TL;DR: What to Do Immediately After Storm Damage

Do not climb onto your roof following a storm; always put your safety first. Instead, document any visible damage from the ground by taking photos or videos, and then arrange a professional roof inspection so any emergency or temporary repairs can be carried out.

Minnesota storms can damage a roof in minutes. As a leading provider of roof storm damage repair in the area, here’s what we recommend you do next.

First Steps After a Storm

The storm season in Minnesota brings high winds and a lot of hail, meaning roofing problems are extremely common. If you’ve recently dealt with a storm, here are the main steps to take.

1. Remain Safe

Safety should always come first, and this means you must avoid any actions that could put you in danger. Do NOT climb onto your roof right away, and keep an eye out for any hazards, like downed power lines or loose tree branches. Stay away from these dangers and contact emergency services if you believe there’s an imminent threat.

2. Document the Damage

Once it is safe to do so, walk around the outside of your home and document any damage using your phone to take photos and videos. This helps with roof storm damage repair, as it enables us to see any visible issues and assess the extent of the problem.

3. Temporary/Emergency Repairs

Arrange emergency roof repair for any clear structural problems that will cause further damage if left unattended. You will need a proper roof inspection first, and temporary repairs may be necessary to prevent further leaks or issues before a permanent repair can be carried out.

Spotting Damage After a Storm in Minnesota

During the second step, you need to know how to spot the signs of roof damage. Key things to look for include:

  • Missing shingles, or pieces of shingles, on the ground
  • Dented or bent gutters
  • Leaks inside your attic: look for any signs of water inside, or damp patches that weren’t there before the storm
  • Loose granules in gutters or around your home, which could indicate excessive shedding from asphalt shingles

What to Know About Insurance & Inspections

Home insurance may cover storm damage restoration, but insurers review claims closely, and not every claim is approved. That’s why working with a registered and reputable storm damage contractor is highly recommended during this process. Contractors can support your claim by providing a professional inspection report that details all the damage and supports your case. It’s harder for an insurance company to deny a claim when there’s clear evidence that your home was damaged by the storm and not through any fault of your own.

Repairing or Replacing Your Roof After a Storm

One of the biggest worries after a Minnesota storm is whether you should repair your roof or replace it entirely.

Repairs make sense when:

  • You don’t see a lot of damage
  • The structural integrity of your roof is still intact
  • Your roof is fairly new
  • Your roofing contractor is confident that the damage can be repaired fully

Roof replacement makes sense if:

  • There’s severe damage to a lot of your roof
  • Your roof was due to be replaced soon anyway
  • The structural integrity has been compromised, and repairs would simply paper over the cracks

Getting a professional opinion from a local roof replacement contractor in Minnesota can help you with this decision. At Proficient, we know what the storm season usually brings in this area and can determine if a roof should be repaired or replaced. If your roof is no longer equipped to handle the hail and high winds, we always recommend a replacement with a more robust, modern roof. Newer roofs are usually better at handling Minnesota weather, in which case repairs are often all that’s required, but we’ll carry out a full inspection to help you make a decision.

FAQs

What should I do immediately after storm damage to my roof?

First, check that it is safe to go outside. Then document any damage before calling a local roofing company to inspect your roof and carry out any emergency or temporary repairs.

Will my insurance cover a full roof replacement?

Coverage depends on your individual policy and your coverage limits. A professional inspection may be needed to support your claim.

How can I tell if hail damaged my shingles?

Look for dents in gutters, loose granules, or chips in the shingles. These commonly indicate damage, though it’s best to contact a hail damage roof repair company for a proper inspection to know for sure.

How fast can an emergency repair happen?

Emergency response times depend on the weather, your location, and how urgent the repair is. We strive to reach customers as quickly as possible.

Should I get a roof inspection every fall?

Yes, a fall inspection is a smart way to check the state of your roof before Minnesota’s storm season. It can identify weak points that need reinforcing, which could prevent your roof from being severely damaged and needing to be replaced.

Storm Damage? Don’t Wait. Get a Roof Inspection from the Twin Cities Team at Proficient Construction

If a storm has hit your home, the sooner your roof is inspected, the sooner small problems can be fixed before they become big ones. Contact Proficient Construction to schedule your storm damage roof inspection today.