Roof damage from a storm?
GAF can get you through the storm by helping to answer some of your most pressing questions
Where to start when you have storm damage
Inspect your roof
After a storm, know what to look for to determine if you have roof damage, and schedule repairs before the next storm rolls in.
Inspection tips
Review your homeowners' insurance policy
Before committing to a course of action, make sure you know what’s covered in your policy.
Navigating insurance
Find a contractor
A roofer that is certified by GAF can help you identify damage and recommend a course of action.
Find a contractor
Inspect your roof using the I.O.U method:
Inside
Begin in the attic, if it’s accessible, during the daytime. Use a flashlight wherever necessary.
- Sunlight showing through the wood
- Sagging
Outside
Walk around your house, examining as much of the roof as you can see from the ground.
- Missing, cracked or curled shingles
- Debris
- Dark Patches
- Bent or detached flashing
Up the ladder
If you are comfortable climbing a ladder, you can get a better look at your roof upclose.
- Loose nails
- Gutter debris
Types of roof damage
Hail damage
Hail stones can travel as fast as 100 mph. Your roofer can help identify less obvious impact sites.
Wind damage
Wind uplift is not always as obvious as torn-away shingles. Your roofer can inspect for loosened sealant at shingle edges.
Storm debris
Storm debris should be removed before the next wind storm scrapes it across your shingles, doing further damage.
Potential roof leaks
Water staining on inside ceilings and walls is one of the sure signs of a leak. And the moisture could also lead to mold.
How do I know if I need a new roof?
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Roof cost factors
Your roof repair or replacement cost will depend on a number of factors including materials, home size, roof details, and labor costs. Find out about the components and steps required to build a reliable roofing system.
Explore roof repair or replacement payment options
Homeowners insurance
Depending on your policy and the nature of the roof damage, your homeowners’ insurance may cover the cost of repair or replacement. Find out how to understand your coverage, file a claim, and document your damage.
Navigating insurance
Financing options
Many contractors now accept credit cards and many can offer attractive financing arrangements through reputable third-parties.
Financing tips
Tips for finding the right roofer
Reputation
Know what to ask so that you’re getting a reliable, qualified roofer. Check online reviews and see our Tips for finding a roofer.
License & insurance
Make sure that your roofer is insured, and licensed where required.
Manufacturer certifications
Certified contractors have been entrusted by a roofing manufacturer to offer their best warranties.
Warranties
Ask about manufacturer warranties
Find a contractor near you
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What to expect during a roof restoration
From finding the right contractor, to choosing a shingle that suits your lifestyle, to preparing your home and family for a brief — but potentially noisy— disruption, these tips are designed to help you enjoy a hassle-free roof restoration.
Prepare for future storms with a GAF roof
WindProven™ limited wind warranty
The wind warranty with no max wind speed limitation¹. Just install GAF Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology, plus four required GAF accessory products. View warranty
Shingles that give your roof a fighting chance against hail²
Timberline® AS II2 SBS Modified IR Shingles combine all the beauty of Timberline® Shingles with UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance. View shingles
¹ 15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty on Timberline® AS II Shingles requires the use of GAF starter strips, roof deck protection, ridge cap shingles, and leak barrier or attic ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products.
² Timberline® AS II Shingles are not warrantied to withstand hail damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knowledge is power. Before you talk to a contractor about your roof replacement project, it’s helpful to know some of the elements that go into a typical roofing estimate. It also helps to work with a reputable, manufacturer-certified contractor.
Documenting storm damage starts with grabbing your camera or smartphone. From a safe vantage point, photograph any visible effects of the storm, including physical damage, debris, and water intrusion, inside and outside the home.
A standard reroof itself is very fast, usually taking little more than a day for the average sized home However, insurance processing, choosing a contractor, scheduling an installation, and shipping materials are harder to predict, and often depend on how many local roofs have been affected by the recent storm. Review these steps to get an idea of the timeframes involved.
Be prepared when disaster strikes
Disaster preparedness: best practices for homeowners
Disasters come in different forms, including severe weather, wildfires, and even health crises such as a global pandemic. Thankfully there are things you can do ahead of time in order to secure your home, protect your family, and recover more quickly in the event of a disaster.
Read article
How to make a disaster preparedness kit
Having a disaster preparedness kit is a key part of being ready for the unexpected. The American Red Cross recommends having enough supplies on hand to sustain your household for a few days if you are evacuating, or up to two weeks if you are staying in your home.
Learn more
Shield your roof from ice and water...
Your roofing system is made up of protective layers, designed with the latest technological advances to shield your home from ice and water- keeping your roof deck dry and safe. One of these layers is called a leak barrier, which is often referred to as ice and water shield. Located below the shingles, it's crucial to your roof system's defense against moisture.