Last Friday, a line of storms tore through Atlantic Canada fast enough to make forecasters nervous. By Saturday morning, roofing contractors’ phones were ringing off the hook. Before you call yours, or worse, file a half-baked claim, grab a coffee and walk through this checklist first. A proper inspection is the difference between a smooth storm repair and insurance claim to drawn-out nightmare.
Start From the Ground Up
Your first inspection should happen with your feet firmly on the ground. Stand back from each side of your house and scan the roofline slowly. You’re looking for:
- Missing, lifted, or visibly cracked shingles
- Sagging sections or uneven ridgelines
- Gutters pulling away from the fascia or clogged with granule buildup (those dark, sand-like particles signal serious shingle wear)
Granules in your gutters aren’t just cosmetic. They’re the weatherproofing layer of your shingles, doing a slow disappearing act.
Check Flashing Points First
Wind damage loves a weak seam. Flashing (the metal strips around chimneys, skylights, vents, and valleys) is the first place water sneaks in after a storm loosens it. Look for lifted edges, rust streaks on your siding below those points, or gaps where caulking has cracked and separated. These small failures cause the biggest repair bills when left unaddressed, heading into the next rain.
Head Inside Before You Go Up
Before anyone gets on a ladder, check your attic. Bring a flashlight and look for water stains on the sheathing, damp insulation, or daylight peeking through where it absolutely shouldn’t be. A fresh stain means a fresh breach. Document everything with your phone camera, timestamps, and all.
The Ladder Walk (or a Call to the Pros)
If you’re comfortable and safe doing so, a close-up look at your ridge caps, field shingles, and drip edge can reveal impact damage, bruising from hail, or punctures from debris. That said, wet roofs and adrenaline are a bad combination. If there’s any doubt about safety or the extent of damage, leave it to someone with experience and the right equipment.
Document Before Anything Gets Touched
Insurance adjusters want evidence, not assumptions. Photograph every problem area from multiple angles before any temporary tarping or repairs begin. Note the date of the storm, the direction of the wind if known, and any immediate interior water intrusion. A thorough paper trail keeps your claim from stalling out.
Why Artisan Roofing Is the Call to Make
With over 25 years of experience across Atlantic Canada, Artisan Roofing has seen every variety of storm damage this region can throw at a roof. The team now proudly serves Moncton, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Halifax, and all surrounding towns and villages, so no matter where the storm hit, help isn’t far.
What sets Artisan apart isn’t just the experience; it’s the backing. Every qualifying roof installation comes with a comprehensive GAF-backed lifetime warranty covering both materials and installation. GAF is one of North America’s largest roofing manufacturers, and that warranty is the kind of coverage that actually means something when the next storm rolls through.
Artisan also understands that unexpected roof repairs can hit a budget hard. That’s why they now offer flexible financing options designed to make the process stress-free from inspection to final nail.
Ready to Get Your Roof Assessed?
Don’t wait for the next rainfall to find the leak for you. Visit Artisanroofing.ca today to book your post-storm inspection with a team that’s been protecting Atlantic Canadian homes for over two decades. Your roof held up through the storm; make sure it’s ready for the next one.
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