Last updated: October 2026 · Cost data from the sources listed at the end
After a storm, most roof damage is fixable: replacing blown-off shingles or resealing lifted flashing usually costs $150 to $1,000. Moderate storm repairs run $1,000 to $3,000, and damage that reaches the decking can pass $6,000. Because wind and hail are covered perils in most homeowners policies, the order in which you document, protect and call matters as much as the repair itself.
In this guide
Emergency tarping: about $1.00–$2.80 per sq ft. After-hours visits add roughly $200–$300. For comparison, a full roof replacement averages about $10,000.
What to do in the first 24 hours
- Stay safe. Keep away from downed power lines and don’t climb on the roof. Wet, damaged roofs are dangerous.
- Document everything from the ground. Take dated photos and video of the roof, gutters, siding, windows, any debris and fallen branches, and the inside of the house: ceilings, walls and the attic.
- Stop more water getting in. Put buckets under drips and move belongings. If there’s an opening in the roof, call a roofer for an emergency tarp. Your policy expects you to prevent further damage, and the cost of temporary repairs is usually part of the claim.
- Keep receipts for the tarp, buckets, fans and anything else you buy.
- Call your insurer to report the damage and ask about next steps before you agree to a full repair.
- A tree or large branch is on the roof, or you can see daylight through the ceiling.
- The ceiling is sagging with water or water is near light fixtures.
- You smell gas or see damaged power lines near the house.
Signs of storm damage to look for
Some storm damage is obvious. Some isn’t visible for weeks, until a leak shows up inside. Check for:
- Missing, torn or lifted shingles, often along the edges and ridge where wind hits hardest.
- Shingle pieces or granules in the yard, gutters or at the bottom of downspouts.
- Dents in gutters, downspouts, vents, AC units or a car parked outside. These often mean hail hit the roof too. See how to spot hail damage.
- Bent or loose flashing around the chimney, vents and skylights.
- Water stains on ceilings or wet insulation in the attic.
- Fallen branches that may have punctured shingles or cracked the decking.
Storm damage roof repair cost by type of damage
| Damage | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency tarp over damaged area | $1.00–$2.80 per sq ft |
| A few missing or damaged shingles | $150–$450 |
| Lifted or damaged flashing | $200–$600 |
| Leak repair after storm | $350–$1,500 (avg. about $800) |
| Damaged decking (per 100 sq ft) | $200–$500 |
| Moderate storm repairs | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Major damage (structure, large areas) | $3,000–$6,000+ |
Most roofers also have a minimum service charge of about $150 to $300, and emergency or after-hours work can add $200 to $300. If several areas of the roof are damaged, it may be more sensible to replace it: see roof replacement cost. For prices on non-storm repairs, see roof repair cost.
Will insurance pay for storm damage to my roof?
Usually yes, if the damage comes from a covered event like wind, hail, the weight of snow and ice, or a tree falling in a storm. Insurers usually deny the parts they believe come from old age, wear and tear or poor maintenance, so they will look closely at your roof’s condition before the storm.
- Your wind or hail deductible. In many states it is a percentage of your dwelling coverage, not a fixed amount. A 5% deductible on a $325,000 home means you pay the first $16,250.
- Actual cash value vs replacement cost. Some policies pay older roofs (often 10–15 years old) at depreciated value, which can leave you paying much of a replacement yourself.
- Your deadline. Policies set a time limit to report damage and to finish repairs. Report as soon as you can.
If the repair is only a little more than your deductible, compare it with the risk of a higher premium: see does homeowners insurance cover water damage for how insurers treat related interior damage.
Step-by-step: from storm to finished repair
- Document the damage and make temporary repairs (tarp, buckets, drying).
- Report the claim to your insurer and write down the claim number.
- Get a written inspection and estimate from a local, licensed roofer.
- Meet the insurance adjuster at the house. Ideally, have your roofer there too so nothing is missed.
- Compare the adjuster’s estimate with your roofer’s. If items are missing, send your roofer’s estimate and photos to the insurer and ask for a review.
- Sign a repair contract only once you know what the insurer will pay, and never sign over your claim rights to a contractor without reading exactly what you’re signing.
Watch out for storm-chaser scams
After big storms, out-of-town crews go door to door offering fast roof repairs. Some are honest; many are not. Warning signs flagged by the Better Business Bureau include:
- Knocking on your door uninvited right after the storm.
- Asking for cash or a large payment up front.
- Refusing to put the job, price and materials in writing.
- Pressuring you to sign right away, or offering to “cover” or waive your deductible, which is illegal in many states.
Good local roofers get busy after storms. Waiting a few days for a reputable one is usually better than hiring the first truck on your street.
Repair or replace after a storm?
Repair is usually right when damage is limited to one area and the rest of the roof is in good condition. Replacement starts to make sense when:
- Damage is spread across several slopes, as is common with large hail.
- The roof was already near the end of its life (around 20 years or more for standard asphalt).
- Matching the existing shingles isn’t possible and patches would be obvious.
FAQ
How long after a storm can I file a roof claim?
It depends on your policy and state. Many policies require you to report damage “promptly” and some set a fixed limit, such as one or two years. Check your policy and report as soon as possible.
How do I know if my roof has storm damage?
Look from the ground for missing or lifted shingles, granules in gutters, dented metal, and bent flashing, then check ceilings and the attic for water stains. A roofer can inspect the roof surface safely.
Should I tarp my roof after a storm?
Yes, if there’s an opening or an active leak. Insurers expect you to prevent further damage, and the cost of an emergency tarp is usually included in a covered claim. Keep the receipt.
Can I choose my own roofer for an insurance claim?
Yes. In general, you can hire the contractor you want, even if your insurer suggests one.
Sources
- HomeGuide – Roof repair cost (February 2026)
- Fixr – Roof leak repair cost (data updated January 2026)
- GEICO – Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?
- Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance – Insurance may not cover a hail-damaged roof
- KY3 – Better Business Bureau warns of roofing scammers after storms (April 2026)