Roof Recovery 101: What Commercial and Residential Owners Should Check After a Storm

Severe weather can leave behind more than scattered debris and compromise your roof’s ability to protect your property.

Knowing what to look for after a storm is essential for homeowners and commercial property owners in Northeast Arkansas.

The faster you identify potential damage, the better your chances of preventing costly repairs.

In this guide, we’ll outline practical steps for assessing storm damage safely, identifying warning signs, and understanding when to call a roofing professional. 

Whether you manage a business or own a home, these tips will help you take action confidently and protect your investment.

Prioritizing Safety First

Safety should be your top priority before attempting to check for damage.

Storms can leave behind dangerous conditions that put both homeowners and property managers at risk.

For Homeowners:

• Walk your property’s perimeter before inspecting the home itself.
• Avoid getting on your roof. Minor damage can make surfaces unstable.
• Watch for downed power lines, sharp debris, or weakened tree branches.

For Commercial Property Owners:

• Avoid rooftop areas until a professional inspection can confirm they are secure.
• Be mindful of hazards like broken skylights, damaged HVAC units, or loosened rooftop equipment.
• Check for standing water, as clogged drainage systems often cause pooling on commercial roofs.

If you’re unsure whether your property is safe to inspect, it’s best to wait for a professional roofing contractor. 

Sierra Group Roofing specializes in post-storm readiness and provides fast, reliable assessments to help you act safely.

Exterior Roof Inspection: What to Look For

Once conditions are safe, inspect your roof’s exterior from the ground. Knowing what to look for will help you spot potential issues early.

For Residential Roofs:

• Missing or Displaced Shingles: High winds can lift or tear shingles, exposing the underlying layers to water infiltration.
• Damaged Flashing: Flashing around vents, chimneys, or skylights may bend or loosen during storms.
• Hail Damage: Hail impact often appears as dark spots, small dents, or cracked shingles.

For Commercial Roofs:

• Membrane Tears or Punctures: Flat and low-slope roofs are especially vulnerable to debris impacts and sharp edges that tear protective membranes.
• Loose Seams or Fasteners: Wind uplift can cause materials to shift, exposing gaps in your roof’s protection.
• Pooling Water: Flat commercial roofs are designed to drain effectively. If water still sits on the roof hours after the storm, drainage issues or structural concerns may occur.

Spotting these signs early can prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.

Interior Signs of Roof Damage

Some types of storm damage may not be visible from the exterior alone. 

That’s why checking inside your property is equally important.

For Residential Properties:

• Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls: Brownish rings or discoloration often signal a slow leak.
• Peeling Paint or Warped Drywall: These signs can indicate moisture buildup behind walls.
• Damp Attics or Musty Odors: If your attic smells musty, trapped moisture may be the culprit.

For Commercial Properties:

• Ceiling Tile Discoloration: Water-damaged tiles may sag or show visible staining.
• Wet Carpets or Pooling Water: Leaks from overhead pipes or vents may signal roof damage.
• HVAC System Leaks: Damage to rooftop HVAC units may cause leaks to enter the building’s interior.

Identifying these warning signs early can prevent long-term issues like mold growth or compromised insulation.

Special Attention to Gutters and Drainage Systems

Your roof’s drainage system is essential to post-storm readiness. 

Blocked or damaged gutters can cause water to back up under your roof materials, increasing the risk of leaks.

Signs of Gutter Damage to Watch For:

• Detached or Loose Gutters: High winds can loosen brackets or dislodge gutter sections.
• Bent or Warped Gutters: Hail often leaves dents or deformities that restrict water flow.
• Clogged Downspouts: After heavy storms, debris can clog your system and prevent proper drainage.

For commercial buildings, internal drainage systems and scuppers should also be inspected. 

Ensuring these systems are transparent prevents water buildup on flat or low-slope roofs.

Spotting Hidden Storm Damage

Not all storm damage is immediately obvious. 

Some issues may develop slowly, causing problems weeks or months later.

Common Hidden Issues:

• Cracked or Bruised Shingles: Even if shingles appear intact, impact damage can weaken their protective layer.
• Membrane Separation: For commercial roofs, small membrane tears can worsen with time.
• Loose Roofing Materials: Strong winds may loosen materials that shift gradually, opening gaps for water to seep through.

Scheduling a professional inspection after a severe storm is the best way to uncover these hidden threats.

Documenting Storm Damage for Insurance

Proper documentation is essential for filing an insurance claim if your property has sustained storm damage. 

Taking these steps can help secure the coverage you need:

• Photograph All Visible Damage: Capture images from multiple angles to highlight affected areas.
• Create a Written List of Damaged Areas: Include both interior and exterior concerns.
• Save Receipts for Temporary Repairs: Insurance providers often reimburse these costs.

A professional roofing inspection can provide a detailed report for your insurance provider, strengthening your claim. .

When to Call a Roofing Professional

Not all damage can be spotted from the ground — and attempting DIY repairs can be risky.

Call a Roofing Professional If:

• You notice visible structural concerns, such as sagging or damaged support beams.
• There’s evidence of ongoing leaks or water damage inside your property.
• You suspect hidden damage that may worsen with time.

Sierra Group Roofing provides expert post-storm inspections and repairs for both residential and commercial properties. 

Our team specializes in identifying damage early and delivering customized solutions to protect your investment.

Preventing Future Storm Damage

While storms are unavoidable, you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk of severe damage.

Preventative Tips:

• Schedule annual roofing inspections to catch issues early.
• Install impact-resistant shingles or reinforced membranes for added protection.
• Clear gutters and drainage systems regularly to improve water flow.
• Repair small cracks, loose fasteners, or worn flashing before they lead to costly repairs.

Investing in post-storm readiness today can save you time, money, and stress down the road.

Protect Your Property with Confidence

Storm damage is stressful, but knowing what to look for — and when to act — can make a big difference. 

You can protect your property and minimize repair costs by inspecting your roof’s exterior, checking for interior warning signs, and working with a trusted roofing professional.

If your commercial or residential property has been impacted by recent storms in Northeast Arkansas, Tennessee, or Missouri, Sierra Group Roofing is here to help.

Contact us today for a professional inspection, and let us keep your roof secure and storm-ready.