Indiana weather can turn in an instant. One moment it's calm, and the next you’re dealing with wind gusts, driving rain, or golf ball-sized hail. When storms hit, your roof takes the brunt of the impact—and knowing what to do afterward can save you thousands in future repairs.
Unfortunately, roof damage isn’t always obvious right away. Leaks may not show up for days or weeks, and by the time they do, moisture may have already soaked into your insulation, attic, or drywall. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs of storm-related roof damage and act quickly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to safely assess your roof from the ground after a storm, what signs to look for depending on the type of weather, and when it’s time to call in the professionals. This is especially important in central Indiana, where strong storms, hail, and heavy winds are regular seasonal threats.
No ladders, no climbing—just practical steps you can take right from your driveway or yard.
Here in central Indiana, our climate puts roofs through a lot. Spring and summer bring heavy thunderstorms, strong wind gusts, and the threat of hail. Fall storms can knock tree limbs loose, while winter snow can pile on weight and cause ice buildup.
Each type of severe weather presents its own risk:
High winds can tear off shingles, lift flashing, and blow debris against the roof.
Hail can dent metal components, crack shingles, or bruise the underlayment.
Heavy rain can exploit even small vulnerabilities and lead to leaks or water damage.
The challenge is that some of the most costly damage happens beneath the surface, long before there’s a visible leak.
That’s why homeowners need to stay vigilant—and get professional inspections when something doesn’t look or feel right.
After any major storm, it’s smart to do a visual inspection of your home’s exterior. You don’t need to get up on the roof to notice signs of trouble. In fact, we recommend you don’t.
Instead, take a slow walk around your home and note anything that looks out of place or newly damaged. Here's a safe and thorough post-storm checklist to guide you:
1. Shingles on the Ground or in Your Yard
If you see shingles scattered around your property, it’s a clear sign that wind has pulled them loose. Missing shingles expose your roof deck to rain and can cause fast-developing leaks.
2. Shingles That Look Curled, Bent, or Torn
Even from the ground, you might notice irregular lines or lifted corners. Wind can break the seal between shingles, making them vulnerable to being ripped away in the next storm.
3. Discoloration or Dark Streaks on the Roof
Streaks or wet-looking patches that don’t dry could signal water soaking into the roofing layers. Hail impacts can also bruise asphalt shingles, creating dark marks or dislodged granules.
4. Shiny or Bald Spots on Shingles
If your shingles look like they’ve lost their texture, hail may have knocked off the protective granules. These granules help shield your roof from UV rays and water intrusion.
5. Pieces of Flashing or Metal Trim on the Ground
High winds often loosen or remove metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys. Once flashing is gone, these vulnerable areas can quickly leak during the next rain.
6. Clogged or Overflowing Gutters
After a storm, gutters can fill with shingle granules, leaves, or other debris. Overflowing water may back up under shingles or drip down siding, leading to moisture problems.
7. Sagging or Leaking Soffits and Fascia
Take a close look at the overhangs of your roof. Warped or sagging soffits and fascia boards may indicate that water has been seeping in.
8. Water Stains or Dampness in the Attic
Without climbing, you can access your attic through the hatch or pull-down stairs. Use a flashlight to check for damp insulation, musty smells, or water spots on the underside of the roof decking.
9. Damage to Nearby Structures
Even if you don’t see roof damage, take note of any broken tree limbs, damaged fences, or dented vehicles. If those items were hit, your roof may have taken some punishment too.
10. Signs Inside the Home
Watch for new water stains on ceilings or walls, bubbling paint, or small drips. These could mean the damage has already started to spread indoors.
Storm damage can escalate quickly. A single missing shingle or cracked flashing seam might not leak right away—but once water gets in, it doesn’t stop at the roof. It can soak your insulation, warp your drywall, and invite mold growth.
And while some issues are visible from the ground, others require an expert eye and a safe, up-close inspection. That’s especially true for hail bruises, small cracks in flashing, or hidden moisture inside roof layers.
The longer damage goes unchecked, the more expensive it becomes to fix. Acting fast after a storm is the best way to prevent bigger problems down the line.
We understand the temptation—especially after a major storm, you may want to see the damage firsthand. But roof climbs are extremely dangerous, especially when the surface may be wet, unstable, or structurally compromised.
Even professional roofers use harnesses, safety equipment, and special ladders to do the job safely. A fall from a single-story roof can cause serious injury or worse.
Leave it to the pros. Your safety is worth more than a peek at the shingles.
At Porter Roofing, we’re here to protect your home—and that starts with a safe, thorough inspection after severe weather. We’ve worked with homeowners across central Indiana for years, from Greenwood and Plainfield to Fishers and Noblesville. We understand the regional climate and the types of damage local storms can leave behind.
When you call us after a storm, we’ll:
Inspect your roof safely and thoroughly
Document any visible or hidden damage
Provide clear guidance on next steps
Assist with insurance claims if needed
Whether you need a simple repair or a full roof replacement, we’ll make sure you have the information you need to move forward confidently.
If you’ve experienced high winds, hail, or heavy rain recently, don’t wait for a ceiling stain to show up before taking action. Roof damage can be sneaky—but catching it early can save you time, money, and stress.
Contact Porter Roofing today to schedule a post-storm roof inspection. We’ll handle the hard part, so you can stay safe and worry-free.