Living in coastal North Carolina means accepting the reality of hurricane season. Wilmington, NC and the surrounding communities in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties sit in one of the most hurricane-prone regions on the East Coast. When a storm hits, knowing what to do in the aftermath can save your home from further damage and protect your financial recovery.

Immediately After the Storm

Stay Safe First

Do not return home until local authorities confirm it is safe
Watch for downed power lines, standing water, and structural instability
Wear closed-toe shoes and gloves when inspecting your property
Stay off the roof — wet surfaces and hidden structural damage make rooftop inspections dangerous for homeowners

Prevent Further Damage

Once you can safely access your property:

Tarp exposed areas — If you see missing shingles or visible decking, cover the area with a tarp to prevent water infiltration. If you cannot do this safely, call for emergency roof repair immediately
Remove debris — Clear branches and debris from the roof surface and gutters (from the ground or a stable ladder only)
Address interior water — Place buckets under active leaks and move valuables away from wet areas

Document Everything Before Cleanup

This step is critical for your insurance claim. Before making any repairs beyond emergency tarping:

Photograph all damage from multiple angles — exterior and interior
Video walkthrough of affected areas
Save damaged materials — Do not dispose of broken shingles, flashing, or other components until your adjuster has inspected them
Record the date and time of your documentation
Keep all receipts for emergency supplies and temporary repairs

Contact Your Insurance Company

File your claim as soon as possible. After a major hurricane, insurance companies are flooded with claims, and adjusters are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to Have Ready

Your policy number
Date and approximate time of the damage
Photos and video documentation
A list of visible damage areas
Receipts for emergency protective measures

Key Insurance Timeline Facts

Most policies require damage reporting within a specific window (often 60-90 days)
You have the right to be present during the adjuster’s inspection
You can hire a public adjuster or have your contractor present during the assessment
You are not required to accept the first settlement offer

Beware of Storm Chasers

After every hurricane, out-of-town contractors flood into coastal NC markets. These storm chasers often:

Go door to door offering immediate repairs at low prices
Pressure you to sign contracts on the spot
Demand large upfront payments
Use substandard materials and untrained labor
Leave the area before warranty issues surface

How to Protect Yourself

Never sign a contract under pressure
Verify the contractor’s NC license number at NCLBGC.org
Confirm insurance coverage with a current Certificate of Insurance
Check for manufacturer certifications like GAF or IBHS FORTIFIED
Choose a contractor with an established local presence

Get Your Roof Inspected by a Professional

Even if your roof looks intact from the ground, hurricanes cause damage that is not visible without a professional inspection:

Wind-lifted shingles that have broken their seal but are still in place
Hail bruising that weakens shingles without breaking them
Compromised flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights
Shifted ridge caps that create entry points for water
Structural stress on decking and rafters from sustained high winds

A thorough roof inspection identifies these issues before they escalate into leaks and interior damage.

Trust Roofing & Restoration: Wilmington’s Storm Damage Experts

Trust Roofing & Restoration has helped homeowners across coastal North Carolina recover from hurricanes and tropical storms. As a GAF Certified Contractor with IBHS FORTIFIED Roof expertise, we understand the unique challenges that coastal weather puts on roofing systems.

Our storm damage restoration team handles everything from emergency tarping to full roof replacement and insurance claim assistance. We work directly with your adjuster to ensure your claim reflects the full scope of damage.

Call (910) 538-5353 for a free post-storm roof assessment. We are local, we are insured, and we are not going anywhere.