You wake up after a rough night of storms. You walk outside and see shingles scattered across your yard. Maybe there's a branch that came down, or you spot a dark stain on your ceiling that wasn't there before.

Your first question is probably the same one most Memphis homeowners ask: How bad is it? Do I need to call someone right now, or can I wait and see?

Here's a simple walkthrough of what to look for after a storm hits Memphis. Some of it you can check from the ground. Some of it needs a closer look. And we'll tell you when it's time to pick up the phone.

Start With a Walk Around Your House

Grab a pair of binoculars if you have them. Walk the full perimeter of your house and look up at the roof. Take your time. You're looking for anything that doesn't look right.

Here's what to check from the ground:

  • Missing or damaged shingles. Look for bare spots where shingles have blown off entirely. Also look for shingles that are curling up at the edges or look torn.
  • Granules in the downspouts or gutters. If you see sand-like grit collecting where your downspouts empty out, that's the protective coating wearing off your shingles. A little is normal. A lot means the storm took a toll.
  • Debris on the roof. Branches, trash, or anything else that blew onto the roof during the storm. Heavy branches can scrape and damage shingles.
  • Dents in vents, flashing, or gutters. If you see dings in your metal vents or gutters, hail likely hit your roof too.

Check Inside Your Attic

This is one of the most important steps, and most people skip it. Go up to your attic with a flashlight. Look for signs of water getting in.

  • Wet insulation. If the insulation feels damp or looks matted down, water is getting through.
  • Water stains on the roof decking. Dark spots or streaks on the wood mean water has been coming in.
  • Daylight coming through. If you can see any light peeking through the roof boards, you have a hole or a gap that needs attention.
  • Musty smell. That damp smell means moisture is trapped up there.

Your attic tells the real story about what shape your roof is in. A lot of damage shows up here before it ever makes it to your ceiling.

Look for Hail Damage Specifically

Memphis gets its share of hail, and it can do damage that's hard to spot from the ground. Here's what hail damage looks like on different parts of your roof:

  • On asphalt shingles: Look for dark, bruise-like spots where the hail hit. The granules get knocked off and the underlying mat gets exposed. Over time, these spots turn into leaks.
  • On metal flashing and vents: Dents and divots in the metal. Even small dents can lead to rust and leaks down the road.
  • On gutters and downspouts: Dings and dents along the edges.

If you see any of these, it's worth having a professional take a look. Hail damage isn't always an emergency, but it gets worse over time.

Check Your Ceilings and Walls Inside

Walk through every room in your house and look up at the ceilings. Check closets and corners too. You're looking for:

  • Water stains (yellowish or brown circles or streaks)
  • Bubbling or peeling paint
  • Walls that feel damp or soft to the touch
  • New cracks in the ceiling or walls

Even a small water stain can mean a slow leak that's been going for a while. If you see one, track it back to figure out where the water is coming from.

When to Call a Professional

Here's the honest answer. Some things you can handle yourself. But we recommend calling a roofer if:

  • You see more than a handful of missing shingles
  • You find wet insulation or daylight in your attic
  • You spot hail damage on shingles, flashing, or vents
  • You have a water stain on your ceiling that's growing
  • You just aren't sure what you're looking at

That last one matters more than people think. A lot of roof damage is hidden. What looks fine from the driveway could be a real problem up close. A trained eye catches things you won't see from the ground.

Most roofers will come out and take a look for free. We do. No sales pitch, no pressure, just a straight answer about what you're dealing with.

Quick Summary

Here's your post-storm checklist:

  1. Walk around the house and look up at the roof
  2. Check your attic for water, light, or damp insulation
  3. Look for hail damage on shingles, vents, and gutters
  4. Check all ceilings and walls for water stains
  5. Call a roofer if you see anything concerning

Memphis storms are part of life here. But a quick check after each one can save you from a much bigger repair down the road. A few minutes of looking now can keep a small problem from turning into a major expense.