What to Do After Storm or Hail Damage to Your Roof
Central Illinois sees its share of severe thunderstorms and hail nearly every spring and summer. When a storm rolls through Peoria, knowing the right steps to take afterward can protect both your home and your insurance claim. Here is what to do in the days following storm damage. Acting quickly and methodically after a storm protects both your home and your ability to recover costs through insurance.
Start With a Safety Check
Before inspecting anything, walk around the outside of your home and look for obvious hazards such as downed power lines, broken tree limbs resting on the roof, or loose siding. Never climb onto a roof yourself after a storm, especially if it is still wet or windy.
Check the yard, driveway, and gutters for granules, shingle pieces, or dented metal flashing. These are early clues that the roof took a hit even if nothing looks obviously wrong from the ground.
Document Everything
Take photos and videos of any visible damage from the ground, including dented gutters, missing shingles, damaged screens, or dented vents and skylights. Date stamped photos are valuable evidence if you need to file an insurance claim later.
Keep a written note of the storm date and any local weather reports or hail size estimates, since insurers often ask for this information.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Hail damage is not always visible from the ground. Bruised shingles can look fine at a glance but lose their granules and waterproofing ability over time. A trained roofing inspector knows exactly what to look for on the roof surface, flashing, and vents.
Getting an inspection soon after the storm, rather than waiting for a leak to appear, gives you documentation while the damage is fresh and easier to link directly to the storm event.
- Circular bruising or dimples on shingle surfaces
- Cracked or split shingles in a random, scattered pattern
- Dented gutters, downspouts, vents, or flashing
- Granule loss collecting in gutters or at downspout outlets
Filing an Insurance Claim
Most homeowners policies cover storm and hail damage, but the process moves faster with solid documentation. A written inspection report from a licensed roofing contractor gives the adjuster clear, professional evidence to work from.
Avoid signing any contract with a door to door storm chaser before getting a second opinion from a locally established roofing company that will still be around if a warranty issue comes up later.
Temporary Protective Measures
If a storm leaves your roof with an active leak or exposed area, temporary protection can prevent further damage while you wait for a full inspection and repair. A tarp secured over the damaged section is the most common short term fix, though it should only be attempted safely from the ground or by a professional.
Inside the home, move furniture and belongings away from any area showing water stains or dripping, and place a container underneath to catch water and protect your flooring. Document any interior damage with photos as well, since this may also be covered under your insurance policy.
Avoid the temptation to climb onto a wet or storm damaged roof yourself. Loose shingles, weakened decking, and slippery surfaces make this one of the more dangerous home repair tasks, and it is best left to a professional crew with the right safety equipment.
Working With Your Insurance Adjuster
When your insurance adjuster visits, it helps to have your own documentation ready, including photos and a professional inspection report if you have already obtained one. This gives the adjuster a clearer picture and can support a fair assessment.
It is reasonable to be present during the adjuster’s roof inspection if possible, and to ask questions about anything you do not understand in the claim process.
Think Your Roof Took Storm Damage?
Our team offers free storm damage inspections and can help document everything for your insurance claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a storm should I get my roof inspected?
It is best to schedule an inspection within a week or two of the storm, while damage is fresh and easier to document for an insurance claim.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a storm damage claim?
Storm damage is typically treated as a no fault event by insurers, meaning a single legitimate weather related claim usually does not raise your rates the way an at fault claim would.
Can a roof look fine but still have hail damage?
Yes. Hail can bruise shingles without leaving an obvious hole or crack, which is why a trained inspector’s eye is important after any significant hailstorm.
What if my insurance claim gets denied?
You can request a detailed explanation for the denial and, if you believe it was made in error, seek a second independent inspection to support an appeal of the decision.
Should I wait for multiple quotes before filing an insurance claim?
You can file your claim as soon as damage is documented. Getting a professional inspection early actually strengthens your claim rather than delaying it.
