Storm Damage Inspection: 9 Signs Your Roof Took a Hit
By Roof Inspection Masters • New Brunswick, NJ
After New Brunswick storms, damage hides in plain sight. Here are the signs of storm damage our inspectors look for — and what you can spot yourself before calling us.
What you can see from the ground
- Shingles, shingle pieces or granule piles in the yard and at downspouts
- Dents on gutters, downspouts, vents or AC units (collateral hail evidence)
- Missing or visibly lifted shingles and ridge caps
- Fallen limbs or impact marks on the roof
What we find on the roof
Hail bruising (soft spots where mats fractured), wind creasing at the seal line, lifted tabs with debris underneath, torn or displaced flashing, and punctures from debris. None of this is reliably visible from the ground — which is why "it looks fine from the driveway" means nothing.
What to do next
Document with dated photos, get a professional storm inspection with test-square counts, then decide about filing. Most policies require prompt notice — waiting months weakens your position.
Why It Matters in New Brunswick
New Brunswick averages about 29 inches of snow per winter with February nor'easters, ice dams from freeze-thaw cycles, and humid summers. Snow load, ice damming and wind-driven rain are the big three roof killers here. An inspection catches the small failures — lifted flashing, cracked boots, clogged valleys — before they become interior damage. At $150 to $400, it is the cheapest roofing decision most homeowners ever make.
What Our Inspections Include
Every Roof Inspection Masters inspection covers all roof slopes (on foot or by drone), attic decking and ventilation, flashing and penetrations, and gutters and drainage. You get a photo-documented written report within 24 hours — prioritized findings, remaining-life estimate and honest next steps from certified experts with a decade of roofing experience.
Local Context: New Brunswick, NJ
Historic colonials and Victorians near Rutgers, brick rowhouses downtown, and post-war Capes in the outer wards — a mix where ice dams exploit every weak valley, eave and flashing detail.
Questions About Your Roof?
Call Now — talk to your local licensed expert at (888) 974-0663.
Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sat: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Sun: Closed • Our call representatives are available 24/7 for emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most policies allow 1–2 years, but require prompt notice. Inspect within days or weeks, not months.
No — claims are evaluated on your roof's damage alone. But widespread neighborhood damage confirms storm severity.
Carriers owe for the damaged slopes; matching laws in many states then require replacing adjacent slopes for uniform appearance.