Storm damage and your roof: how the insurance claim actually works

A bad storm rolls through the south suburbs and the next morning you’re standing in the yard looking up at your roof, not sure what you’re even looking at. Shingles in the grass, a few dents, maybe a stain on the ceiling. Here’s how it usually goes, and where we come in.

First, don’t climb up there

You don’t need to get on the roof. We’ll do that. What you can do from the ground: take photos of anything obvious, look for shingle pieces in the yard, and check the attic and ceilings for water spots. Note the date of the storm — your insurance company will ask.

We document the damage properly

This is the part that matters most for a claim. We come out, get on the roof safely, and document the damage the way an insurance carrier needs to see it — photos, measurements, the works. A claim lives or dies on documentation. A few cell-phone pictures from the driveway usually isn’t enough.

Filing the claim

You file with your carrier; we give you the documentation to back it up. Amanda has been doing this with homeowners for a while, so if you’ve never filed a roof claim before, she’ll walk you through what to expect and what the adjuster is looking for.

If your claim gets denied

Don’t give up on the first “no.” Initial denials happen more than people think, and a lot of them get turned around with the right documentation. Amanda has gotten plenty of first-round denials reversed. If your carrier said no, call us before you assume you’re paying out of pocket.

When it’s time for a new roof

If the damage warrants a replacement, we install GAF and Owens Corning systems — both proven, both backed by strong manufacturer warranties. Most residential roofs are a one- to two-day job, weather permitting. Same crews, and we stand behind the work.

Storm damage is stressful enough. If you’re dealing with it, tell us what happened and we’ll help you sort out the roof and the claim together.