The SaifHaven Gazette
What to do after hail or wind damage
Updated
The article
The short answer
Stay safe first. Then take photos of the damage from the ground, keep water out of the house, and have a local roofer inspect the roof. Call your insurance company to ask how your policy handles storm damage. Don’t sign anything on the spot with someone who knocks on your door.
Right after the storm
Record the damage
- Take dated photos and video from the ground: the roof, gutters, siding, windows, and anything else the hail dented.
- If hail is still on the ground, photograph a few stones next to a coin or a ruler.
- Keep receipts for anything you spend to stop more damage, such as a tarp.
Keep water out
If water is coming in, a roofer can cover the damaged area with a tarp until it’s repaired. Ask for a short written note of what they did.
Talk to your insurer
Your policy decides what’s covered, what you pay and how long you have to report damage. Call your insurer or agent and ask. Write down the claim number, the date and who you spoke to.
Be careful with door-to-door offers
- Don’t sign a contract on the doorstep, and don’t pay in full before the work is done.
- Ask for the company’s name, a local address and its Illinois roofing license number, and look it up on the state’s license lookup.
- Be wary of anyone who offers to cover your deductible or says they can get the roof paid for. Ask your insurer first.
- Get more than one written estimate for the same work.
General information for homeowners, not advice about your roof, your insurance policy or a contract. Have a local, licensed roofer inspect before you decide.
Questions, answered.
How do I know if hail damaged my roof?
From the ground you may see dents in gutters, vents or siding, or granules washed out of the downspouts. Shingle damage is often hard to see from below, so a roofer’s inspection is the way to know.
Should I call my insurer or a roofer first?
Many homeowners do both. Your insurer can tell you how your policy works; a roofer can tell you what’s damaged. Don’t sign a contract until you understand both.
Do I need to fix it right away?
Keep water out as soon as you safely can. For the rest, ask your insurer about any deadlines in your policy before you decide.
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