ceilings indicate active leaks requiring immediate attention.

Signs to Look For:
  • • Ceiling or wall water stains
  • • Attic moisture or mold
  • • Damaged or missing flashing
  • • Sagging or soft roof deck

Lightning Strikes

Direct lightning strikes can cause catastrophic damage—puncturing roofs, starting fires, or damaging electrical systems. Even nearby strikes can cause shockwave damage to shingles.

Signs to Look For:
  • • Burn marks or charring
  • • Shattered or exploded shingles
  • • Electrical system damage
  • • Smoke or fire damage

Ice Dams

Ice buildup at roof edges prevents proper drainage, forcing water under shingles. Common in poorly ventilated attics during winter freeze-thaw cycles.

Signs to Look For:
  • • Icicles along eaves
  • • Water stains on exterior walls
  • • Interior ceiling leaks
  • • Damaged or sagging gutters

Professional Assessment Process

Drone Aerial Inspection

Our certified drone pilots capture high-resolution aerial photos of your entire roof—documenting damage extent, patterns, and specific impact locations. Drone technology allows us to safely inspect steep or high roofs without risking crew safety, and provides the comprehensive documentation insurance adjusters require.

Hands-On Roof Inspection

Our certified inspectors physically examine your roof—checking shingle integrity, flashing condition, and penetration seals. We use specialized tools to measure hail impact sizes, assess granule loss, and identify hidden damage not visible from aerial photos.

Thermal Imaging (When Needed)

For suspected water intrusion, we use thermal imaging cameras to detect moisture trapped in roof decking or insulation. This technology reveals hidden damage not visible to the naked eye—critical for comprehensive insurance claims.

Detailed Written Report

We provide a comprehensive written report documenting all damage findings—including damage type, location, severity, and recommended repairs. This report, combined with our photo documentation, provides the evidence insurance companies need to approve claims.

Insurance Claim Assistance

If significant damage is found, we help you file your insurance claim and work directly with your adjuster during their inspection. We provide all documentation, answer technical questions, and ensure your claim is processed fairly and completely.

Why Professional Assessment Matters

DIY Inspections Miss Critical Damage

Homeowners who inspect their own roofs after storms often miss significant damage—especially hail impacts that aren't visible from the ground. Insurance companies may deny claims that lack proper documentation, or approve only partial repairs when full replacement is warranted. Professional assessment ensures nothing is missed.

Comprehensive Documentation

Insurance adjusters require specific documentation: aerial photos showing damage extent, close-ups of individual impacts, measurements of hail sizes, and written reports. Our BuilderLync system captures all this automatically.

Maximize Claim Value

Professional assessment often reveals damage homeowners miss—increasing claim values by thousands of dollars. We ensure your claim covers all necessary repairs, not just obvious damage.

Safety First

Climbing on roofs—especially after storms when damage may have compromised structural integrity—is dangerous. Our certified crews have proper safety equipment and training.

Expert Advocacy

We work directly with insurance adjusters during their inspections—providing technical expertise and ensuring all damage is properly documented and approved for repair.

Storm Damage Assessment Questions

How do I know if my roof has storm damage?
Common signs of storm damage include: missing or damaged shingles, granule loss in gutters, dents on metal flashing or vents, cracked or broken shingles, water stains on ceilings or walls, and visible hail impacts. However, many types of storm damage—especially hail damage—are not visible from the ground. A professional inspection with drone technology is the only way to accurately assess storm damage and document it for insurance purposes.
Should I call my insurance company before or after the inspection?
We recommend getting a professional inspection BEFORE calling your insurance company. Capital City Roofing's free storm damage assessment provides documentation and evidence of damage, which helps you make an informed decision about filing a claim. If we find significant damage, we'll help you file the claim and work directly with your insurance adjuster. If damage is minor or cosmetic, you may choose not to file a claim to avoid potential rate increases.
How long after a storm should I get my roof inspected?
Schedule an inspection as soon as possible after a major storm event—ideally within 1-2 weeks. Most insurance policies have time limits for filing storm damage claims (typically 1-2 years), but prompt inspection helps prevent secondary damage from leaks and provides the strongest documentation. During peak storm season, inspection demand is high, so early scheduling ensures faster service.
What documentation do I need for an insurance claim?
Successful insurance claims require comprehensive documentation: drone photos showing damage extent, close-up photos of specific impacts, thermal imaging showing moisture intrusion, detailed written reports with damage locations, and comparison photos of damaged vs. undamaged areas. Capital City Roofing's BuilderLync system captures all this documentation automatically during our inspection—providing the evidence insurance adjusters need to approve your claim.
Capital City Roofing Free Roof Inspection and Consultation in Atlanta GA

Get a Free Storm Damage Assessment

After severe weather, don't wait. Capital City Roofing's certified inspectors will assess your roof and provide comprehensive documentation for insurance claims.