Weathering The Storm: A 6-Step Guide to Roofing & Siding Damage
Severe storms, especially those involving high winds and hail, can cause serious damage to your home exterior. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the storm can make a major difference in protecting your home, filing a successful insurance claim, and getting quality repairs done quickly.
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
Before anything else, make sure you and your family are safe. Look out for downed power lines, broken glass, exposed nails or debris, and roof or structural issues. Do a quick visual inspection from the ground — but do not climb onto your roof.
Step 2: Inspect for Visible Damage
Walk around your home and look for dented or missing shingles, cracked or loosened siding panels, hail bruises on the roof or gutters, water leaks in the attic or ceiling, and debris piled near vents, flashing, or chimneys. Even if the damage seems minor, it could lead to bigger problems if left untreated.
Step 3: Document Everything
Take clear photos and videos of any visible damage — wide shots and close-ups from different angles. Date-stamped images are especially helpful for your insurance claim.
Step 4: Contact a Local Roofing and Siding Contractor
Reach out to a licensed local siding and roofing company with storm restoration experience. A reputable contractor will offer a free inspection, identify damage you may not have noticed, and walk you through the insurance process. Look for companies with great reviews, experience, and an A+ rating with the BBB.
Step 5: File an Insurance Claim
Most homeowners insurance policies cover storm damage, but there is usually a 1-year window to file. Do not delay. Your contractor should meet with your adjuster on-site and ensure all damage is included in your claim.
Step 6: Schedule the Repairs
Once your claim is approved, your contractor will coordinate roof replacement or repair using impact-resistant shingles, siding replacement with storm-resistant materials, and gutters, trim, flashing, and ventilation as needed.
And if approval takes longer than you expected, that is more common than you might think. Our guide on why some storm damage insurance claims take months to resolve explains supplements, partial approvals, and why a slow claim is not a dead claim.
Do not delay — waiting too long can lead to mold, interior leaks, and denied insurance claims. Call Northern Exteriors at 651-230-5103 for a free inspection.
Related from Northern Exteriors
If the storm hit your roof, start with a free hail damage roof inspection. For sidewall damage, see our guide to siding repair and replacement in Woodbury MN, or read how we handle a full storm damage roofing claim.
