When a severe storm hits central Minnesota, the damage to your roof can range from a few missing shingles to complete devastation. The steps you take in the hours and days after the storm can make the difference between a smooth insurance claim and a costly headache. Here's exactly what to do.
Immediately After the Storm (First 24 Hours)
1. Ensure Your Family's Safety
Before worrying about your roof, make sure everyone in your household is safe. If you see signs of structural damage — sagging ceilings, large holes in the roof, or standing water inside — leave the home and call emergency services.
2. Prevent Further Interior Damage
If rain is entering your home through roof damage:
- Move furniture and valuables away from the affected area
- Place buckets or containers under active leaks
- Lay down plastic sheeting to protect flooring
- Take photos and video of all interior water damage before cleaning up
These steps protect your belongings AND provide documentation for your insurance claim.
3. Document Everything From the Ground
Walk around the exterior of your home and photograph:
- Any visible roof damage (missing shingles, debris, exposed areas)
- Damage to gutters, downspouts, and fascia
- Damage to siding, windows, and doors
- Debris in the yard (fallen branches, hail stones)
- Damage to vehicles, outdoor furniture, or other property
Pro tip: If hail caused the damage, photograph hail stones next to a coin or ruler for scale. This evidence helps establish the severity of the storm.
4. Do NOT Climb on Your Roof
This is critical. Storm-damaged roofs are dangerous:
- Wet surfaces are slippery
- Structural integrity may be compromised
- Broken shingles create sharp edges and unstable footing
- Hidden damage can cause sections to give way
Leave the roof inspection to licensed professionals with proper safety equipment.
Days 1-3: Get Professional Help
5. Call a Licensed Local Roofing Contractor
Contact a reputable, licensed roofing contractor for a free storm damage inspection. Choose someone who:
- Has a local office and verifiable address
- Is licensed and insured in Minnesota
- Specializes in storm damage documentation and repair
- Has positive reviews from local customers
- Will inspect for free and provide honest recommendations
Your contractor should:
- Inspect the entire roof from the surface (not just visible damage areas)
- Document all damage with detailed photos and notes
- Provide you with a copy of their findings
- Advise whether a repair or replacement is needed
- Be willing to meet with your insurance adjuster
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
File your claim with the professional documentation from your roofing contractor in hand. Provide:
- Your policy number and storm date
- Photos and documentation from both your own and your contractor's inspection
- A clear description of the damage
Request that the adjuster visit within 1-2 weeks while the damage is still fresh and well-documented.
During the Claims Process (Weeks 1-4)
7. Adjuster Visit
When the insurance adjuster comes to inspect:
- Have your roofing contractor present — they can point out damage the adjuster might miss
- Provide your contractor's documentation for reference
- Ask questions about anything you don't understand in the assessment
- Get a copy of the adjuster's report before they leave
8. Review and Respond to the Estimate
Once you receive the insurance estimate:
- Compare it to your contractor's assessment
- Check that all damaged areas are included in the scope
- If the estimate seems low, your contractor can file a supplement with additional documentation
- Don't feel pressured to accept an inadequate estimate
Choosing the Right Contractor
Red Flags to Watch For
After every major storm, "storm chasers" flood into the affected area. Protect yourself by avoiding contractors who:
- Knock on your door unsolicited within days of the storm
- Ask for large upfront payments before work begins
- Offer to waive your deductible (this is insurance fraud)
- Have no local address or verifiable references
- Pressure you to sign a contract immediately
- Use scare tactics about damage getting worse
Green Flags to Look For
- Local presence — a physical office in your community
- Verified license — check with the Minnesota Department of Labor
- Insurance documentation experience — they know what adjusters look for and provide thorough reports
- Written warranty — both on workmanship and materials
- Transparent pricing — they work within the insurance-approved amount
- Reviews from local customers — verify on Google, not just their website
The Bottom Line
Storm damage to your roof is stressful, but following these steps in order — document, get professional help, file the claim, and choose the right contractor — leads to the best outcomes. The most important thing you can do is act quickly, get a professional inspection, and make sure your roofing contractor is present when the adjuster visits to review their findings together.