Storm & hurricane roofing resources
If your home was recently impacted by severe weather, GAF has resources available to help you assess potential damage and locate a contractor certified¹ by GAF to repair or replace your roof.
Find a contractor
Visible signs of potential roof damage from hurricanes and major storms
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.
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. Check for sunlight showing through the wood and sagging.
Outside
Walk around your house, examining as much of the roof as you can see from the ground. Check for missing, cracked or curled shingles. Also look for debris, dark patches, and bent or detached flashing.
Up the ladder
If you are comfortable climbing a ladder, you can get a better look at your roof up close. Take note of loose nails and gutter debris.
Find a contractor for storm damage roof repair
North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, GAF supports homeowners before, during, and after storms. GAF can help you locate an independent, certified roofing contractor1 who can evaluate potential roof damage and repair or replace your roof.
Find a contractor
1 Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the Contractor Terms of Use. Visit www.gaf.ca/gaf-contractor-terms-of-use for details.
Taking action before and after a storm can help reduce the risk of damage.
Tarp the roof
A sturdy tarp can help cover holes or loose shingles and provide a temporary barrier against rain and wind. This is a project you may want to leave to a roofing pro.
Board windows
Boarding windows is usually a two-person job, often done before the storm hits. Half-inch or 3/4 inch plywood provides impact resistance during the storm and rain resistance in case of broken glass.
Remove standing water
Use a shop vac to remove any indoor standing water. Be sure to wear waterproof footwear that reaches above the waterline, and be very careful around water that reaches electrical outlets.
Dry out wet areas
To help prevent mold, use a powerful fan(s) to help completely dry any wet areas. Be prepared to replace soaked wallboard or upholstered furniture.
Explore additional resources
Learn about various aspects of roof restoration and high quality roofing materials.
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
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.
Plan roof repairs
Shingles that give your roof a fighting chance against hail²
Timberline® AS II SBS Modified IR Shingles combine all the beauty of Timberline® Shingles with UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance.
2 UL 2218 Class 4 Impact-Resistance Test performed under controlled laboratory conditions. GAF makes no express or implied warranty about the impact performance of this product against hail. Hail damage is not covered under the limited warranty. See GAF Shingle and Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
Timberline HDZ® shingles help protect your home
Timberline HDZ® shingles provide the perfect combination of beauty and strength. When installed with the required combination of four qualifying GAF accessories, GAF shingles with LayerLock® technology qualify for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation.3
3 15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty covers GAF Shingles with LayerLock® Technology only and 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. For installations not eligible for the WindProven limited wind warranty, see GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
More storm resources on the GAF blog
Conducting a roof inspection from the ground
Learn how to conduct a routine roof check from the ground, so you'll know when it's time to bring in a professional.
View inspection article
How to Prepare Your Roof for Hurricanes
Learn more about how to prepare your roof for hurricane season.
View hurricane article
More about hail roofing damage
Visit our blog to learn more about steps to take after a hail storm.
View hail damage article
Missing Shingles on Your Roof? Here's What to Do
If you notice missing shingles on your roof, there's no need to panic.
View missing shingle article
FAQs for storm recovery
Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and families affected by disaster. See if your area has been declared for Individual Assistance and apply online.
Visit FEMA for quick links to National, State, and Local disaster recovery resources
Disaster Resources - fema.gov/disaster
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.