After a big storm, it’s natural to breathe a sigh of relief once the wind and rain stop. If your home is still standing and the power is on, it may seem like everything is fine. But not all damage is easy to see. In fact, some of the most serious problems can be hiding under the surface.
Hidden storm damage can show up days, weeks, or even months after a storm. If it's not found early, it can lead to mold, roof leaks, or costly repairs. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for and check your home carefully.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to spot hidden damage, what areas to check, and when to call in help.
Why Hidden Storm Damage Is a Big Deal
Storms bring heavy rain, high winds, and sometimes hail. These things can cause damage in obvious ways—like broken windows or missing shingles. But they can also cause more subtle problems that aren’t easy to see right away.
Here are a few reasons hidden damage can be dangerous:
· Water leaks can cause mold inside walls, floors, or ceilings.
· Small roof problems can lead to bigger roof failures down the road.
· Cracks in your home’s foundation can let in water during the next rain.
· Weakened structures, like fences or awnings, might fall later on.
Catching these problems early can save you time, money, and stress.
Start With a Walk-Around Inspection
When it’s safe to go outside, take a slow walk around your home. Use a notepad or your phone to jot down anything that looks out of place.
Look for:
· Missing or loose shingles on the roof
· Dents or holes in gutters and downspouts
· Cracks or warping in siding or brick
· Broken tree branches on or near your house
· Flooding or standing water near the foundation
· Loose fences, damaged decks, or knocked-over items
Take photos if you see anything suspicious. Even if it seems minor, it might help later if you need to talk to a repair company or file an insurance claim.
Check the Roof From the Ground
It’s never a good idea to climb onto your roof unless you’re trained and have the right safety equipment. Instead, use binoculars or your phone’s zoom feature to look closely from the ground.
What to look for:
· Shingles that are curled, lifted, or missing
· Dark spots or patches where granules have worn away
· Pieces of shingle or roofing material on the ground
· Bent or missing flashing (the metal trim around vents or chimneys)
· Debris piled up on the roof
If anything looks off, call a roofing professional for a closer inspection.
Inspect Your Attic
Your attic can show early signs of water damage that hasn’t reached the ceiling or walls yet. Use a flashlight and check the space carefully.
Look for:
· Damp spots or wet insulation
· Dripping or standing water
· Dark stains or streaks on wood beams
· A musty or damp smell
· Signs of mold, like fuzzy patches or discoloration
Even if you don’t see a puddle, moisture in the attic is a red flag. It often means water is getting in through the roof, even if it hasn’t shown up inside your living spaces yet.
Check Windows and Doors
Strong wind and flying debris can damage windows and doors in ways that aren’t always obvious.
Here’s what to check:
· Cracks or chips in the glass
· Water spots or moisture between window panes
· Drafts or air leaks around the edges
· Loose or warped frames
· Hard-to-open doors or windows, which may signal the frame has shifted
Use your hand to feel around the edges for air or water coming in. Small leaks may not seem like a big deal, but they can lead to mold and energy loss over time.
Don’t Forget the Basement or Crawl Space
Storm damage doesn’t just happen up high—it can happen low to the ground too. Water from heavy rain can leak into basements or crawl spaces, even if you’ve never had problems before.
Look for:
· Standing water or puddles
· Damp walls or flooring
· A musty smell
· Rust on pipes or metal supports
· Cracks in the floor or foundation walls
Use a flashlight to check all corners, especially if the space is dark or unfinished. Even a small amount of water can lead to mold or rot if left alone.
Look at Trees and Landscaping
Trees, shrubs, and outdoor structures can give clues about storm damage, too. If you notice broken branches, leaning trees, or a yard that’s holding water, those are signs something’s changed.
Check for:
· Branches hanging over your roof or wires
· Cracked or leaning tree trunks
· Roots lifting from the ground
· Water is pooling near the base of your home
These signs could mean a tree is unstable or that your yard’s drainage system isn’t working well anymore. Both problems could cause damage in the next storm.
Keep an Eye on Your Utility Systems
Storms can mess with your home’s systems even if the damage isn’t visible.
Pay attention to:
· Flickering lights or tripped breakers
· Odd smells from gas or electric appliances
· Heating or cooling units are not working properly
· Low water pressure or dirty water
If anything feels different after a storm, call a licensed professional to check it out. It’s better to be safe when it comes to electricity or gas lines.
When to Call for Help
Some storm damage is easy to see. But if you’re not sure what you’re looking at—or if you want to be extra cautious—it’s a good idea to call a professional.
Here’s when to reach out:
· You see signs of water inside your home
· Shingles or siding are missing or cracked
· Gutters or downspouts are bent or detached
· Your attic smells musty or feels damp
· A tree or large branch hit your home
· You’re not sure if the damage is covered by insurance
Many roofing and restoration companies offer free or low-cost inspections after a storm. They can give you peace of mind or let you know what needs to be fixed before it gets worse.
Take Notes for Insurance
If you plan to file an insurance claim, you’ll want good records of everything you find.
· Write down the date and time of the storm
· List everything that was damaged
· Take clear photos or videos
· Save receipts for any emergency repair
The more information you have, the easier the claim process will be. Even small details can help your insurance company understand what happened.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to think your home is fine after a storm if nothing looks broken. But damage isn’t always clear right away. Water can hide in your attic or walls. Roof problems can start small and grow. And cracks or leaks can show up long after the storm has passed.
By checking your home carefully and knowing what signs to look for, you can catch problems early, before they turn into expensive repairs. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t wait. Talk to a professional and take action.
Your home keeps you safe during storms. After the storm passes, it’s your turn to keep your home safe, too.