The Calm Before the Storm: A 30-Minute Pre-Storm Checklist for Your Home

In Chicagoland, we don't just get "rain." We get wind-driven deluges and sudden hail. While you can’t stop the weather, you can stop a small vulnerability from becoming a major insurance claim. Before the next severe weather alert hits your phone, take 30 minutes to run through these five critical checks.

1. The "Photo Audit" (Your Insurance Policy’s Best Friend)

If you do sustain damage, the biggest hurdle with insurance companies is proving the damage is new.

  • The Action: Walk around your home and take clear, timestamped photos of every side of the house, your roofline, and your windows.

  • The Strategy: Focus on areas like the siding and gutters. If hail hits tomorrow, having a photo from today showing "zero dings" is your "smoking gun" for a successful insurance claim .

2. The "Gutter Stress Test"

When 2 inches of rain falls in an hour, your gutters become the most important part of your house.

  • The Check: Look for clogs at the downspout openings.

  • The Pro-Tip: Ensure your downspout extensions are attached and directing water at least 6 feet away from your foundation. High winds often knock these loose, leading to flooded basements.

3. Identify "Projectiles" in the Yard

In 60 mph gusts, a patio chair becomes a wrecking ball.

  • The Check: Secure or move patio furniture, loose planters, and kids' toys into the garage or shed.

  • The Warning: Check for dead branches overhanging your roofline. Heavy rain softens the ground, making older trees more likely to lean or drop limbs on your shingles .

4. The Visual Roof Scan (From the Ground!)

Don’t get on a ladder when the wind is picking up—safety first.

  • The Check: Use binoculars or your phone’s zoom to look for shingles that are already lifting or curling.

  • Why it matters: Wind catches these "raised" shingles like a sail, peeling them back and exposing your underlayment to water.

5. Sump Pump & Battery Backup

Heavy storms often come with power outages.

  • The Check: Pour a bucket of water into your sump pit to ensure the float triggers the pump.

  • The Critical Step: If you don't have a battery backup, now is the time to verify your emergency lighting and "Go-Bag" are accessible.

When to Call the Pros?

If you find something concerning during your 30-minute walk-around—like a loose fascia board or a missing shingle—don't wait for the clouds to turn gray.

Schedule a Precision Audit with Stan's Roofing & Siding today to secure your home before the peak of the 2026 storm season.