San Diego's weather usually treats roofs gently, but when storms hit, they hit hard. Santa Ana winds tear through at highway speeds. Winter rain systems dump months of precipitation in days. The occasional hailstorm catches everyone off guard.
Knowing how to assess your roof after severe weather prevents small damage from becoming catastrophic failure.
Post-Storm Inspection: What to Look For
Start from the ground. Binoculars help you spot obvious damage without climbing onto a potentially compromised roof. Look for missing shingles, exposed underlayment, visible dents on metal components, and debris accumulation. Check your gutters and downspouts for granule buildup, which indicates shingle deterioration.
Walk your property perimeter. Fallen branches, scattered debris, and shingle pieces on the ground tell you the roof took hits. The location of debris suggests where to focus your inspection—a pile of granules below the valley indicates that area needs attention.
Check your attic if you can safely access it. Fresh water stains, daylight visible through the deck, or damp insulation reveal active leaks. These signs demand immediate attention before more rain arrives.
Santa Ana winds create specific damage patterns. These powerful offshore gusts lift shingles, break seals, and tear materials from vulnerable edges. Ridges, rakes, and eaves suffer most because wind accelerates over and around these features.
Wind damage isn't always obvious. Shingles might appear intact from the ground but have broken seals that won't show until the next rain. A professional inspection identifies these hidden compromises before they cause leaks.
Rain damage usually appears as leaks, but not always immediately. Sometimes water enters through small gaps and accumulates over multiple storms. What seems like sudden failure was actually progressive damage.
Hail creates distinctive damage depending on roofing material. On asphalt shingles, hail leaves round bruises or exposed fiberglass mat. On metal, you'll see dents. On tile, cracks and chips. San Diego rarely sees hail, but when it happens, damage can be significant.
Insurance claims have strict timelines. Document damage with photos immediately after the storm. Contact your insurance company promptly to report potential claims. Waiting too long can complicate or void coverage.
Emergency tarping prevents further damage while you arrange repairs. A properly secured tarp keeps water out of existing penetrations. Don't nail through the roof if avoidable—use sandbags or boards to secure edges.
Some damage requires professional assessment. What looks minor from the ground might be serious up close. Conversely, dramatic-looking damage sometimes turns out to be superficial. Either way, a qualified inspection provides clarity.
Contractor selection matters more after storms. Disaster brings opportunistic contractors who appear overnight and disappear just as fast. Stick with established local companies even if their availability is limited. Waiting a few extra days beats trusting your home to unknown quality.
Document everything for insurance purposes. Take photos before any repairs begin. Keep copies of all estimates and invoices. Note dates and weather conditions. This documentation supports your claim and protects your interests.
Prevention includes pre-storm preparation. Trim overhanging branches before they become projectiles. Ensure loose items won't blow into your roof. Verify gutters are clear so heavy rain drains properly. These simple steps reduce storm damage significantly.
