After a named storm passes, the obvious damage gets the attention — fallen trees, missing shingles, a tarp on the neighbor's house. The damage that costs money later is the damage you cannot see from the ground.
Here are the nine indicators a licensed inspector checks on a post-storm walk:
1. Missing or displaced shingles
The obvious one. Mark with photographs immediately; carriers want timestamped images.
2. Bruised shingles
Wind-driven hail leaves a fingerprint-sized circular dark spot. The granules are knocked off in a ring. From the ground these look like ordinary discoloration; from up close they are unmistakable.
3. Granule loss in gutters and downspouts
A handful of granules from one storm is normal aging. A bucket-full is wind damage. Photograph the gutter contents before cleaning.
4. Lifted or wrinkled flashing
Around chimneys, skylights, and vent stacks. Wind that lifts flashing 1/4 inch breaks the seal even if the metal reseats.
5. Damaged ridge cap
The ridge is the highest-wind area. Cracked or displaced ridge cap shingles or tiles indicate the rest of the roof saw the same forces.
6. Soft spots underfoot
A weak spot in the deck signals trapped water from a leak that has been active for weeks or months. Mark the location and inspect from the attic.
7. Interior water staining
A new ceiling stain is a leak. A growing stain is an active leak. Photograph daily; carriers want the progression.
8. Damaged gutter and downspout
A bent or dislodged gutter section signals impact damage. Match the bend to a possible airborne debris source.
9. Sagging fascia
Wind that lifted the roof edge often lifted the fascia with it. Sagging fascia is not just cosmetic — it indicates the soffit attachment may have failed.
What to do next
Document with photographs and the date. Call a licensed roofing contractor for a written inspection. Do not climb the roof yourself; insurance is sensitive to "self-inspection" claims.
Storm inspections are free at Perkins. Call +1-305-642-7663.