What to do after storm damage hits your roof in Maine
The wind finally dies down, and you look out the window to see shingles in the yard. Maybe there’s a branch on the roof, or a new drip coming through the ceiling. After a Maine storm, it’s hard to know what to do first.
Here’s the order we’d recommend: stay safe, document the damage, stop water from getting in, and then get the roof looked at. Taking these steps in the first day or two protects your home, and it makes any insurance claim go more smoothly.
Step 1: Stay safe first
Don’t climb onto your roof after a storm. Wet, damaged shingles are slippery, and storm damage can weaken the roof deck in ways you can’t see.
Look for downed power lines near your house or roof before you go outside, and stay well clear of them. If a tree or large limb has landed on your roof, keep everyone out of the rooms beneath it until it’s been checked.
Step 2: Document the damage from the ground
Before anything gets cleaned up or repaired, take photos. Insurance companies want to see the damage as it was right after the storm.
Photograph the roof from every side, zooming in on missing shingles, lifted edges and anything sitting on the roof.
Photograph debris on the ground, including shingle pieces, broken branches and bent gutters.
Photograph inside: ceiling stains, drips, and wet insulation in the attic if you can safely look.
Write down the date and time of the storm and when you noticed each problem.
Step 3: Keep water out
A small leak can do a lot of damage quickly, so slow it down while you wait for a repair:
Catch drips with buckets and move furniture, rugs and electronics out of the way.
Check your attic with a flashlight for wet spots and set a container under any active drip.
Don’t go up to tarp the roof yourself in storm conditions. If water is coming in, give us a call at (207) 200-1053. We’ll talk you through how to keep things protected until the roof can be properly repaired.
What storm damage looks like on a Maine roof
Most storm damage in Maine comes from wind, falling trees and wind-driven rain. Nor’easters and coastal gales do most of it, and hail is less common here. Here’s what to look for:
Missing shingles, usually along edges, corners and ridges where wind hits hardest
Lifted or creased shingles. Once a shingle’s seal breaks, the next storm can tear it off.
Bent or loose flashing (the metal that seals around chimneys, vents and walls)
Granules piling up in gutters or at the bottom of downspouts
Dents or punctures where branches or debris hit the roof
Gutters pulled loose or downspouts knocked out of place
Water stains on ceilings or in the attic, sometimes days after the storm
Well-installed architectural shingles are built to handle strong wind. Many are rated for winds of 110 to 130 mph. But a shingle that was already loose, poorly nailed or past its prime can lift in a much smaller storm. That’s why older roofs often show damage first.
Step 4: Get a professional inspection
Even if the damage looks minor from the ground, a lifted shingle or cracked flashing can let in water for months before it shows up inside.
We offer two kinds of visits, depending on what you need:
A free roof inspection and estimate, if you want to know what needs fixing and what it will cost
Our 15-point roof inspection, a paid, fully documented report that’s especially helpful when you’re filing an insurance claim
Either way, Larkin will walk you through what he finds in plain language, with photos, and tell you honestly whether a repair will do or whether it’s time to plan for a replacement. Not sure which you need? Our guide to roof repair vs. replacement can help.
Step 5: Contact your insurance company
Storm damage from wind or falling trees is often covered by homeowners insurance, while normal wear and tear usually isn’t. Every policy is different, so call your insurer and ask how they’d like you to proceed.
Your photos and a documented roof inspection give your adjuster a clear picture of what happened. For the full process, see our guide to what your insurance company wants to know about your roof.
Be careful with storm chasers
After big storms, out-of-town crews sometimes go door to door offering fast, cheap repairs. Some are legitimate, but many are gone before warranty problems show up.
Take your time. Ask for proof of insurance, get everything in writing, and don’t sign anything on the spot. Our guide to choosing a roofer in Maine covers the questions to ask.
How to prepare your roof for the next storm
Trim branches that hang over your roof, especially big limbs on older trees.
Keep gutters clear so heavy rain drains away from your roof edge.
Fix small problems early. Loose shingles and worn flashing are the first things to go in high wind.
Have your roof checked after any major storm, and before storm season if it’s getting older.
When it’s time for a new roof, proper nailing and quality wind-rated shingles make a real difference in how your roof stands up to Maine weather.
Frequently asked questions
Should I call a roofer or my insurance company first after storm damage?
Start with safety and photos, then contact both. Your insurer will explain your coverage and claim process, and a roofer can document the damage and protect your home from further leaks. Many homeowners find it helpful to have the damage inspected before the adjuster visits.
How do I know if my roof has storm damage?
Look for missing or lifted shingles, bent flashing, granules in your gutters, dents from debris and new ceiling stains. Most of these can be seen from the ground with binoculars. If you’re not sure, a roof inspection will tell you for certain.
What wind speed damages a roof?
Well-installed architectural shingles are often rated for 110 to 130 mph winds. Shingles that are old, loose or poorly nailed can lift at much lower speeds. Most wind damage in Maine happens during nor’easters and coastal storms, when gusts and wind-driven rain hit the weakest spots.
Can I wait to fix storm damage until spring?
It’s best not to. A lifted shingle or cracked flashing lets water in with every storm, and that water can rot the roof boards and damage insulation and ceilings. If a full repair has to wait, have the damaged area temporarily protected right away.
Storm damage is stressful, but you don’t have to sort it out alone. If your roof took a hit, we’d be glad to come take a look and help you understand your next steps. Feel free to reach out or give us a call at (207) 200-1053.
