How to Protect Your Home, Document Damage, Handle Insurance, and Avoid Contractor Scams After a Storm

Storm damage is one of the most stressful situations a homeowner can face. Between hail, wind, heavy rain, ice, and sudden microbursts, Illinois weather can create unexpected emergencies that require fast and smart decisions.

This handbook gives you everything you need to know to protect your home before, during, and after a storm. No confusion. No panic. Just clear steps from a company with 58 years of local storm experience.

1. Understanding the Types of Storm Damage

Different storms cause different types of home damage. Knowing what to look for helps you catch problems early.

Hail Damage

• Bruised shingles

• Loss of granules

• Cracked siding

• Dented gutters or downspouts

• Soft spots on the roof

• Damage that usually cannot be seen from the ground

Wind Damage

• Missing shingles

• Lifted shingles

• Loose fascia

• Torn off siding

• Detached gutters

• Debris impact damage

Heavy Rain

• Roof leaks

• Wet insulation

• Water intrusion behind siding

• Basement flooding or seepage

• Soft or swollen drywall

Ice and Snow

• Ice dams along gutters

• Water backing up under shingles

• Attic moisture

• Soffit or fascia damage

• Leaks that appear days after snow melts

2. What To Do Immediately After a Storm

This is the step by step process every homeowner should follow.

Step 1: Check for immediate hazards

• Downed power lines

• Tree limbs touching roof

• Broken glass

• Loose siding pieces

• Exposed nails

Stay safe and avoid climbing ladders.

Step 2: Walk the perimeter of your home

Look for:

• Shingle pieces in yard

• Dented metal on gutters

• Cracked siding

• Loose trim

• Fallen branches near roofline

Step 3: Check the attic

If accessible, use a flashlight to look for:

• Wet insulation

• Water stains

• Dripping water

• Light shining through decking

Step 4: Document everything

Take photos and videos from:

• All four sides of your home

• Roofline and gutters

• Siding and windows

• Inside attic

• Any interior staining

Documentation is your best friend during insurance claims.

Step 5: Prevent further damage

If water is entering the home, set out towels or buckets.

If a tree is on the home, stay out of that room until a professional arrives.

3. The “Invisible Damage” Most Homeowners Miss

Not all storm damage is obvious. Some takes days or even weeks to show up.

Common hidden problems:

• Shingle bruising (soft spots you cannot see)

• Tiny cracks that turn into leaks later

• Moisture behind siding

• Micro leaks in attic

• Ventilation damage

• Hail impact marks that loosen shingles over time

This is why professional inspections are important after any major storm.

4. How to Document Storm Damage Correctly

Proper documentation speeds up claims and reduces disputes.

Take at least 30 photos:

• Roof edges

• Gutters and downspouts

• All sides of the siding

• Window sills

• Driveway and yard debris

• Damaged items

• Interior ceilings

Record the following:

• Date and time of storm

• Type of storm

• Visible damage

• Any new leaks

Save:

• News articles about the storm

• Weather service reports

• Any communication from neighbors or HOA

This builds a strong and verified storm timeline.

5. Insurance: What To Do and What Not To Do

This is the part homeowners are most unsure about. Here is the truth.

Do:

• File a claim only after a professional confirms damage

• Provide photos when asked

• Keep communication simple and factual

• Ask the contractor to meet with the adjuster

• Read policy details about wind and hail coverage

Do Not:

• File a claim without evidence

• Mention past issues unrelated to the storm

• Sign anything from out of state storm chasers

• Let multiple contractors on the roof

• Assume your adjuster sees everything

Insurance adjusters are human. They can miss things, and contractors with storm experience know what to look for.

6. How a Proper Storm Inspection Works

A true professional storm inspection includes:

• Full roof evaluation

• Attic inspection

• Siding and fascia walkthrough

• Gutter and downspout check

• Ventilation assessment

• Moisture or rot detection

• Documentation for insurance

It should NOT include ladderless inspections, binoculars, or drone footage alone. Your roof needs eyes and hands on it.

7. The Biggest Storm Damage Scams You Must Avoid

Storm chasing companies appear in Illinois after almost every major storm.

Red flags:

• They go door to door aggressively

• They pressure you to sign immediately

• They say “your neighbor is getting a free roof”

• They want to file the claim for you

• They cannot provide a local address

• Their trucks have out of state plates

• They cannot prove years in business

• They offer suspiciously low bids

Many disappear before warranties expire.

8. How to Choose the Right Contractor After a Storm

Look for a contractor who:

• Is licensed and insured in Illinois

• Has an actual physical office

• Has real local reviews

• Performs full tear offs

• Understands insurance documentation

• Meets with adjusters

• Explains the process clearly

• Offers written workmanship warranties

• Does not pressure or sell fear

• Has decades of storm repair experience

Local, family owned companies protect homeowners better than companies that chase storms.

9. How to Prepare for the Adjuster Appointment

This is one of the most important steps.

Do this:

• Have your contractor present

• Share your documentation

• Point out the areas you noticed

• Ask the adjuster to inspect all sides

• Stay polite and factual

Your contractor’s job is to represent the damage accurately, not to fight the adjuster.

10. After Insurance Approval: What to Expect Next

Once your claim is approved, the contractor will:

• Review the insurance scope

• Explain materials and options

• Schedule the project

• Handle permits

• Replace damaged components

• Ensure code compliance

• Provide final documentation

Repairs should follow manufacturer and code standards, not the bare minimum.

11. Preventing Future Storm Damage

You can reduce risk with:

• Impact resistant shingles

• Proper attic ventilation

• Ice and water barrier

• Stronger flashing

• Correct gutter sizing

• Tree trimming near roofline

• Siding with stronger wind resistance

• Annual inspections

Preventive work reduces the chance of leaks and insurance claims.

12. Why Homeowners Trust Stan’s Roofing and Siding After Storms

Stan’s has helped Illinois homeowners recover from storms for 58 years.

Homeowners choose Stan’s because:

• We are family owned and local

• We understand Illinois building codes

• We know insurance processes inside and out

• We do not pressure or scare homeowners

• We document everything

• We stand behind our work

• We only use high quality materials

• We help homeowners through stressful situations

Storm damage can be overwhelming. You deserve a contractor who makes the process simple and honest.

The Bottom Line

Storms happen. Damage happens. But with the right steps and the right team, your home can be restored safely and correctly.

If you think your home may have been damaged, Stan’s is here to help with a professional inspection and a clear explanation of what comes next.

Give us a call! 708-448-4100