After a big storm rolls through Monroe, it can feel like everything looks fine from your driveway. But storm damage is sneaky. What you can’t see — water behind your walls, cracked flashing, lifted shingles — can cost you thousands if you let it sit. This storm damage assessment walks you through exactly where to look, what to watch for, and when to call a professional.
Start Outside: Walk the Full Perimeter of Your Home
Don’t just look up. Walk slowly around the entire exterior and look at every surface at eye level and above.
Check for:
- Missing, cracked, or curled shingles
- Dented gutters or downspouts pulled away from the fascia
- Damage to siding, including dents, cracks, or sections blown off
- Fallen branches resting on the roof or leaning against the house
- Broken fencing, detached gates, or damaged outbuildings
Even small dents in aluminum siding or gutters signal a strong hail or wind event. Document everything with your phone before touching anything.
Check Your Roof — Safely
You don’t need to climb up to get a good initial look. Use binoculars from the ground or a ladder to peer at the roofline from a safe position.
Look for:
- Granules washed into gutters or scattered on the ground below downspouts
- Lifted or buckled sections along the ridge
- Exposed wood decking where shingles have blown away
- Bent or missing metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents
Granule loss is one of the first signs of hail damage on asphalt shingles. It reduces your roof’s ability to shed water and accelerates aging.
Inspect Gutters and Drainage as Part of Your Storm Damage Assessment
Clogged or damaged gutters send water straight toward your foundation. After any storm, check this carefully.
Look for:
- Debris buildup blocking water flow
- Seams that have separated or are leaking at joints
- Gutters sagging or pulling away from the roofline
- Water staining on siding below gutter lines (a sign of overflow)
Make sure downspouts are directing water at least 4–6 feet away from your foundation. If water is pooling near your home, it’s a problem you need to address quickly.
Move Inside: Check the Attic First
Your attic is the first place to show interior water intrusion after a storm. Head up there within 24 hours if you can.
Look for:
- Fresh water stains on sheathing or rafters
- Wet or compressed insulation
- Active dripping or pooling on the attic floor
- Daylight visible through the roof deck (a serious sign)
Even small stains are worth investigating. A slow leak after one storm becomes a major mold problem after the next.
Check Ceilings, Walls, and Windows Throughout the Home
Water travels. A leak at the roofline can show up on a first-floor ceiling or inside a wall.
Look for:
- New yellow, brown, or gray stains on ceilings
- Bubbling or peeling paint on walls
- Window seals that are fogged up or wet on the inside
- Gaps where caulking has cracked or pulled away around windows and doors
Pay attention to any musty smell. That’s often the first sign that moisture has been sitting long enough for mold to begin.
Inspect Your Basement and Crawl Space
Heavy rain in the Snohomish area can overwhelm drainage systems quickly. After a major storm, check your lower level.
Look for:
- Standing water or damp concrete floors
- Water marks along the base of walls that weren’t there before
- Efflorescence (white chalky deposits) on block or concrete walls
- Sump pump that ran more than usual or failed entirely
If you have a crawl space, check for wet vapor barrier or standing water on the ground.
Assess Trees and Landscaping Near the Structure
Trees can cause slow damage that’s easy to miss at first.
Look for:
- Large branches resting against the siding, gutters, or roof
- Newly leaning trees with roots beginning to lift from the ground
- Debris that may have clogged window wells or air vents
- Damage to exterior AC units, gas meters, or utility boxes
A branch sitting on the roof for days can cause moisture damage even without penetrating the surface. Get it removed quickly.
Document Everything Before You Clean Up
This is critical for your insurance claim. Before you remove debris, make repairs, or hire anyone:
- Take date-stamped photos and video of all damage
- Write a brief description of what you observed in each area
- Save receipts for any emergency protective measures (tarps, boarding)
- Note the storm date and any public weather alerts issued for your zip code
Your insurer will want this documentation. Don’t skip it.
Know When to Call a Professional
Some damage is obvious. A lot of it isn’t. Hire a licensed restoration contractor if you notice:
- Any signs of interior water intrusion
- Roof damage beyond a few missing shingles
- Structural concerns, including shifted framing or cracked foundation
- Mold growth or a persistent musty smell
Waiting even a few days after storm damage allows moisture to penetrate deeper and mold to establish. Early response almost always means lower repair costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a storm should I check for damage? Do your initial walkthrough within 24 hours of the storm passing, if it’s safe to do so. Water intrusion and roof damage can worsen quickly with additional rain, so early documentation and temporary protective measures matter.
Does homeowners insurance in Washington cover storm damage? Most standard homeowners policies in Washington cover wind and hail damage. Coverage for flooding typically requires a separate flood insurance policy. Review your policy and document everything before filing a claim. A restoration professional can help you understand what’s covered.
What’s the most commonly missed storm damage in the Snohomish area? Attic water intrusion and granule loss on asphalt shingles are the two most frequently overlooked issues. Both are hidden from street view, easy to miss on a quick walkthrough, and both can cause significant long-term damage if ignored.
Ready for a Professional Storm Damage Assessment in Monroe or Snohomish?
Don’t wait and wonder. KSA Restore offers fast, thorough storm damage inspections for homeowners across Monroe, Snohomish, Bothell, and the surrounding area. We work directly with your insurance company and can respond quickly when you need help most.
Schedule your inspection today → Or call us directly to speak with a restoration specialist.
Posted on March 3, 2026 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business