Storm Damage Roof Claim: What Evansville Homeowners Must Know

Severe storms roll through the Tri-State area every year — and when they do, your roof takes the hit. Hail, high winds, and falling debris can cause damage that is not always visible from the ground. If you wait too long to act, you risk water intrusion, mold, and a denied insurance claim.

Here is exactly what to do after a storm damages your roof in Evansville, IN.

Before you climb on anything, walk around your property and look for obvious signs of damage:

• Missing or lifted shingles
• Dented gutters or downspouts
• Granules from shingles collecting in gutters or on the ground
• Cracked or broken siding
• Dents on metal vents, flashing, or AC units

Hail leaves circular dents on soft metals like gutters and flashing — if you see those, your shingles almost certainly took hits too.

Your insurance company will want proof. Before any cleanup or temporary repairs, document the damage thoroughly:

• Take photos and video from multiple angles
• Note the date and time of the storm
• Save weather reports — the National Weather Service archives storm data by zip code
• Photograph your gutters — granule loss is a key indicator of shingle damage

The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim.

Most homeowner policies require you to report storm damage within a specific window — often 30 to 60 days. Call your insurer as soon as possible to:

• Open a claim
• Get a claim number
• Schedule an adjuster visit

Do not wait. Delayed claims are often denied or reduced.

This is the step most homeowners skip — and it is the most important one.

A licensed roofing contractor can identify damage that adjusters miss, especially on complex roof systems. Having a professional inspection report in hand when the adjuster arrives gives you documentation to support your claim and ensures nothing gets overlooked.

Rock's Roofs offers free storm damage inspections throughout Evansville and the Tri-State area. We will walk the roof with you, document every point of damage, and provide a detailed written report.

Most standard homeowner policies cover:

• Wind damage — missing shingles, lifted flashing, damaged ridge caps
• Hail damage — bruised or cracked shingles, dented gutters
• Falling objects — tree limbs, debris

What is typically NOT covered:

• Pre-existing damage or wear and tear
• Damage from lack of maintenance
• Flooding (requires separate flood insurance)

Review your policy's deductible and replacement cost value (RCV) vs. actual cash value (ACV) provisions. RCV policies pay for a full replacement; ACV policies depreciate the value of your roof based on age.

Your insurer will provide an estimate, but you are not required to use their preferred contractor. Get at least two estimates from licensed, local roofing contractors. A reputable contractor will:

• Provide a detailed written estimate
• Match the scope of work to your insurance adjuster's report
• Work directly with your insurance company if needed

Be cautious of out-of-state storm chasers who show up after major weather events. They often disappear after taking a deposit.

If your roof has active leaks or exposed areas, you have a duty under most policies to prevent further damage. Temporary repairs might include:

• Tarping exposed areas
• Covering broken windows
• Boarding up damaged sections

Keep all receipts — these costs are typically reimbursable under your policy.

We have helped hundreds of Evansville homeowners navigate the insurance claim process after storms. Our team will:

• Perform a free, thorough roof inspection
• Provide a detailed damage report for your insurer
• Meet with your adjuster on-site if needed
• Handle the full replacement or repair once approved

Call us at (812) 459-2139 or request a free estimate online. We serve Evansville, Newburgh, Henderson, Owensboro, and the entire Tri-State area.

Do not let storm damage turn into a bigger problem. The sooner you act, the better your outcome.