Respond safely to branches, wind, and snow
After severe weather, begin with people and interior safety. Keep clear of fallen limbs, sagging ceilings, wet electrical areas, displaced roofing, and unstable trees. From safe ground, record visible impact points, missing or shifted material, bent gutters, altered ridges, debris piles, and water entry. Do not walk the roof to improve the photographs. A professional review should examine the impact area plus the route forces and water may have traveled, including deck condition, surrounding fasteners, flashing, seams, and interior spaces. Temporary weather protection and permanent restoration should be described separately because they solve different stages of the problem.
- Establish a safe interior and exterior boundary before documenting damage.
- Record impact location, event date, water symptoms, and accessible photographs.
- Ask whether the final scope covers surrounding material and concealed deck review.
