Severe weather is no stranger to northern and central Indiana. Communities like Lafayette, West Lafayette, Monticello, Kokomo, and Lebanon regularly find themselves in the path of powerful storm systems that bring both wind and hail damage.
When a storm rolls through, it can leave your roof and siding vulnerable in ways that aren't always visible right away. Knowing what to do if your roof and siding are damaged by a storm can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Here's a straightforward guide to help you protect your home and your peace of mind from storm damage in Lafayette, Indiana.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety
Before you think about damage at all, make sure your home and family are safe. Check for downed power lines, gas leaks, water intrusion, or structural instability before moving through your property. If anything seems unsafe, stay clear and contact the appropriate emergency services first. Only when the area is safe should you attempt to move any debris, furniture, appliances, or other items from the affected area.
Damage assessment and repairs can wait; your safety cannot.
Step 2: Inspect for Damage
Once it's safe to do so, take a walk around your property to look for visible signs of damage. Keep in mind that some damage is much more subtle than a fallen tree or missing shingle. Wind, hail, and other debris can cause issues that are easy to miss from a quick glance, which is part of why a more thorough professional inspection matters.
That being said, there are some common signs of damage you can notice from both your home’s exterior and interior.
Common Signs of Roof Damage from a Storm:
- Missing, cracked, or curled shingles
- Granule loss on asphalt shingles
- Damaged metal components (gutters, downspouts, vents, etc.)
- Ceiling or wall stains inside from leaking water
- Sagging areas or visible dips in the roofline
Common Signs of Siding Damage from a Storm:
- Visible cracks, splits, dents, or chips on siding
- Loose or missing panels
- Holes or puncture marks caused by debris like hail
- Warping or buckling
- Fading or discoloration in a concentrated area
- Gaps or separation around windows and doors
If you notice any of these signs of damage or suspect something may be wrong below the surface, be sure to contact a local roofing or siding professional to confirm your suspicions and offer solutions.
Step 3: Contact a Trusted Local Contractor for Inspection
Remember, your safety is the priority. If you think your roof has been compromised, don’t attempt to climb up and inspect it yourself. Instead, contact a local roofing professional to come and safely inspect your home.
Even when the damage looks obvious from the ground, having a professional evaluation gives you a clear picture of what exactly is wrong, which can be a real asset when you’re filing an insurance claim. If you choose to file without an inspection, you may find that your own diagnosis of the issue didn’t cover the whole picture and end up left with more problems down the line that could’ve been covered by your insurance.
A trusted local contractor can also help protect your home in the meantime. Emergency measures like tarping can prevent further water intrusion and interior damage while you wait for permanent repairs to be scheduled.
Step 4: Document Damage
When you have an understanding of the situation, document it. Photograph all visible damage as thoroughly as you can, preferably before any emergency protections like tarps are laid down. These images will give your insurance company the clearest picture of what happened and can help your claim move along more smoothly. Be sure that they are timestamped to prevent any contesting down the line.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
When you have documented the accident, contact your insurance company to file a claim. Include any documents from your professional inspection to help create a full picture of the situation. Ask your adjuster whether any additional documentation or information is needed. Occasionally, they will ask for very specific images, so be prepared to take and provide those in addition to what you already have.
Step 6: Start Repairs with a Trusted Local Contractor
Once your claim is underway, it’s time to move forward with repairs. Working with a local roofing and siding professional who understands the demands of Indiana weather ensures your home is restored with materials and techniques that will hold up against any future storms and hopefully avoid this situation occurring again.
Knowing what to do if your roof and siding are damaged by a storm is an unfortunate reality for homeowners throughout Lafayette, Indiana and the surrounding area. But a clear plan can make all the difference in protecting your home and simplifying the recovery process.
If a recent storm has left your home with visible or hidden damage, don't wait to have it assessed. Reaching out to a knowledgeable local contractor is the best first step toward getting your home back to its pre-storm condition.
