The storm passes, the skies clear, and the sun peeks through. You breathe a sigh of relief, maybe walk your yard to pick up a few branches or check on the garden. Everything appears to be fine, or at least it seems that way.
But what about your roof?
According to Warren Ropp, owner of Roofs by Warren, the signs of storm damage aren’t always obvious. “Some of it is really easy to spot,” Warren explained. “You’ll see shingles missing or maybe a branch on top of your house. But a lot of it you can’t see from the ground. That’s where people get into trouble.”
And that’s the tricky part: storm damage often hides in plain sight. The longer it goes unnoticed, the more it can cost you later.
The Hidden Damage Most Homeowners Miss
After a heavy wind or hailstorm, it’s common for homeowners to glance up, not see anything significant, and assume everything’s fine. But according to Warren, that’s when minor problems begin to escalate.
“You can have shingles that lift up during a storm,” he said. “They tear underneath and then lie back down. From the ground, it looks normal, but the seal’s broken. That’s where leaks begin.”
Hail is another sneaky culprit. Actual hail damage, Warren explained, resembles someone hitting your roof with a golf ball. “It leaves a soft spot you can actually feel when you’re up there. You won’t always see that from your driveway.”
It’s not just shingles that take a beating. Flashings, vent boots, gutters, and siding can all show subtle signs of impact. A crack in a vent boot or a loose nail may not seem serious, but over time, it can lead to leaks and rot.
“Most people don’t realize,” Warren said, “they should be having their roof checked every three to five years, not just after big storms. Nails work loose, and neoprene on vent boots cracks. Those little things can lead to bigger problems.”
The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make After a Storm
Warren didn’t hesitate when asked what the biggest post-storm mistake was. “Homeowners get up on the roof themselves,” he said. “I can’t tell you how many calls we’ve had from wives saying their husbands fell off or almost fell off the roof trying to check it.”
Even for people who can safely get on the roof, most aren’t trained to recognize real damage. “It’s not just about what you see,” Warren explained. “It’s about what you know you’re looking at.”
Trying to fix minor issues yourself can also backfire. For example, Warren told us that if you patch a few shingles with a color that doesn’t match, you might unintentionally void your insurance coverage later.
“Ohio’s a uniform appearance state,” he said. “If you replaced a few shingles that don’t match, an insurance adjuster could say you already accepted the mismatched look, then deny coverage for the rest later. People think they’re doing the right thing, but they end up hurting their own claim.”
The Insurance Question Everyone Asks
If there’s one thing almost every homeowner wants to know after a storm, it’s this: Will insurance pay for it?
“That’s the first question we get,” Warren said. “People just don’t have $15,000 lying around for a roof. A lot of them are hoping insurance will cover it.”
And that’s where having a qualified roofer makes all the difference.
“Our job is to take that stress off the homeowner,” he explained. “We’ll inspect the roof, determine if there’s damage worth filing a claim, and if so, we’ll meet the adjuster at the property. Most homeowners are unaware of how that process works, and that’s okay. We handle it for them.”
He also cautions against calling your insurance company first. “Some roofing companies tell everyone to call their insurer, whether there’s damage or not. That can hurt you because every claim, even those that are denied, goes on your record. We won’t have you file a claim unless we’re confident it’s valid.”
How Roofs by Warren Takes a Different Approach
Integrity is the core of Roofs by Warren’s business. Warren’s been in the industry for decades, and he’s built his reputation on doing what’s right for his customers, not what’s quickest or most profitable.
“I won’t waste your time or anyone else’s,” he said. “If I don’t think there’s damage, I’ll tell you straight up.”
That honesty carries through in every part of the process. Roofs by Warren even hires a third-party inspection company to review most of their completed roofs. “We do that because when everyone knows their work is being checked by someone else, they always do their best. I wish every county required inspections, but since they don’t, we decided to do it ourselves.”
Their crews also receive annual training and manufacturer certifications to stay current with proper installation techniques and product updates. “A roof isn’t just shingles,” Warren said. “It’s a system. It has to be installed correctly, or it won’t perform.”
Beware of the Door Knockers
If you’ve ever had someone knock on your door after a storm offering a “free roof inspection,” you’re not alone. Warren says it happens all the time and that homeowners should be cautious about it.
“Some companies hire kids right out of college and send them door to door,” he said. “They don’t know what they’re looking for. They tell everyone to file a claim, and that can cause unnecessary insurance dings.”
His advice? Do your homework. “Research the company. Call their references. Ask the county building department who actually pulls permits. Call the county inspectors. They’ll tell you who’s reputable and who’s not.”
It’s solid, practical advice from someone who’s seen it all. “We pull more permits in our home county than any other contractor,” Warren said proudly. “We do things the right way.”
Customer Stories Worth Sharing
When asked about memorable jobs, Warren smiled. “We’ve helped a lot of people who just couldn’t afford a roof on their own. One that stands out is a young couple, newly married and just starting, who thought their home only had a small roofing problem after a storm. Their home had a missing shingle and two small holes in the siding. After Roofs by Warren performed a full inspection, our team found extensive wind and hail damage that wasn’t visible from the ground. Thanks to their insurance company, the cost to replace the entire roof and all the siding was covered. The couple’s only out-of-pocket expense was their insurance deductible.”
In another instance, a couple was caring for their disabled mother at home. An inexperienced insurance inspector had initially approved $3,200 in storm damage repairs. Roofs by Warren stepped in, conducted a thorough inspection alongside the insurance representative, and provided photographic evidence of widespread hail damage to the roof, gutters, and siding. As a result, the insurance company reevaluated the claim and issued a payment of $44,000 to cover the replacement of all three.
Helping people in situations like that, he said, is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. “The gratitude from customers who can’t afford it otherwise. That’s the best feeling. You take this massive problem off their hands. It feels good to help.”
What to Do After the Next Storm
So, what should you do the next time a big storm rolls through?
Warren recommends starting simple:
- Walk your property and look for shingles, debris, or pieces of flashing.
- Check gutters, siding, and window trim for dents or cracks.
- Note any leaks or damp spots inside.
- If you see anything concerning, or even if you’re unsure, call a qualified roofer.
“Any good roofing company will inspect your roof at no cost,” Warren said. “The main thing is, don’t wait. What you can’t see can hurt you later.”
Why Homeowners Trust Roofs by Warren
Roofs by Warren has built its name on honesty, quality, and local trust. Their team treats every customer like family, a philosophy Warren sums up: “Treat everybody like they’re your grandma. Be honest. No nonsense.”
With over 30 years of experience, manufacturer certifications, and a reputation built on referrals, Roofs by Warren is the go-to choice for homeowners who want peace of mind and work done right the first time.
Don’t wait for leaks to tell you there’s a problem.
You can schedule your free roof inspection with Roofs by Warren today. A short visit could save you thousands down the road, and give you confidence that your home is ready for whatever weather comes next.