The sound of a severe Missouri storm—whether it’s howling winds or pounding hail—is enough to make any homeowner nervous. Once the storm passes, the real worry begins as you assess the potential damage to your property. Your roof takes the brunt of the impact, and damage isn’t always visible from the safety of the ground.
At Roof U.S.A., we’ve helped countless families navigate the stressful aftermath of a storm. Knowing what steps to take immediately following severe weather can make a huge difference in protecting your home from further damage and ensuring a smooth insurance claim process. This guide provides clear, actionable steps for homeowners wondering what to do after storm damage.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize Safety First: Never climb on a wet or potentially damaged roof. Assess the situation from the ground.
- Document Everything: Take extensive photos and videos of all damage before any cleanup or repairs begin.
- Call a Roofer Before Your Insurer: A professional inspection provides crucial documentation for your insurance claim.
- Mitigate Further Damage: Take temporary measures, like tarping, to prevent water from entering your home.
- Understand Your Insurance Process: A trusted roofer can help guide you through the claims process.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety
Before you do anything else, ensure the storm has fully passed and it is safe to go outside. Never attempt to climb on your roof, especially when it’s wet or has been damaged.
- Stay on the ground and do a visual inspection from all sides of your house.
- Look for downed power lines or other immediate hazards around your property.
- Check for signs of water inside your home, particularly in the attic and on ceilings. If you see active leaks, place buckets to catch the water.
Your safety is the top priority. Professional roofing contractors have the training and equipment to inspect a roof safely.
Step 2: Document the Damage Thoroughly
Before you move a single shingle or branch, document everything. Detailed evidence is your most powerful tool when filing an insurance claim. Use your smartphone to take clear photos and videos of:
- The entire roof from different angles.
- Specific areas of damage, such as missing, cracked, or dented shingles.
- Damage to gutters, siding, and windows.
- Hail dents on air conditioning units or other metal surfaces.
- Any fallen tree limbs on or near the house.
Don’t just focus on the roof. Damage to other parts of your property helps establish the severity of the storm for your insurance adjuster.
Step 3: Call a Trusted Roofer for an Inspection
Many homeowners believe their first call should be to their insurance company, but it’s actually better to call a reputable roofer first. Here’s why:
- Professional Assessment: A certified roofer can identify damage that you (and even an insurance adjuster) might miss.
- Claim Support: They can provide you with a detailed report and estimate, which serves as critical documentation for your claim.
- Advocacy: A trusted roofer can meet with your insurance adjuster on-site to point out the damage and ensure you get fair coverage for your storm damage roof repair.
At Roof U.S.A., we specialize in insurance claims and offer free, no-obligation inspections. We act as your advocate to make the process as stress-free as possible.
Step 4: Mitigate Further Damage
Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your property after a loss. This is known as “mitigation.” This could include:
- Tarping the Roof: If there are significant holes or missing sections, a professional can place a tarp over the damaged area to keep water out temporarily.
- Covering Broken Windows: Boarding up broken windows can prevent water from getting inside.
- Removing Debris: Carefully remove any fallen branches or debris from your roof if it can be done safely from the ground or a ladder.
Keep receipts for any materials you purchase for temporary repairs, as these are often reimbursable under your policy. Our team provides emergency roof repair in Columbia, MO and can handle immediate tarping to secure your home.
Step 5: Navigate the Insurance Claim Process
Once you have your roofer’s inspection report, it’s time to contact your insurance company to start the claims process. Having a professional roofer on your side can simplify this process immensely. They will help you:
- Understand your policy and what’s covered.
- Provide the necessary documentation to the adjuster.
- Ensure the scope of work approved by the insurer is sufficient to restore your roof properly.
After a storm, the most important thing is to act quickly but safely. By following these steps, you can protect your home and set yourself up for a successful repair and insurance claim.
Curious about what a full replacement entails? Learn more in our next article: How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take in Missouri?
We’re Here to Help, 24/7
Storm damage is stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Roof U.S. is available 24/7 to provide emergency services and expert guidance. As insurance claim specialists with a 25-year workmanship warranty and a No-Mess Guarantee, we are committed to restoring your home and your peace of mind.
If your home has been affected by a storm, contact us now for a free inspection and let our family help yours.
