What to Do After Storm Damage to Your Roof

A bad storm rolls through Western Ohio and you're left wondering: did my roof take a hit? It's a stressful situation, but knowing exactly what to do — and what order to do it in — can protect your home, your wallet, and your insurance claim.

Here's a clear, step-by-step guide from a team that has handled thousands of storm damage repairs across Ohio.

Step 1: Stay Safe First

Before you do anything else, make sure it's safe to be outside and near your home. After a severe storm:

• Watch for downed power lines — never approach them. Call your utility company immediately if you see one.
• Check for structural damage — if your home has visible structural issues (walls cracked, roof visibly collapsed), don't go inside until it's been inspected.
• Be careful on wet surfaces — don't attempt to get on your roof yourself. It's dangerous even for professionals in wet conditions.

Step 2: Document Everything From the Ground

Before any cleanup or repairs happen, document the damage thoroughly. This is critical for your insurance claim.

• Take photos and videos of your roof from the ground, your gutters, your yard, and any interior damage.
• Note the date and time of the storm.
• Save any weather reports or alerts from that day — your insurance company may ask for them.
• If there's interior damage (water stains on ceilings, wet insulation in the attic), photograph that too.

The more documentation you have, the smoother your claim will go.

Step 3: Do Temporary Repairs to Prevent Further Damage

If your roof has obvious holes or missing sections, you may need to take temporary steps to prevent water from getting in before a contractor can arrive. This might include:

• Placing tarps over damaged areas (if it can be done safely from the ground or a ladder by someone experienced)
• Moving valuables away from areas with active leaks
• Placing buckets to catch dripping water

Keep all receipts for any emergency materials you purchase — these costs may be reimbursable through your insurance claim.

Step 4: Call Your Insurance Company

Contact your homeowner's insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage. Most policies require you to report damage promptly. When you call:

• Have your policy number ready.
• Describe the damage as specifically as you can.
• Ask about your deductible and what the claims process looks like.
• Ask when an adjuster can come out to inspect.

Important: Don't let anyone pressure you into signing anything before your insurance adjuster has visited. Reputable contractors will work alongside your insurance company, not around them.

Step 5: Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Even if the damage isn't obvious from the ground, storm damage — especially hail — can be subtle. Hail knocks granules off asphalt shingles, which shortens their lifespan significantly even if the shingles look intact.

A professional inspection will identify:

• Missing, cracked, or bruised shingles
• Dented or damaged flashing, gutters, and vents
• Damage to skylights or chimneys
• Any areas where water may have already penetrated

At Premier Contractors of America, we provide free storm damage inspections throughout Western Ohio. We'll give you a detailed written assessment you can share with your insurance adjuster.

Step 6: Get Multiple Estimates (and Watch for Storm Chasers)

After a major storm, out-of-town contractors flood the area looking for quick work. These "storm chasers" often do substandard work, use inferior materials, and disappear before any warranty issues arise.

When choosing a contractor:

• Look for local, established companies with a verifiable track record in your area.
• Check reviews and BBB ratings — we've maintained an A+ rating for years.
• Ask for proof of insurance — both liability and workers' compensation.
• Get everything in writing — scope of work, materials, timeline, and warranty.
• Never pay the full amount upfront — a reasonable deposit is normal, but full payment before work is complete is a red flag.

Step 7: Understand Your Insurance Claim

Your insurance adjuster will assess the damage and determine what's covered. Here's what to know:

Actual Cash Value (ACV) vs. Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Some policies pay ACV, which factors in depreciation. Others pay RCV, which covers the full cost of replacement. Know which you have.

Supplemental claims: If additional damage is discovered during repairs that wasn't in the original estimate, a reputable contractor can file a supplemental claim on your behalf.

Your deductible: You're responsible for your deductible. Be wary of any contractor who offers to "waive" your deductible — this is insurance fraud and can void your policy.

Common Types of Storm Damage We See in Ohio

Hail damage is the most common. Even quarter-sized hail can cause significant granule loss on asphalt shingles. Metal roofs may show visible dents.

Wind damage often results in lifted or missing shingles, especially at the edges and ridgeline. High winds can also drive rain under shingles that appear intact.

Fallen trees and branches cause obvious physical damage but can also damage the roof deck and structural components beneath the shingles.

Ice dams form in winter when heat escapes through the roof, melts snow, and the water refreezes at the cold eaves. This forces water under shingles and into your home.

Don't Wait — Damage Gets Worse

Water is patient. A small breach in your roof after a storm can lead to rot, mold, and structural damage if left unaddressed. The cost of fixing a leak early is almost always a fraction of what it costs after months of water infiltration.

Once you've documented the damage and called your insurer, the next step is understanding the claims process. Our step-by-step guide to navigating a roof insurance claim walks you through exactly what to expect from the adjuster visit to final payment. And when it's time to choose a contractor, read our guide on how to choose a roofing contractor — especially important after a storm when out-of-town crews flood the area.

If your home was in the path of a recent storm, call us at 937-492-ROOF for a free inspection. We'll tell you honestly what we find and help you navigate the insurance process from start to finish.