Should You Call Your Insurance Company or a Roofer First?

Reading Time: 10–12 Minutes

After a severe storm passes through North Carolina, many homeowners immediately ask the same question:

"Should I call my insurance company first, or should I have a roofing contractor inspect my roof?"

It's an understandable question, especially when you're concerned about protecting your home, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and making sure you take the right steps if your roof has been damaged.

The truth is that the order matters more than many people realize.

Calling your insurance company before understanding the condition of your roof can leave you with unanswered questions, while waiting too long to address storm damage can allow small problems to become expensive repairs.

At 5 Star Roofing & Restoration, we've helped homeowners throughout Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Kernersville, Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Lewisville, Burlington, Jamestown, Clemmons, and surrounding North Carolina communities navigate the roofing process after severe weather. One of the biggest lessons we've learned is that homeowners make better decisions when they first understand the actual condition of their roof.

This guide explains the smartest steps to take after a storm, when to contact your insurance company, and why a professional roof inspection is often the best place to begin.

Quick Answer

If your home has recently experienced strong winds, heavy rain, or falling tree limbs, it's generally best to schedule a professional roof inspection first.

An inspection helps determine whether storm damage is actually present, documents the condition of your roof, and gives you the information you need before contacting your insurance company.

If storm-related damage is confirmed, you can then contact your insurance provider with a clearer understanding of the situation.

Learn more about our Storm Damage Roof Repair Services:

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/roofing/storm-damage

Why Many Homeowners Are Unsure What to Do

Storms often leave homeowners with more questions than answers.

You may notice:

• A few shingles in the yard
• Small tree branches on the roof
• Bent gutters
• Ceiling stains
• Water dripping inside the home

Or perhaps you don't notice anything at all.

Hidden storm damage is surprisingly common, and many roofing problems aren't visible from the ground.

That's why deciding who to call first can feel overwhelming.

The good news is that following a simple step-by-step process can help protect both your home and your peace of mind.

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Before worrying about your roof, focus on safety.

After severe weather:

• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Watch for unstable tree limbs.
• Avoid walking on wet or damaged roofs.
• Keep family members away from areas that may have suffered structural damage.

If a tree has fallen onto your home or you believe the structure is unsafe, contact emergency services before arranging roof repairs.

Remember:

Your roof can be repaired.

Your family's safety always comes first.

Step 2: Perform a Ground-Level Inspection

Once conditions are safe, walk around your home and look for obvious signs of storm damage.

Common indicators include:

• Missing shingles
• Lifted shingles
• Bent flashing
• Fallen tree limbs
• Damaged gutters
• Debris on the roof
• Pieces of roofing material in the yard

Don't climb onto your roof.

Many forms of storm damage cannot be safely identified without proper training and equipment.

Instead, document anything you can safely see from the ground.

Step 3: Take Photos

Before moving debris or making temporary repairs, take photographs of your property.

Document:

• The roof from multiple angles
• Missing shingles
• Fallen branches
• Bent gutters
• Ceiling stains
• Interior leaks
• Damaged siding
• Broken windows

Clear photographs create a helpful record of your home's condition immediately following the storm.

Even if you don't end up filing an insurance claim, having this documentation is valuable.

Step 4: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

This is the step many homeowners skip—and often regret later.

A professional roofing inspection helps answer several important questions:

• Is there storm damage?
• Is the damage recent?
• Is it minor or significant?
• Is repair possible?
• Would replacement be recommended?
• Is there evidence of hidden damage?

Professional inspections frequently uncover problems that cannot be seen from the ground.

For example:

A roof may appear perfectly intact while several shingles have lost their adhesive seal during high winds.

Water may not begin entering the home until the next heavy rainstorm.

That's why we recommend scheduling a roof inspection as soon as possible after significant weather events.

Learn more about our Roof Inspection Services:

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/roofing/inspection

Why Not Call the Insurance Company First?

Many homeowners assume the insurance company should always be their first phone call.

In reality, contacting a roofing professional first provides several advantages.

A professional inspection gives you a clear understanding of your roof's condition before discussing the situation with your insurance provider.

Rather than guessing whether storm damage exists, you'll have information based on an actual inspection.

This allows you to make informed decisions and ask better questions if you decide to contact your insurance company.

It also helps distinguish between:

• Recent storm damage
• Older roofing issues
• Normal roof aging
• Maintenance-related concerns

If you're unsure how to identify storm damage, read our homeowner guides:

What to Do After a Severe Storm Damages Your Roof

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/blog/what-to-do-after-a-severe-storm-damages-your-roof

10 Signs Your Roof Has Storm Damage

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/blog/10-signs-your-roof-has-storm-damage

Wind Damage vs. Normal Roof Aging

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/blog/wind-damage-vs-normal-roof-aging

These resources can help you better understand the warning signs before scheduling an inspection.

What Happens During a Professional Roof Inspection?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a professional roof inspection involves much more than simply looking for missing shingles.

An experienced roofing contractor evaluates the entire roofing system to identify both visible and hidden storm damage.

During an inspection, professionals typically examine:

• Asphalt shingles
• Ridge caps
• Flashing around chimneys and vents
• Roof valleys
• Skylights
• Plumbing vent boots
• Gutters and downspouts
• Fascia and soffits
• Signs of water intrusion
• Roof decking (when accessible)
• Attic ventilation and insulation

The goal isn't to "find damage"—it's to accurately determine the condition of your roof and provide honest recommendations based on what is actually observed.

If Storm Damage Is Found

If the inspection confirms storm-related damage, you'll have a much clearer understanding of the condition of your roof before speaking with your insurance provider.

A professional inspection can help you understand:

• What areas of the roof were affected
• Whether repairs are possible
• Whether replacement should be considered
• Which roofing components were damaged
• Whether there are signs of hidden water intrusion

Having this information allows you to make informed decisions instead of relying on assumptions.

What If No Storm Damage Is Found?

This outcome can be just as valuable.

Many homeowners worry unnecessarily after every major storm.

If an inspection determines that your roof wasn't damaged, you'll have peace of mind knowing your roofing system is still protecting your home.

Sometimes the inspection may identify normal maintenance items instead, such as:

• Aging sealant around flashing
• Minor gutter maintenance
• Moss or algae growth
• Natural shingle aging
• Ventilation improvements

Addressing these smaller issues early can extend the life of your roof and help prevent future problems.

Temporary Repairs Before Insurance

If your roof is actively leaking, preventing additional interior damage should become the priority.

Reasonable temporary measures may include:

• Placing buckets beneath leaks
• Moving furniture and valuables
• Covering belongings with plastic
• Using professional emergency roof tarping when necessary

Temporary protection helps minimize additional damage while a permanent repair plan is developed.

Avoid attempting permanent roof repairs yourself, especially after severe weather.

Wet roofing materials can be extremely slippery, and hidden structural damage may make the roof unsafe.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make After a Storm

Waiting Too Long

Some homeowners assume a small roofing problem will resolve itself.

Unfortunately, roofing issues almost always become worse over time.

A single lifted shingle today may eventually lead to:

• Roof leaks
• Mold growth
• Damaged insulation
• Rotting roof decking
• Ceiling damage
• Costly interior repairs

Prompt inspections often prevent much larger repair bills later.

Assuming Everything Is Fine

Not every storm leaves obvious damage.

Many roofing systems develop hidden problems that don't become visible until weeks later.

That's why we recommend reading:

Can a Roof Leak Weeks After a Storm?

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/blog/can-a-roof-leak-weeks-after-a-storm

Climbing Onto the Roof

Many homeowners try to inspect their own roof immediately after a storm.

This creates unnecessary risk.

Storm-damaged roofs may have:

• Loose shingles
• Wet surfaces
• Soft decking
• Hidden structural damage

A visual inspection from the ground is generally sufficient until a qualified roofing professional can safely evaluate the roof.

Filing a Claim Without Understanding the Damage

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is contacting their insurance company before they fully understand the condition of their roof.

A professional inspection doesn't replace your insurance company, but it gives you valuable information about the roofing system before beginning the claims process.

That knowledge helps homeowners make informed decisions based on facts rather than uncertainty.

Why Homeowners Across the Triad Trust 5 Star Roofing

Choosing a roofing contractor after severe weather isn't just about repairing shingles—it's about finding a company you can trust to provide honest recommendations and quality workmanship.

At 5 Star Roofing & Restoration, we're proud to serve homeowners throughout Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Kernersville, Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Lewisville, Burlington, Jamestown, Clemmons, and surrounding North Carolina communities.

Our credentials include:

• North Carolina's Best Roofing Contractor – 2026
• GAF Master Elite® Contractor
• GAF President's Club Award Winner
• GAF Triple Excellence Award Recipient
• BBB Accredited Business – A+ Rating
• Member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

We believe homeowners deserve clear communication, honest assessments, and solutions tailored to the actual condition of their roof—not high-pressure sales tactics.

Learn why so many homeowners trust our team:

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/why-homeowners-trust-5-star-roofing

Read our customer reviews:

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/about/reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I always call a roofer before my insurance company?

Scheduling a professional roof inspection first helps you understand whether storm damage is actually present before contacting your insurance provider. Once you have that information, you can make a more informed decision about the next steps.

Can I file an insurance claim without a roof inspection?

You can, but many homeowners find it beneficial to first understand the condition of their roof through a professional inspection. This helps clarify whether recent storm damage appears to be present.

What if I don't see any damage?

Hidden storm damage is common. Even if your roof appears normal from the ground, strong winds can loosen shingles or damage flashing without creating obvious visible signs.

Does every storm require a roof inspection?

Not necessarily. However, after severe thunderstorms, high winds, or fallen tree limbs, a professional inspection is a smart way to ensure hidden damage hasn't occurred.

How quickly should I schedule an inspection?

As soon as it's safe after the storm. Early inspections help identify damage before water intrusion leads to more extensive repairs.

Should You Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately?

Every situation is different, but once you've had your roof professionally inspected and understand the condition of your roofing system, you'll be in a much better position to contact your insurance provider if storm-related damage is present.

Having accurate information about your roof helps ensure you're discussing actual damage rather than guessing about what may or may not have happened during the storm.

If your home has experienced severe weather, it's also helpful to keep:

• Photos of visible damage
• The approximate date of the storm
• Notes about when you first noticed any issues
• Records of temporary measures taken to prevent further damage

Being organized can make the claims process smoother and help you answer questions about the condition of your property.

Repair or Replacement?

One of the biggest concerns homeowners have after a storm is whether they'll need a complete roof replacement.

The answer depends on several factors, including:

• The extent of the damage
• The age of the roof
• The condition of the existing roofing materials
• Whether the damage is isolated or widespread
• Manufacturer recommendations
• Long-term value of repair versus replacement

Many storm-damaged roofs can be repaired successfully.

Others may benefit from replacement if significant portions of the roofing system have been compromised.

After a professional inspection, you'll receive recommendations based on the actual condition of your roof—not assumptions.

Learn more about:

Roof Repair

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/roofing/repair

Roof Replacement

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/roofing/replacement

Why Homeowners Across the Triad Choose 5 Star Roofing & Restoration

When your home has been impacted by severe weather, experience and integrity matter.

At 5 Star Roofing & Restoration, we've helped homeowners throughout Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Kernersville, Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Lewisville, Burlington, Jamestown, Clemmons, and surrounding North Carolina communities protect their homes after storms.

We're proud to have earned the trust of homeowners through quality workmanship, transparent communication, and a commitment to doing what's right.

Our credentials include:

• North Carolina's Best Roofing Contractor – 2026
• GAF Master Elite® Contractor
• GAF President's Club Award Winner
• GAF Triple Excellence Award Recipient
• BBB Accredited Business – A+ Rating
• Member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

Beyond roofing, we're committed to serving our community through initiatives including Roofs of Honor, Habitat for Humanity, The Family Room, Heroes Center High Point, Operation Christmas Child, The Pregnancy Network, and local youth sports programs.

Learn more about our company:

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/why-homeowners-trust-5-star-roofing

Meet our team:

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/about/meet-the-team

Read customer reviews:

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/about/reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I call my insurance company before getting my roof inspected?

Many homeowners choose to schedule a professional roof inspection first so they understand the condition of their roof before contacting their insurance provider. This provides a clearer picture of any storm-related damage and helps homeowners make informed decisions.

Can hidden storm damage affect my insurance claim?

Hidden storm damage may not become visible immediately. That's why prompt inspections after severe weather are important—they can identify issues before they become larger problems.

What if my roof only has minor damage?

Minor storm damage can often be repaired before it develops into more expensive issues. Even small problems like lifted shingles or damaged flashing can allow water to enter your home over time.

Is it okay to wait a few months before having my roof inspected?

Waiting may allow hidden damage to worsen. Scheduling an inspection soon after severe weather can help identify problems early and reduce the risk of additional damage.

Can I inspect my roof with binoculars?

A ground-level inspection using binoculars is a safe way to look for obvious issues, but it cannot replace a professional inspection. Many forms of storm damage aren't visible without getting on the roof safely.

How long does a professional roof inspection take?

Most residential roof inspections can be completed in less than an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the home.

What if the inspection shows my roof wasn't damaged?

That's valuable information too. You'll have peace of mind knowing your roof is in good condition, and any maintenance recommendations can help extend its lifespan.

Protect Your Home with the Right First Step

After a severe storm, it's natural to feel overwhelmed by questions about your roof, your insurance, and what to do next.

The best first step is understanding the actual condition of your roof.

A professional inspection can identify hidden storm damage, help you determine whether repairs are needed, and provide the information you need before contacting your insurance company.

At 5 Star Roofing & Restoration, we're committed to helping homeowners make informed decisions—not rushed ones.

Whether your roof needs a minor repair, a complete replacement, or simply a clean bill of health, our experienced team is here to help.

Schedule Your FREE Professional Roof Inspection

Storm Damage Roof Repair:

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/roofing/storm-damage

Request a Free Estimate:

https://www.5starroofingusa.com/request-an-estimate

Related Resources

Continue learning with these homeowner guides:

• What to Do After a Severe Storm Damages Your Roof
• 10 Signs Your Roof Has Storm Damage (Even If It Looks Fine)
• Can a Roof Leak Weeks After a Storm? Here's Why It Happens
• Wind Damage vs. Normal Roof Aging
• Storm Damage Roof Repair
• Roof Inspection Services
• Roof Repair Services
• Roof Replacement Services
• Why Homeowners Trust 5 Star Roofing
• Customer Reviews
• Financing Options

Helpful resources from trusted organizations:

• National Weather Service Storm Safety: https://www.weather.gov/safety
• FEMA Disaster Assistance: https://www.fema.gov
• Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety: https://ibhs.org
• GAF Roofing Education Center: https://www.gaf.com

Last Updated: June 2026

Reviewed by: 5 Star Roofing & Restoration

‍