What to Do If a Storm Damages Your Roof

by Rhoden RoofingJun 29, 2022

This article serves as the starting point in a series of resources we’ve published about storm response. Depending on what stage you are at in responding to a storm, we invite you to explore the following resources on staying safe and proactive. For immediate or day-of actions, see the initial response guide below.

- First Response
  - What to Do if a Storm Damages Your Roof (Current page – you are here)
  - How To Do An Emergency Repair On A Roof (Tarp/Dry In)
- Damage Evaluation and Inspection
- Working with Professionals
- If Repair or Replacement is Needed

First Response – Storm Damage

With a long history of prairie weather, Wichita-area residents are no strangers to storm damaged roofs. Hail and high winds can cause severe damage to your roof and leave residents unsure how to proceed. The following five steps are the most important things to know for right now to you make sure that your roof is properly assessed and taken care of after a storm damages your home.

1. Prioritize Safety

Severe weather, particularly tornadoes, can create extremely hazardous conditions. When bad weather blows through Wichita the first thing you should always do is ensure your safety and that of your family. Before you worry about repairing your roof you need to look for and avoid:

down power line storm damage Wichita, KS

Downed Power Lines
Broken Gas Lines
Broken Glass and Building Materials
Other Debris Like Nails and Trash
Flooding or Water on Roads

2. Look for Signs of Storm Damage

Once the safety of your home and the surrounding areas has been established, you can begin the process of assessing your property for storm damage. Severe Wichita storms will leave disaster in their wake. After the storm has cleared there are some tell-tale signs of damage to look for.

Bent or Broken Shingles
Missing Shingles
Missing Granules or Visible Granules in Downspouts
Punctures in the Roof
Damaged Siding, Gutters, and Windows
Damaged Fences, Decks, and Sheds
Other Signs of Severe Weather
- Displaced Items
- Fallen Limbs and Branches
- Weather Reports of High Winds

3. Record Observations

As you assess your property, take the time to record your observations. This will help immensely with the insurance claim process in creating a record of the damages to your roof and property. Write down an inventory of damaged items or other observations of severe weather, even if you can’t see the damage with your own eyes. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the damages you’ve observed

4. Contact a Local Roofing Contractor

Many people ask the question of whether it’s best to contact insurance first or a local contractor first in the event of storm damage. We have more detail on the topic in a separate article If I Have Roof Damage, Should I Contact My Insurance Company First? Best practice is to contact a reputable local contractor first (why is local important in an industry with storm-chaser companies?). Many, like Rhoden Roofing, offer free inspections and assessment. A good contractor will work with your insurance company to help guide you through the insurance claim process providing any documentation you need to help streamline your service from assessment to completed repairs.

At Rhoden Roofing, we provide comprehensive storm damage repair services including free estimates for a professional inspection and assessment. Whether your storm damaged roof needs a minor repair or a full replacement Rhoden Roofing has the answer for you.

5. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Many insurance policies will cover all or some of your roof repair after your experience storm damage in Wichita. Each policy is different, though, so it’s important to promptly contact your provider to start the insurance claim process and discuss your options. When you call, be prepared with the following information to help streamline the process as much as possible and avoid any delays in your service: