Storm Damage Roof Repair - Insurance Claims Help

Last spring, a homeowner in Bedford Heights called us at 6am. Her voice was shaking. A massive oak branch had punched straight through her roof during the night, and rain was pouring into her daughter's bedroom. She needed storm damage roof repair immediately, but her insurance company couldn't send an adjuster for three days. "What do I do until then?" she asked. "Is my claim going to be denied if I fix it now?"

If you're reading this, you probably just walked outside after a storm and saw something that made your stomach drop. Maybe it's hail damage on your shingles. Maybe the wind ripped off half your roof. Or maybe you're not even sure what you're looking at, but you know something's wrong.

You've got about 72 hours to document everything and start your claim before the insurance companies start asking questions. Most homeowners wait too long, take the wrong photos, or accidentally say something that tanks their claim before it even starts.

We've helped hundreds of families through storm damage situations over the past 15 years. The people who get their roofs fixed fast and their claims paid in full? They all do the same three things in the first 24 hours. The ones who end up fighting with adjusters for months or paying out of pocket? They usually miss one step.Working with experienced local roofing contractors can make all the difference in getting your claim approved

This guide walks you through exactly what to do when storm damage roof repair becomes your reality. We'll cover how to spot hail and wind damage , what to document for your insurance company, how to choose a contractor who won't scam you, and how to actually get your roof damage insurance claim approved and paid.

Whether you're dealing with a few cracked shingles or your entire roof needs replacing, the process is basically the same. And the clock is already ticking.

Recognizing Storm Damage on Your Roof

Most people have no idea what storm damage actually looks like. I've had customers call about "hail damage" that turned out to be bird droppings. I've also had people tell me their roof was "totally fine" when half the shingles were compromised.

The tricky part? Real storm damage doesn't always look dramatic. Sometimes it's subtle. And sometimes the worst damage is hiding where you can't see it at all.

Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof

Hail damage isn’t always obvious. It rarely leaves clean holes in your roof. Instead, it weakens your shingles from the inside. Even if your roof looks fine afterward, those hidden impacts can shorten its lifespan and eventually lead to leaks and costly repairs.

Here's what actual hail damage roofing looks like:

• Dented or bruised shingles - These look like little circular divots. They're easier to feel than see. Run your hand across the shingles (carefully) and you'll notice soft spots that give when you press them.

• Granule loss and exposed asphalt - Hail knocks off the protective granules on your shingles. You'll see black patches where the asphalt underneath is showing through. Check your gutters too - if they're full of granules after a storm, that's a huge red flag.

• Cracked or split shingles - Sometimes hail hits hard enough to actually crack the shingle. These cracks might be small now, but they'll get worse fast.

• Damaged flashing and vents - Hail doesn't just hit your shingles. Look at your roof vents, pipe boots, and metal flashing around chimneys. Dents in these metal components are actually great evidence for your insurance claim because they're harder to fake.

A buddy of mine who does hail damage repair told me about a house in Cleveland where the homeowner didn't think there was any damage. The shingles looked fine from the ground. But when we got up there with a drone, every single shingle had 15-20 hail impacts. The roof lasted maybe two more years before it started leaking everywhere.

Identifying Wind Damage to Roof Shingles

Wind damage is usually more obvious than hail damage, but people still miss it. Wind doesn't bruise your roof - it rips it apart.

Look for these signs of wind damage roof shingles:

• Missing or lifted shingles - This is the obvious one. If you can see bare spots on your roof or shingles flapping in the breeze, you've got wind damage. But also check for shingles that are still attached but lifted up on one edge. Wind gets under these and eventually tears them off completely.

• Curled or peeling edges - When wind catches the edge of a shingle, it bends it backwards. Even if the shingle doesn't come off, that curl creates a leak waiting to happen.

• Exposed nail heads - Your shingles are held down by nails. When wind lifts shingles, those nails pop up. If you see shiny nail heads poking through your roof, that's a problem.

• Debris impact marks - Wind throws stuff around. Branches, roof tiles from your neighbor's house, chunks of who-knows-what. All of that leaves marks, dents, and tears in your shingles.

Last year during a bad windstorm, we got a call from a family whose neighbors told them their roof was fine. But when I drove by, I could see three shingles flapping from the street. By the time they called us two weeks later, water had been leaking into their attic the whole time. What should've been a $8,000 roof repair turned into a $22,000 job because the water damaged the decking and insulation.

Hidden Damage: What You Can't See from the Ground

This is where most homeowners get screwed. They look at their roof from the driveway, don't see anything scary, and figure they're good. Then six months later, they've got water stains spreading across their ceiling.

The damage you can't see is often worse than what you can see.

• Underlayment compromise - Underneath your shingles is a waterproof barrier called underlayment. Hail and wind can damage this layer without touching the shingles. You won't know it's compromised until water starts coming through.

• Deck damage - The wooden boards under everything can get cracked or broken by impact. This is really common with heavy hail or falling branches. Insurance adjusters miss this all the time because they don't want to pay for it.

• Attic warning signs - Go up in your attic with a flashlight after a storm. Look for water stains, wet insulation, or daylight coming through the roof boards. If you see any of this, you've got damage even if your roof looks fine from outside.

"I thought my roof was okay because I couldn't see any missing shingles. Turns out the hail had basically destroyed the waterproofing layer underneath. My insurance almost didn't cover it because I waited too long to file the claim." - Homeowner in Bedford Heights

Want someone to actually check your roof properly? We offer free inspections and we use drones to document everything. No climbing around on your roof needed.

The 24-Hour Storm Response: What to Do Immediately

Okay, so you've spotted damage. Now what?

The next 24 hours will basically determine whether your insurance company writes you a check or fights you for the next six months. I've seen claims get denied because the homeowner did one thing wrong in those first few hours.

Filing a roof insurance claim after a storm requires prompt action and careful documentation. Here's exactly what you need to do right now.

Documenting Damage for Your Insurance Claim

Your phone is about to become your best friend. Insurance adjusters don't care about what you tell them - they care about what you can prove. And proof means photos. Lots of them.

Photo and video best practices:

1. Take photos from every angle - Stand in different spots around your house and photograph the entire roof. Get close-ups of obvious damage, but also get wide shots that show the whole roof in context. Make sure your phone's timestamp is turned on - this proves exactly when the damage occurred.

2. Stay safe on the ground - Do not climb on your roof to document damage. It's dangerous, and you might make things worse by walking on compromised shingles. Take photos from ground level, use a zoom lens, or we can bring a drone to capture everything safely.

3. Photograph the ground - Seriously. Take pictures of shingle pieces, granules, or debris in your yard and gutters. This proves the damage just happened.

4. Document everything with damage - Vents, flashing, gutters, siding, windows, and dented air conditioning units. If the storm touched it, photograph it. Insurance might cover more than just your roof.

5. Record weather data - Screenshot or save local weather reports, news articles about the storm, and radar images showing hail or high winds in your area. This external data helps verify the severity of the storm event and strengthens your claim.

6. Take video walkarounds - Walk around your entire property while recording video and narrating what you see. "This is the north side of the roof, you can see shingles missing here and here..."

One thing that helped a customer last month: She took photos of her roof the day before the storm (she was selling her house and had photos for the listing). After the storm, she took the same angles again. Having before-and-after proof made her hail roof damage insurance claim impossible to deny.

Creating a damage timeline:

Write down exactly what happened and when. Insurance companies love timelines because it shows you're organized and honest.

Protecting your property from further damage:

Your insurance policy requires you to prevent additional damage - this is called "mitigating losses." But if you fix too much before the adjuster sees it, they might claim the damage wasn't that bad.

Do this:

• Cover holes with tarps (save all receipts - these costs are often reimbursable)

• Move furniture away from leaks

• Put buckets under drips

• Document EVERYTHING you do to protect your home with photos and receipts

• Make only temporary, emergency repairs to prevent further water damage

Don't do this:

• Replace shingles before the adjuster comes

• Clean up all the debris before taking photos

• Make permanent repairs

Emergency Roof Repairs vs. Full Replacement

Sometimes you can't wait for insurance. If water is actively pouring into your house, you need help now.

Temporary tarping and protection:

We offer emergency tarping services 24/7 because we know storms don't wait for business hours. A properly installed tarp can protect your home for weeks while you sort out the insurance stuff.

But here's the thing - a tarp thrown over your roof by some random guy isn't the same as professional tarping. We've seen "temporary" tarps that caused more damage than the storm because they weren't secured right and ended up ripping off more shingles.

Good emergency tarping means:

• The tarp extends beyond the damaged area

• It's secured with proper fasteners (not just thrown over and weighed down with bricks)

• The edges are sealed to prevent wind from getting underneath

• You get photos of the tarp installation for insurance

When to wait for insurance inspection:

If the damage isn't actively causing leaks, wait for your adjuster. I know it's tempting to just fix it and move on, but you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

A guy in our service area got three shingles blown off his garage. Not a huge deal, right? He called a buddy to nail up some new shingles for $200. What he didn't know: That same wind event had damaged his entire main roof in ways that weren't obvious. When he finally filed a claim six months later (after his ceiling started leaking), insurance said the damage was "pre-existing" and denied it. If he'd gotten a proper inspection right after the storm, they would've covered a full roof replacement.

Safety considerations:

Please don't climb on your roof. I'm serious.

We get at least one call a year from someone who fell off their roof trying to check for damage. Broken bones, hospital bills, and their insurance still isn't going to pay for the roof.

Roofing is dangerous even for professionals. We use harnesses, proper footwear, and we know how to walk on different roof pitches. You're wearing sneakers on wet shingles, 20 feet off the ground, and you don't know which spots are compromised and might give way under your weight.

Get a professional inspection. Most roofing companies do free inspections anyway. We'll come out, document everything properly, and give you a report you can send straight to your insurance company.

Understanding Your Roof Damage Insurance Claim

Insurance claims are where most people get lost. The process is confusing on purpose. Insurance companies use complicated language and slow timelines to make you give up or accept less money than you deserve.

I'm going to walk you through how this actually works.

How Hail Roof Damage Insurance Claims Work

Policy coverage basics:

Most homeowners insurance policies cover "sudden and accidental" damage from storms. That includes hail, wind, falling trees, and debris. What they don't cover is wear and tear, old age, or damage that happened gradually over time.

This is why timing matters so much. If you file a claim six months after a storm, the insurance company will argue the damage was already there and you're just trying to get a free roof.

Your policy has two types of coverage:

• Replacement Cost Value (RCV) - Pays to replace your roof with new materials. This is what you want.

• Actual Cash Value (ACV) - Pays replacement cost minus depreciation. If your roof is 15 years old, they'll deduct 15 years worth of "depreciation" from the payout. This usually doesn't cover a full replacement.

Check your policy right now and see which one you have. If you've got ACV coverage, you might want to talk to your insurance agent about upgrading before the next storm.

Deductibles and depreciation:

Your deductible is what you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Most roof deductibles are either a flat amount ($1,000, $2,500) or a percentage of your home's insured value (1%, 2%, sometimes 5% for wind and hail).

If your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 2% wind/hail deductible, you're paying the first $6,000 of any storm damage repair. A lot of people don't realize this until they file their first claim.

Depreciation is trickier. Even if you have RCV coverage, insurance usually pays you in two chunks. First, they pay you ACV (the depreciated amount). After you actually complete the repairs and submit receipts, they pay you the rest (the "recoverable depreciation").

This trips people up constantly. They get that first check, think that's all the money, and then realize it's not enough to actually fix their roof.

Claim timelines and deadlines:

Every insurance policy has different deadlines, but here's the typical timeline:

1. Report the claim ASAP - Most policies require you to report damage "promptly" or within a specific timeframe (often 1 year). Don't wait.

2. Adjuster inspection - Insurance will send an adjuster within 3-10 days usually. Sometimes longer if a major storm hit a whole region.

3. Estimate and approval - The adjuster writes up their estimate. This can take another week or two.

4. Repairs - Once approved, you have a certain amount of time to complete repairs (often 1 year) to collect that recoverable depreciation.

We help homeowners through the whole insurance claims process because honestly, it's confusing even for us sometimes. And we deal with this stuff every day.

Wind Roof Damage Insurance Claim Process

Wind damage roof claims work basically the same as hail claims, but insurance companies are pickier about them. Why? Because wind damage is easier to fake or exaggerate.

Proving causation:

Insurance wants to see clear evidence that wind caused the damage. They're looking for:

• Weather reports showing high winds in your area on the date of the storm

• Directional damage patterns (all the missing shingles are on one side of the roof facing the wind direction)

• Similar damage on neighboring homes

• Photos showing debris impact or torn shingles (not just old, worn shingles)

This is where having a professional inspection helps. We know what adjusters look for and how to document it properly. We've gotten wind roof damage insurance claims approved that homeowners thought were hopeless just by presenting the evidence the right way.

Age of damage considerations:

if your roof is already old, insurance might try to say the wind just finished off what time had already started.

A lady called us last fall. Her 20-year-old roof lost a bunch of shingles in a windstorm. Insurance looked at it and said "Your roof was at the end of its life anyway. Wind was just the final straw. We'll pay for some repairs but not a full replacement."

Sometimes they're right. If your roof was already in bad shape, wind might just expose existing problems. But sometimes they're just being cheap.

If you're in this situation, you need documentation showing your roof was in good condition before the storm. Recent inspection reports, photos, or maintenance records all help.

Common denial reasons and how to avoid them:

Working with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters aren't your enemies, but they're definitely not on your team either. They work for the insurance company, and their job is to pay out as little as possible while still being fair.

Some adjusters are great. Some are terrible. Most are just overworked and rushed.

What adjusters look for during inspections:

When the adjuster shows up, they're checking several things:

• Is the damage actually storm-related? - They're trained to spot the difference between storm damage and old age.

• How much damage is there really? - They'll measure your roof, count damaged shingles, and document everything.

• What needs to be replaced vs. repaired? - This is where the money is. A repair costs way less than a replacement.

• Was your roof properly maintained? - If your gutters are falling off and there's moss everywhere, they might blame poor maintenance.

Most adjusters spend 20-30 minutes on your roof, take some photos, and leave. That's it. They're not doing drone surveys or checking every single shingle. This is why you need your own documentation.

Being present for the inspection:

You should absolutely be there when the adjuster comes. Not to argue with them or stand over their shoulder, but to make sure they see everything.

Walk around with them. Point out damage they might miss. Ask questions:

• "Did you see the damaged flashing on the north side?"

• "Should you check the gutters for granule loss?"

• "What about that soft spot I felt on the shingles?"

Be polite but persistent. One homeowner I worked with noticed the adjuster completely missed a section of roof damage because a tree blocked his view from one angle. She pointed it out, he went back up, and her payout went up by $4,000.

Even better: have your roofing contractor there too. When we meet with adjusters, we speak their language. We know what should be covered and how to document it. We've caught adjusters missing entire sections of damage or underestimating repair costs.

Supplemental claims explained:

The first estimate from insurance is almost never the final number.

As your contractor starts working, they often find additional damage that wasn't visible during the initial inspection. Hidden rot, damaged decking, compromised underlayment. All of this is covered under your original claim, but you need to file what's called a "supplemental claim."

We file supplements on probably 60% of our storm restoration jobs. It's completely normal. Insurance adjusters can't see through shingles, so they miss stuff.

The process is simple: your contractor documents the additional damage, writes it up, and submits it to insurance. The adjuster comes back out (or just approves it from the documentation), and they issue additional payment.

Don't let a contractor tell you they'll just "eat the cost" of hidden damage. That either means they're overcharging you to begin with, or they're going to cut corners to make up the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I disagree with the adjuster's assessment?

You have options. Don't just accept an estimate you think is wrong.

First, get a second opinion from a qualified contractor. If our estimate is way different from insurance's, that's evidence something was missed.

Request a re-inspection with your contractor present. Often adjusters will catch things they missed the first time when someone who knows roofing is pointing stuff out.

You can also hire a public adjuster - they work for you, not the insurance company. They charge a percentage of your claim (usually 10-15%), but they often get you way more money than you'd get on your own.

Finally, you have the right to appeal within your insurance company or file a complaint with your state insurance commissioner if you think you're being treated unfairly.

We've helped plenty of customers challenge low estimates. Sometimes it's an honest mistake, sometimes the adjuster is trying to save money. Either way, you deserve a fair payout.

How old may a roof be before insurance claims it's too old?

Most insurers scrutinize roofs over 15-20 years old, with some refusing full coverage once a roof reaches 20-25 years. Policies may switch from replacement cost to actual cash value coverage for older roofs, meaning you'll only receive the depreciated value. Some insurers require a professional roof inspection before insuring homes with roofs over 10-15 years old, and a few won't insure roofs older than 20 years without replacement or significant upgrades.

How much does it cost to repair a section of a roof?

Minor roof repairs typically cost $150-$400 for small fixes like replacing a few shingles or sealing leaks. Repairing a section (about 100 square feet) generally runs $300-$1,000 depending on materials and damage extent. More extensive repairs to valleys, flashing, or underlayment can cost $500-$2,500. Complete section replacements for severely damaged areas range from $1,000-$3,000. Costs vary significantly based on your roof's pitch, height, material type, and local labor rates.

Conclusion

Taking Action After Storm Damage

Look, I get it. Dealing with storm damage is stressful. You've got water leaking into your house, insurance companies asking questions, and contractors knocking on your door every five minutes.

But if you take the right steps in the right order, this doesn't have to be a nightmare.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Document everything immediately - Photos, videos, timelines. More is better.

2. Protect your home from additional damage - Tarps, buckets, whatever it takes. Just document what you do.

3. File your insurance claim right away - Don't wait weeks. File within days of discovering damage.

4. Get a professional inspection - Don't rely on what you can see from the ground. Get someone up there who knows what to look for.

5. Choose a local, licensed contractor - Storm chasers are everywhere after big storms. Go with someone who'll be here in five years.

6. Review insurance estimates carefully - Compare them to your contractor's estimate. Make sure nothing was missed.

7. Keep all documentation - Receipts, reports, photos, correspondence with insurance. You might need it later.

The people who handle storm damage well aren't the ones who panic. They're the ones who stay organized, ask questions, and work with professionals who know what they're doing.

Importance of professional help:

You can try to handle this yourself, but honestly, why would you? Insurance claims are complicated, roofing is dangerous, and one mistake can cost you thousands of dollars.

We've been doing this for years. We know what adjusters look for, what gets claims approved, and how to install roofs that'll actually last. We handle the paperwork, meet with your adjuster, file supplements when needed, and make sure you get every dollar you're owed.

Our job is to take this stress off your plate so you can focus on everything else going on in your life.

Long-term roof health:

Once your new roof is installed, take care of it. Regular inspections, clean gutters, trim back trees, and fix small problems before they become big ones.

A well-maintained roof will handle the next storm better. And unfortunately, there will be a next storm. This is Ohio - we get everything from blizzards to tornadoes.

Think of your roof like your car. You change the oil, rotate the tires, and fix problems when they come up. Do the same with your roof and it'll last decades instead of years.

Want to learn more about keeping your roof in good shape? Check out our roofing basics guide for homeowners.

Call to Action

Schedule free storm damage inspection:

Don't guess about whether you have damage. Get a professional inspection and know for sure.

We'll come out, use our drone to document your entire roof, give you a detailed report, and help you decide what to do next. The inspection is completely free and there's no obligation to hire us.

Even if you don't have obvious damage, it's worth checking after major storms. Hidden damage gets worse over time and costs way more to fix later.

24-hour emergency response contact:

Roof leaking right now? Water pouring into your living room? Don't wait until morning.

Call us any time, day or night. We guarantee a response within 24 hours, and for real emergencies, we usually have someone there within a couple hours.

We'll tarp your roof, document the damage, and make sure your home is protected while we sort out the insurance claim.

Insurance claim assistance guarantee:

We don't just fix roofs - we fight for you.

From the initial inspection through final payment, we're with you every step of the way. We meet with your adjuster, review estimates, file supplements, and push back when insurance companies try to underpay.

We've helped hundreds of families get fair insurance payouts for storm damage roof repair. We know what you're entitled to, and we make sure you get it.

Ready to get started? Contact us today for your free inspection. Or if you have questions about your specific situation, check out our FAQ page for more information.

We also offer financing options if you need to cover your deductible or want to upgrade to better materials. Don't let cost stop you from protecting your home.

Storm damage doesn't wait, and neither should you. The sooner you act, the better your outcome will be. Let's get your roof fixed right and get you back to normal life.

YICN Roofing - Northeast Ohio's trusted partner for storm damage repair and insurance claims.