After a storm, a shingle in the yard is a reason to have the roof checked. Stay on the ground, photograph what changed, and look indoors for new water marks. A drone can help document hard-to-see areas, but the repair recommendation should come from the damage found.
What should you do first after a storm?
| When | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Once it is safe outside | Photograph debris and visible roof changes from the ground | Creates a dated record from a safe position |
| Inside the house | Check ceilings, attic access, skylights, and chimney areas for new water | Shows whether temporary water control may be urgent |
| If water is entering | Protect belongings and arrange safe temporary mitigation | Limits further damage; keep invoices and photos |
| If a claim may be involved | Contact your insurer or broker promptly | Reporting steps and coverage depend on the policy |
| Before permanent work | Get a written, photo-supported inspection scope | Separates a local repair from a broader roofing problem |
The Insurance Bureau of Canada advises homeowners to document damage, keep detailed notes and receipts, and contact their insurance representative. If water is near wiring or fixtures, do not improvise around live electrical equipment.
What can a drone roof inspection show?
A drone can produce overview and close-up images of slopes, ridges, valleys, flashings, vents, skylights, and other areas that are difficult to see from the ground. Useful documentation identifies the roof area shown and records the inspection date. A labelled overview and clear detail photos are more useful than a large unorganised folder.
A drone cannot test whether the deck is soft, determine why an attic is damp, lift materials to inspect the underlayment, or promise that an insurer will cover the loss. Those questions may require an attic check, moisture readings, a hands-on inspection by someone using proper fall protection, or limited opening during repair.
Drone work is also aviation work. Transport Canada says the rules depend on the aircraft, airspace, distance from people, and type of operation. Ask the operator to follow the current drone operation and pilot-certificate rules, including privacy and site-safety requirements.
What should the inspection record contain?
The report should connect each observation to a location: front slope, rear valley, chimney flashing, ridge, or attic area. It should distinguish visible damage from suspected hidden damage and say what needs closer inspection. For storm-damaged shingles, GAF's technical guidance notes that individual shingles or a damaged roof plane may sometimes be replaceable. That is why the report should describe the extent of damage instead of jumping straight to a full replacement.
How should you handle the insurance side?
Read the policy and follow the insurer's reporting instructions. Coverage, deductibles, matching rules, depreciation, emergency work, and contractor selection vary. Do not let a contractor promise approval, tell you exactly what the policy pays, or start permanent work before the insurer has given the instructions your claim requires.
Give the insurer accurate photos, dates, weather context, and invoices. Keep damaged material when practical until the insurer says it can be discarded. Emergency work should limit further damage, not quietly become an unsigned roof-replacement contract.
When is a repair enough?
A repair may be reasonable when damage is localized, compatible replacement material is available, the surrounding roof remains serviceable, and the deck and flashings are sound. Wider replacement may make sense when damage crosses several areas or the inspection finds broader deterioration. Consider the roof age alongside its present condition.
What should a written roofing scope say?
Ask for the damaged locations, proposed repair, exact materials, deck-repair process, flashing work, ventilation impact, cleanup, warranties, schedule, and responsibility for claim communication. Ontario's roofing consumer guide explains what belongs in a written quote and contract. Our roof replacement guide shows how to compare those line items, and our roofing and siding service covers the repair and replacement scope.