Storm Damage to Your Roof or Siding? Here’s What to Do Next

What To Do If Your Roof or Siding Gets Damaged in a Storm

Key Summary

This step-by-step guide helps you act fast after storm damage—ensuring safety, documenting damage, mitigating further issues, and navigating insurance and repairs.

1. Ensure Safety First

Before assessing damage, make sure it’s safe to do so: avoid standing water, downed power lines, and unstable structures. Turn off electricity if water exposure is possible, and evacuate the home if structural integrity is compromised.

2. Inspect and Document Damage

• Roof: From the ground, look for missing or lifted shingles, dented gutters, signs of hail bruising, or debris impact.

• Siding: Walk your property noting cracked, warped, dented, or missing panels. Check for discoloration, cracks, or water intrusion beneath surfaces.

• Windows and Gutters: Note broken glass, torn weather stripping, or damaged vents and downspouts.

• Take timestamped photos and videos of all damage—interior and exterior—for insurance documentation.

3. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Report the damage promptly—as some insurers require claims to be filed within a specific timeframe. Provide your documentation and request their adjuster to assess the scope.

Understand what your policy covers—sudden storm damage is typically covered, but deferred maintenance or unclear documentation may reduce claim eligibility.

4. Get a Professional Assessment

Schedule a professional inspection for your roof and siding—even if damage seems minor. Experts can identify hidden issues like hail pitting, wind lift, or moisture behind siding.

Reputable contractors can also help guide you through insurance claims and determine whether repairs or full replacement is needed.

5. Take Temporary Measures to Prevent Further Damage

While waiting on repairs or insurance approval:

• Cover broken windows or siding tears with waterproof tarp or weatherproof tape

• Tarp roof leaks to keep water out of the home

• Relocate furniture and valuables away from damaged areas

• These steps help prevent further water intrusion and interior damage.

6. Plan Repairs or Replacement

Based on inspection and insurance, decide whether to repair or replace:

• Minor damage: Replace individual shingles or siding panels.

• Moderate damage: Partial replacement may be sufficient if the underlying structure is sound.

• Severe or widespread damage: Full roof or siding replacement may improve insulation, curb appeal, and energy efficiency in the long run.

Hire licensed, insured contractors with strong customer reviews. Avoid door-to-door contractors after storms—do your own vetting.

7. Prevent Future Storm Damage

Once repairs are complete, improve your home’s resilience:

• Inspect and maintain on a regular basis (especially before storm season)

• Clean gutters, seals, vents, and downspouts

• Trim branches and secure outdoor items before forecasted storms

• Consider upgrades such as impact-resistant shingles or insulated siding that reduce wind and hail damage and may qualify for insurance discounts.

Remember what Midwest Seamless tells you..

“Ensure safety first. If your home is unsafe or leaking, evacuate and turn off power before inspecting.”

 “Document every sign of roof, siding, or window damage with timestamped photos—this strengthens your insurance claim.”

 “Temporary tarps and weatherproof tape help prevent further damage before permanent repairs can be made.”

 “Get a professional inspection and keep communication clear with insurers. Minor damage may not need a full claim, but larger issues often do.”

Final Takeaway

If your roof or siding is damaged in a storm, act quickly, stay safe, and document everything. Contact your insurer promptly, get a professional assessment, and take temporary protective steps. Whether you need minor repairs or full replacement, choosing licensed, reputable contractors ensures long-lasting protection. After repairs, maintain and upgrade strategically to protect your home against future storms.