Roof Preparation Storm Guide: Damage Inspection for AZ, NM, NJ, UT & FL Homeowners

Don’t Let Storms Compromise Your Roof: A Complete Guide from Reimagine Roofing

From the dry monsoon winds of Arizona to the hurricane-prone neighborhoods of Florida, homeowners across the U.S. know that severe weather is an unavoidable reality. No matter where you live, storm damage and roof preparedness are universal concerns. While the sky may eventually clear, the real trouble often lies overhead—your roof. It’s the first line of defense, and unfortunately, the first to take a beating.

At Reimagine Roofing, we specialize in helping homeowners across Arizona (AZ), New Mexico (NM), New Jersey (NJ), Utah (UT), and Florida (FL) recover from storm-related roof damage. Whether you’re dealing with wind-torn shingles or hail-pocked surfaces, we’ve got your back with free inspections and our 24-hour fast quote tool.

This article walks you through the types of damage storms can cause, how to assess the condition of your roof, and what to do next to prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs.

1. Storm Season News: What Homeowners Need to Know Now

Arizona (AZ)

In early June 2025, the Phoenix area experienced unseasonal monsoon storms. Fierce gusts, dust clouds, and sharp rainfall hit homes in Mesa, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley. These sudden shifts in weather, marked by heavy winds, lead to shingle erosion, lifted flashing, and even torn-off tiles in some cases. Reports from local meteorologists noted winds exceeding 50 mph and visible roof damage in multiple zip codes.

New Mexico (NM)

Santa Fe and Albuquerque were battered by a series of hail and wind storms in June and July 2025. Hobbs, NM, was particularly hard-hit on June 6, when hail as large as golf balls pelted the region, leaving a trail of roof and vehicle damage. Homeowners should inspect their roofs for signs of hail impact, such as dents, cracks, or granule loss, which indicate the roof has been affected by hail. Over 2,500 insurance claims have been filed statewide due to roof damage, mostly related to shingle displacement and vent penetration.

New Jersey (NJ)

While NJ has been spared major storms this season, the thunderstorm corridor along the coast and inland suburbs has produced damaging wind gusts and hail in isolated instances. In summer, summer storms can bring sudden hail and wind to the Garden State, often catching homeowners off-guard.

Utah (UT)

While Utah hasn’t faced a headline-grabbing storm yet in 2025, areas like Salt Lake City and Provo are on watch. Spring rains and hail can weaken roof surfaces over time. Be proactive in inspecting for soft spots, granule loss, and improper drainage. It’s also important to assess the roof’s structure for any signs of storm-related weakening to ensure the foundational integrity of your roof.

Florida (FL)

Tampa Bay and Lakeland got slammed with 1.25” hail just this July 17, 2025. Even though it wasn’t a full-blown hurricane, the event left behind cracked shingles and punctured membranes. Florida’s summer heat following hail can accelerate wear on compromised roofs. It’s crucial to inspect for potential damage after such events, as unaddressed issues can lead to leaks or structural problems down the line.

2. Pre-Storm Preparation: Safeguard Your Home Before the Storm Hits

Getting your roof ready before storm season is one of the smartest ways to avoid costly repairs and minimize storm damage. Start by scheduling a professional roof inspection with a trusted roofing contractor. They can spot early signs of trouble—like missing shingles, cracked shingles, or damaged shingles—that could leave your roof surface vulnerable during severe weather.

Don’t forget to inspect trees and overhanging tree limbs around your home. Large branches can break off in high winds, causing significant damage to your roof or even puncturing the surface. Trim back any limbs that could pose a risk, and remove dead or weak trees before the next storm.

Routine maintenance is key. Clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent water intrusion and ensure rainwater flows away from your home. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling on your roof, increasing the risk of leaks and structural issues.

It’s also wise to review your homeowners insurance provider’s policy so you know exactly what’s covered if you need to file insurance claims after a storm. Keep a roof storm damage checklist handy—this will help you quickly assess your roof’s condition and document any issues for your insurance company.

By taking these proactive steps, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your roof is ready for whatever storm season brings, and you’ll reduce the likelihood of needing temporary repairs or facing major repairs down the road.

2. Common Types of Storm-Related Roof Damage

Understanding how different elements of a storm impact your roof is the first step in safeguarding your home.

Wind Damage

• What to Look For: Missing shingles, lifted edges, exposed nails, broken tiles.
• What Happens: Strong winds and high winds break the seal between shingles, lifting them up and allowing water to creep underneath.

Hail Damage

• What to Look For: Circular dents, bruised shingles, exposed underlayment, chipped tile.
• What Happens: Hail can crush shingle granules and expose the roof to sun and water damage.

Rain & Standing Water

• What to Look For: Pooling water, bubbling, mildew near eaves.
• What Happens: Poor drainage leads to ponding on flat areas or behind clogged gutters. Water slowly seeps into the decking, leading to rot.

Debris Damage

• What to Look For: Broken branches, punctures, structural gouges.
• What Happens: Tree limbs and debris can crack roofing materials or displace flashing, allowing moisture inside. Flying debris, such as small branches or unsecured satellite dishes, can also cause punctures or structural gouges in roofing materials during storms.

4. Post-Storm Safety: Protect Yourself and Your Family

After a storm passes, your first priority should be the safety of your family and home. Begin by carefully inspecting your property for visible damage—look for broken glass, loose items, and debris scattered around your yard and roof. Be especially cautious of trapped moisture, which can lead to mold growth and further roof damage if not addressed quickly.

Check your roof for signs of hail damage, such as dents, soft spots, or missing shingles. If you notice water stains, water spots, or any evidence of water intrusion inside your home, these could be early signs of hidden damage that require immediate attention. Don’t forget to inspect shade structures like patio covers or gazebos, as they can also sustain damage during storms.

If you spot any issues, contact a reputable roofing contractor for a thorough inspection. They can identify both visible and hidden damage, recommend necessary repairs, and help you navigate the insurance claims process with your insurance company. Remember, some damage may not be obvious right away—soft spots, moisture, and subtle leaks can worsen over time if left unchecked.

Always follow safety guidelines when inspecting your roof, and never climb onto the roof if you suspect it’s unsafe. When in doubt, leave the inspection and repairs to the professionals to ensure your home remains safe and secure after the storm.

3. Reimagine Roofing’s Post-Storm Checklist

Use this list after any major weather event:

Roof Perimeter Walk

• Walk your property’s perimeter.
• Inspect large trees near your property for signs of weakness, disease, or structural issues that could pose a risk during storms.
• Take photos of visible shingle damage or exposed underlayment.
• Note if gutters or downspouts have separated.

Interior & Attic Check

• Inspect your attic with a flashlight.
• Look for new water stains, wet insulation, or mold.
• Check ceiling light fixtures for signs of moisture.

Gutter & Drainage Review

• Look for shingle granules in the gutter (a sign of hail damage).
• Make sure water is flowing away from your home.

Yard & Exterior Review

• Inspect for fallen branches or debris near rooflines.
• Check windows, vents, skylights, and flashing.
• Document any fence or patio damage too (insurance tip!). If you find damage, contact your insurance agent promptly to start the claims process.

👉Next Step: Schedule a FREE Inspection with Reimagine Roofing

4. Why Time Is of the Essence

Storm damage isn’t always obvious—and waiting too long can void your insurance coverage or lead to major problems such as:

• Mold and mildew growth in attics
• Plywood rot and compromised structural beams
• Higher heating/cooling costs from insulation damage
• Future leaks in bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens

Don’t delay. Our professional inspection can uncover hidden issues before they become expensive repairs.

After a storm, remember to review your roof warranty documentation to ensure you have coverage for any storm-related repairs.

5. Our Fast Quote Promise – No Guesswork, No Wait

When you use our Fast Quote Tool, simply:

• Upload your address & photos
• Tell us where the damage occurred
• Receive your personalized quote in under 24 hours

We use AI-enhanced satellite imaging + our expert team to create a repair or replacement estimate fast. Our goal? Precision, clarity, and speed.

6. Insurance Claims: Document and Defend

Working with insurance adjusters can be frustrating. Here’s how Reimagine Roofing helps:

• Photo Documentation: We provide timestamped images and assessments.
• Claim Assistance: We help you file efficiently.
• Negotiation Support: If adjusters lowball your claim, we advocate for the correct scope of repair.
• Prompt Insurance Contact: We recommend contacting your homeowners insurance provider or insurance provider as soon as storm damage is discovered to ensure a smooth claims process.
• Policy Review: Always review your insurance policy details to understand your coverage and help expedite your claim.

Your home is your biggest investment. Let us protect it right.

7. Avoid the “Storm Chasers”

After big storms, you’ll see an uptick in out-of-town roofers offering “specials.”

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

• No local address or license
• No verifiable insurance
• Pressure to sign contracts immediately
• Prices that seem too good to be true

How Reimagine Roofing Stands Apart

• Fully licensed and insured in AZ, NM, NJ, UT, and FL
• Thousands of roofs repaired & replaced with 5-star reviews
• Backed by industry-best warranties
• Local crews who understand your building codes and climate

8. Long-Term Roofing Protection Strategies

Once repairs are complete, here’s how to keep your roof in great shape:

Annual Maintenance Plan

• Schedule once-a-year inspections
• Clean out gutters and remove debris
• Reapply sealants as needed

Trim Nearby Trees

• Keep branches from scraping shingles
• Reduce risk of debris during high wind events
• Remove small branches to prevent debris accumulation and reduce the risk of roof damage during storms

Monitor for Interior Signs

• Water spots, musty odors, sudden spikes in your energy bill
• If it doesn’t feel right, get it checked

Your Roof Deserves Reimagination

Storms can cause hidden damage that only reveals itself weeks or even months later. A fast, professional response is essential. At Reimagine Roofing, we bring unmatched speed, transparency, and care to storm damage repair.

Whether you’re in Phoenix, Santa Fe, Jersey City, Salt Lake, or Orlando, we have expert teams ready to help.

Protect your home. Reimagine your roof.

Serving Arizona, New Mexico, New Jersey, Utah, and Florida homeowners with trust, speed, and quality workmanship.

Let Us Help You Today

👉Book Your Free Roof Inspection Now

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Click here to schedule a no-obligation roof inspection. Our expert team will assess your roof, document any damage, and walk you through what to do next.

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