Posted on May 6th, 2025

 

 

Once the storm clouds roll east, silence settles, yet broken branches, scattered shingles, and puddles suggest the battle your roof just underwent.

 

In that fragile calm, swift action separates a minor repair from widespread water damage.

 

High winds can pry flashing, hail can bruise asphalt, and rain can creep behind any breach the moment another shower arrives.

 

A clear plan—starting with safe inspection and moving toward decisive repairs—helps protect your household budget and comfort. The steps below outline practical actions you can carry out or delegate before harm spreads indoors and future downpours remain inevitable.

 

 

First Look Look: Safety-Centric Inspection

A calm, methodical survey right after the storm sets the tone for everything that follows. Begin outside while keeping two feet planted firmly on the ground. Circle the house slowly and look upward, noting any missing tabs, bent drip edges, or punctures caused by airborne debris. Down below, check flower beds and gutters for piles of dark granules; they signal shingle abrasion that weakens water shedding.

 

1 Sweep

Use binoculars if available instead of climbing a ladder too soon. Focus on valleys, ridge caps, and places where tree limbs may have struck. Photograph anything that stands out, including dented vents or lifted flashing.

 

2. Interior Clues

Move to the attic or top-floor ceiling. A flashlight reveals damp rafters, new daylight peeking through nail holes, or insulation clumps that feel heavy with moisture. Mark every discovery with painter’s tape; this simple tag will guide a roofer later.

 

3. Establishing a Safety Zone

If loose materials hang overhead, cordon off walkways below with cones, chairs, or bright tape. Keeping children and pets away from unstable eaves prevents accidents while you arrange repairs. This orderly first look takes little time yet prevents injury and keeps damage from growing worse. Remember, no quick patch can start until this basic safety canvas is complete.

 

 

Temporary Shields Against Further Harm

After marking the danger zones, quickly erect temporary barriers to delay the arrival of professional help. These stopgap measures are inexpensive, DIY-friendly, and can make an enormous difference on the next rainy night.

 

1. Tarping Exposed Decking

Choose a heavy-duty polyethylene sheet that is wide enough to stretch past the damaged area by at least three feet in every direction. Anchor the perimeter with furring strips screwed into rafters, not through the tarp itself, so water cannot sneak under staple holes. A well-secured tarp acts like an instant umbrella, channeling water toward gutters instead of living rooms.

 

2. Clearing Water Paths

Overflowing troughs push torrents back under shingles. While wearing work gloves, scoop leaves from the gutters and use a garden hose set to low pressure to untangle any clogs in the downspouts. Check splash blocks to confirm water now runs outward, away from siding and foundation.

 

3. Debris Removal Strategy

Heavier limbs left on the roof compress and crack shingles each time they shift in the wind. Use an extension pole or rope to pull them down from a safe ladder height; never walk on damp surfaces. Sweep loose gravel off walkways to prevent slips, and store salvageable tiles in a dry box for matching during repair quotes. By sealing gaps and clearing weight, these stopgaps prevent escalation.

 

 

Documenting Damage With an Investigator’s Eye

Accurate records turn a stressful ordeal into a manageable insurance dialogue. Collect proof now so you are ready when adjusters appear.

 

1. Smart Photo Routine

Stand in four corners of your yard and capture wide shots first, then zoom into specific issues. Include a household object for scale—a ruler or coin beside a hail bruise communicates size better than words alone. Use the camera’s timestamp, and save files to cloud storage so nothing is lost if a laptop fails.

 

2. Written Log and Item List

In a notebook or phone app, assign each photo a number and jot a short line: location, material, and estimated square footage affected. Note temporary expenses such as tarps or plywood along with receipts. This running tally clarifies reimbursement later.

 

3. Professional Inspection Report

Schedule a qualified roofer to conduct a full-roof climb, moisture scan, and structural check within forty-eight hours. Ask for a digital file that includes marked images, repair recommendations, and cost breakdowns. Insurers inspect third-party evaluations because these evaluations carry licensing and liability backing. Sharing both your evidence and the contractor’s report speeds claim approval while limiting disagreements about scope or price. Please maintain copies in both paper and electronic formats, and kindly email them to yourself and your adjuster to make sure all parties have access to the same details.

 

 

Working With Your Insurance Carrier

A prompt, organized claim transforms repair bills from a personal burden into a covered loss. Treat the desk-adjusting phase with the same attention you gave the rooftop.

 

1. Opening the Claim Quickly

Please contact the carrier within twenty-four hours and kindly provide the policy number, storm date, and a brief overview of the damage. Please obtain the claim number and make sure it is noted on all subsequent documents. Early notification prevents disputes over cause and keeps the file moving.

 

2. Supplying Supporting Evidence

Email the photo packet, written log, and contractor report in a single folder titled with the claim number. A clear naming system spares the adjuster from hunting through attachments, often leading to faster approval. Keep every email thread; it proves timeliness and content accuracy.

 

3. Meeting the Field Adjuster

Walk the site together, referencing your photo numbers to highlight concerns. Invite your chosen roofer to join the visit; their technical language can justify material and labor estimates. If the adjuster overlooks an area, politely request a reexamination. Please make sure that every agreement is documented in writing on the same day. Staying engaged without confrontation sustains goodwill, which often translates into faster payment disbursement and fewer surprises later. Settlements are still negotiable; if the first offer seems low, share competing bids and written explanations until you reach a fair figure. Patiently.

 

 

Choosing Repair or Replacement

The final decision balances current harm, roof age, local codes, and long-term value. Thinking through pros and cons now prevents constant drips or ballooning costs later.

 

1. Short-Term Fixes Long-Term Value

Patching a limited area costs far less upfront and avoids disruption inside. It suits roofs under fifteen years old with damage under one-quarter of the surface. Yet repeated small invoices may equal or exceed a full install if severe seasons keep coming.

 

2. Advantages of Starting Fresh

Full replacements include impact-rated shingles, superior underlayment, and better ventilation. These improvements cut future maintenance bills, raise energy efficiency, and unlock warranties lasting three decades. Many municipalities also require ice shields or drip edges absent in older builds; meeting those rules now avoids future fines.

 

3. Selecting the Right Contractor

Ask for license, insurance, and manufacturer credentials. Contact references, read recent reviews, and compare bids line by line. The best contractor explains material grades, schedules, and cleanup procedures in writing, then coordinates delivery before removing any shingles. Clear communication, documented scope, and verified credentials turn a stressful repair into a timely upgrade that strengthens property value for years. When homeowners weigh these factors carefully, they discover that investing thoughtfully today spares expenses tomorrow while also shielding interiors against the region’s unpredictable climate.

 

 

Related: Wondering About Your Gutters? It's time for an Inspection!

 

 

Shelter Restored, Confidence Renewed

Storms remind us how quickly calm can shift to chaos, yet the steps above convert that chaos into a clear action plan. From the first furious walk-around to the final signed contract, attentive homeowners reduce secondary water damage, speed insurance response, and secure better roof performance for seasons ahead. The process flows more easily with guidance from seasoned craftsmen who have handled countless Wisconsin squalls.

 

MBA EXTERIORS, INC. stands ready to be that partner. Our crew combines local building knowledge with modern materials, delivering repairs or replacements that last. We handle everything from photo documentation and adjuster meetings to exact shingle alignment and spotless cleanup, letting you focus on daily life while the project advances above.

 

Do you require immediate storm repairs?  We're ready now. You are welcome to contact us at (920) 253-9144 or by emailing [email protected]. Every minute matters after weather; contacting us immediately helps limit moisture intrusion, protect valuables, and keep household routines on track and restore everyday comfort quickly.