Storm Season Prep: What Homeowners Should Know

Spring and summer storms in Southern Wisconsin can bring hail, high winds, and heavy rain in a matter of minutes. A little preparation goes a long way toward protecting your roof, and knowing what to do afterward protects your insurance claim.

Before the season: schedule an inspection. A professional inspection finds loose shingles, failing sealant, and weak flashing that a storm will exploit. Fixing them ahead of time is far cheaper than repairing storm damage.

Trim trees. Overhanging branches are one of the most common causes of serious roof damage. Keep limbs at least several feet from the roof.

Clean gutters and downspouts. Heavy rain needs a clear path off the roof. Clogged gutters overflow into fascia, siding, and basements.

Secure loose items. Patio furniture, grills, and trash cans become projectiles in high winds and can damage siding, windows, and roofs.

Know your policy. Check your deductible, especially whether you have a separate wind or hail deductible, and whether your carrier has a time limit for filing claims.

After a storm: stay off the roof. Photograph damage from the ground, including gutters, siding, screens, and shingles in the yard. Write down the date and time of the storm.

Get a professional inspection. A drone inspection documents every slope safely with dated photos, which strengthens your claim.

Make temporary repairs if needed. If water is getting in, a professional emergency tarp prevents further damage. Keep receipts, since temporary repairs are often reimbursable.

Watch out for storm chasers. Hire a local, licensed, insured contractor, and never sign over control of your claim before seeing an inspection report.