After a storm
The storm order, and what each step is for
You can do the first three before you call any roofer, and you should. The fourth is the one we do.
- 01
Step 1: Protect the house
Move what is wet. Cover what is open with a tarp, or have our repair truck put one on. Keep every receipt. A tarp keeps the water out; it is not the new roof.
Make temporary repairs only
Keep the old materials until your insurer has seen them
- 02
Step 2: Photograph the damage
From the ground and from inside: ceiling stains, dents in gutters and vents, shingles in the yard. Date the photos and keep them in one folder.
Wide shots and close ones
Text them to us if you like
- 03
Step 3: Call your insurer yourself
You decide whether to file, and what you tell your insurer is yours to say. We are not public adjusters, and we don't file or speak for you.
The deductible is yours to pay
Your agent can explain your policy
- 04
Step 4: Ask for an inspection
We go up, photograph every slope, check the attic and write down what we find. You get the photos and an itemized estimate you can share with your insurer. If you ask, we meet your adjuster at the house.
Repair, replace or leave it, and why
No contract is signed at the visit
The inspection
What you have when we leave
An inspection is a look, a set of photos and a written finding. It's yours whether or not you hire us.
Photos of every slope, the flashing and the attic
A finding for each: repair, replace or leave it, and why
An itemized estimate you can share with your insurer
Us at the house when your adjuster comes, if you ask
Who does what
What's yours to decide, and what we do
| Ours | Yours | |
|---|---|---|
| The claim | OursNothing. We are not public adjusters | YoursWhether to file, and everything you say to your insurer |
| The deductible | OursWe never offer to waive, absorb or rebate it | YoursYou pay it |
| The roof | OursInspect, photograph and write an itemized estimate | YoursWhich repair or replacement, and who does it |
| The adjuster | OursMeet them at the property if you ask | YoursWhether you want us there |
| The contract | OursPut the Iowa notice on it and read it with you | YoursWhen you sign, and whether you cancel |
Questions after a storm
What should I do right after storm damage?
Make the house safe first: move what is wet and cover what is open. Photograph the damage from the ground and from inside, with the date. Make only temporary repairs, such as a tarp, and keep the receipts. Tell your insurer yourself. Call us for an inspection when you are ready.
Will insurance pay for my roof?
For sudden damage from wind or hail, subject to your policy; not for wear, age or poor upkeep. A replacement-cost policy and an actual-cash-value policy pay differently. Your insurer decides, and your agent can explain your policy.
Can a roofer cover my deductible?
No. The deductible is yours to pay. We never offer to waive, absorb or rebate it, and a roofer who does is putting your contract at risk.
How do I know it's hail damage?
Bruised or cracked shingles, round patches where the granules are gone, and dents in vents, gutters and flashing. Some of it can't be seen from the ground, so we go up, photograph each slope and show you what we found and where.
What about roofers who knock on my door after a storm?
Take a name and the Iowa registration number, and look it up with the state before you sign anything. Don't sign over your insurance rights, and don't agree to anything the same day. Ask for the contract in writing and read the notice on it.
Ready for someone to look at the roof?
If you sign at home, you may have 3 business days to cancel.