Dothan – October 02, 2026 -- Homeowners whose roofs take a hit from wind or hail should skip the ladder and start with a safety-first inspection routine, according to a new article published by HelloNation featuring insights from Quinn Kriser, a roofing expert at All About Roofs in Dothan, Alabama.

The guidance centers on one core warning: climbing onto a storm-damaged roof to check it personally is unsafe. Wet surfaces, loosened materials, and hidden structural weak points can turn a routine inspection into an injury risk, even when damage looks minor from ground level.

Missing shingles are the most visible red flag after high winds

Strong gusts can tear shingles away entirely or loosen them just enough to create future vulnerabilities. Exposed underlying materials raise the odds of water getting in during the next storm.

Hail dents on gutters often point to damage higher up

Hail damage isn't always obvious from the ground, but dents on gutters, downspouts, or flashing can indicate the roof itself was affected. Hail can weaken shingles and shorten their lifespan even without visible holes.

Damaged flashing is easy to miss and hard to fix alone

Flashing shields vulnerable spots around chimneys, valleys, walls, and roof penetrations. High winds can loosen it or open gaps that let rainwater seep beneath roofing materials, which is why it's typically checked closely during a professional inspection.

Fallen branches should be photographed, not removed, by homeowners

Storm debris on a roof should be documented rather than cleared personally, since the affected area may be structurally unstable.

Interior clues can appear before exterior damage is obvious

Water stains on ceilings, damp insulation, peeling paint, or discoloration in the attic can signal storm damage long before it shows up outside the house.

The article recommends photographing missing shingles, dents, fallen branches, water stains, and damaged flashing to create a record for later repair discussions. After this safe visual check, scheduling a professional roof inspection is advised, since trained roofers can spot lifted shingles, compromised seals, hidden moisture, and subtle hail damage that aren't visible from the ground.

Weather-related roof damage, the article notes, rarely improves on its own.