Maryland gets a bit of everything: summer thunderstorms, the tail end of tropical systems, nor’easters, heavy snow and the odd hailstorm. Your roof takes every one of them. The trouble is that storm damage rarely shows up as a dramatic hole. More often it’s a few lifted shingles or a small dent in the flashing, and it turns into a leak months later, long after the date your insurer cares about.
This guide covers what to look for after a storm, what you can safely check from the ground, and when to bring in a licensed roofer.
Why acting quickly after a storm matters
Two reasons. First, small damage grows: a lifted shingle lets wind get underneath it during the next storm, and water that reaches the roof deck can rot the wood and soak insulation. Second, most homeowners policies expect you to report damage within a reasonable time and to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, such as tarping. Waiting too long can make a claim harder.
9 signs of storm damage on your roof
1. Missing shingles
The easiest one to spot. Walk around the house and look for bare patches or shingles lying in the yard or driveway. Even one missing shingle exposes the underlayment.
2. Lifted, creased or curled shingles
Strong wind can lift a shingle and break its seal without tearing it off. Look for tabs that are bent upward or show a horizontal crease line. A broken seal means the next storm can pull it off.
3. Hail bruises and granule loss
Hail leaves round dark spots where the protective granules have been knocked off. Check your gutters and downspout outlets: a pile of granules that looks like coarse sand is a common sign.
4. Dented gutters, vents and flashing
Soft metal shows hail clearly. Dents in gutters, box vents, chimney caps or the metal flashing around the chimney are a good clue that the shingles took hits too.
5. Damage from fallen limbs
Bowie and the rest of Prince George’s County have a lot of mature trees. A branch that hits the roof can crack shingles, puncture the deck or damage gutters, even if it rolls off afterward.
6. Water stains on ceilings or in the attic
Go up to the attic with a flashlight after a heavy rain. Look for wet insulation, dark streaks on the rafters or daylight coming through. Inside the house, check ceilings near exterior walls and around chimneys.
7. Damaged siding and window trim
The wind that damages a roof usually damages siding too. Look for cracked, loose or missing vinyl panels and chipped trim, especially on the side of the house that faced the storm.
8. Clogged or pulled-away gutters
Debris and heavy runoff can bend gutter hangers. If gutters overflow or pull away from the fascia, water can run behind them and rot the wood.
9. Leaks around skylights, chimneys and vents
Flashing is where most leaks start. Storms can loosen sealant and bend flashing, so drips often show up near these spots first.
What you can safely check yourself (and what you shouldn’t)
Do:
– Walk around the house and use binoculars to look at the roof from the ground.
– Take dated photos and videos of everything: the roof, gutters, siding, the yard and any debris.
– Check the attic and ceilings for moisture.
– Move valuables away from active leaks and put buckets down.
Don’t:
– Climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Falls from roofs cause serious injuries every year.
– Touch downed power lines or tree limbs tangled in lines. Call your utility.
– Throw away damaged materials before they’ve been photographed.
– Sign a contract with someone who knocks on your door right after a storm without checking their license first.
The first 48 hours: a simple checklist
- Make sure everyone is safe. If there is structural damage or water near electrical fixtures, leave the area and call for help.
- Document everything with photos and video before anything is moved.
- Prevent more damage. An emergency tarp or board-up keeps water out until permanent repairs are made. Keep the receipts, because many policies consider these reasonable costs.
- Call a licensed roofer for an inspection. A professional can get on the roof safely and document damage you can’t see from the ground.
- Contact your insurance company if the damage looks significant. Our guide on how to file a roof insurance claim in Maryland walks through each step.
How to choose a roofer after a storm
After big storms, crews from out of state often show up in Maryland neighborhoods. Some are legitimate; some disappear after taking a deposit. Protect yourself:
- Verify the MHIC license. Maryland requires home improvement contractors to be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. You can look up any license number on the Maryland Department of Labor website. Aitana’s Home LLC is licensed under MHIC #146911.
- Get a written contract that describes the work, the materials and the payment schedule.
- Be cautious with large upfront payments and pressure to sign the same day.
- Choose someone local who will be around if something needs attention later.
How Aitana’s Home LLC can help
Aitana’s Home LLC is a licensed Maryland home improvement contractor based at 16701 Melford Blvd in Bowie. We provide storm damage roof repair in Maryland, emergency tarping and board-up, roof replacement, siding repair, and interior repairs after water damage. We can document the damage with photos for your insurance claim. Your insurer decides what is covered, and we’ll explain our findings in plain language.
Need roof repair in Bowie or just want a second opinion after a storm? Request a free roof inspection or call (410) 320-3560.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my roof has storm damage if I can’t see anything?
Many types of damage, like broken shingle seals or hail bruises, are hard to see from the ground. Look for granules in the gutters, dents in metal vents and gutters, and stains in the attic. If you notice any of these, a professional inspection is the safest next step.
Should I put a tarp on my roof myself?
Only if you can do it safely from a ladder without walking on a wet or damaged roof. In most cases it’s safer to have a roofing contractor install an emergency tarp. Keep receipts for any emergency work.
Does hail damage always mean I need a new roof?
No. Light hail may only damage a few shingles that can be repaired. Widespread bruising and granule loss across several slopes may call for a replacement. An inspection will tell you which situation you’re in.
How soon should I call my insurance company after a storm?
Check your policy, but in general report damage as soon as reasonably possible. Delays can make it harder to show the damage came from a specific storm.
Do you serve areas outside Bowie?
Yes. We work in Bowie and surrounding communities in Prince George’s County and Anne Arundel County. Call (410) 320-3560 to confirm your address.