When a big storm hits Aurora, IL or the Chicagoland area, your roof is the first line of defense. Hail, wind, and heavy rain can cause damage that isn’t always easy to see from the ground. Before you pick up the phone to call your insurance company, there are a few smart steps you should take to protect your home and your claim.
1. Stay Safe and Do a Quick Visual Check
First things first:
stay on the ground. Don’t climb onto the roof after a storm. Instead, walk around your home and look for:
- Missing, lifted, or broken shingles
- Shingles on the ground or in the gutters
- Dents on metal gutters, downspouts, or vents
- Pieces of flashing or roofing debris in the yard
Inside, check ceilings and walls for new water spots, peeling paint, or damp drywall. These can be early signs of roof leaks.
2. Take Photos and Document Everything
Good documentation can make your insurance claim much smoother. As soon as it’s safe:
- Take photos and short videos from multiple angles
- Capture any visible damage to the roof, siding, and gutters
- Photograph water stains or drips inside the house
The more clear and organized your evidence, the easier it is to show what the storm did — especially if conditions change later.
3. Call a Local Roofing Professional for an Inspection
Before contacting your insurance company, it’s a smart move to get a
professional roof inspection. A trusted local contractor like Affordable Roofing can:
- Safely access and inspect the entire roof
- Identify hail hits, lifted shingles, and flashing damage
- Check hard-to-see areas around chimneys, skylights, and vents
- Provide a written report and photos you can share with your insurer
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that what looks “fine” from the ground can actually be serious damage up close.
4. Prevent Further Damage Right Away
Insurance policies usually require you to
mitigate further damage. That means you should take reasonable steps to stop things from getting worse, such as:
- Tarping damaged roof areas
- Sealing minor leaks temporarily
- Placing buckets or plastic sheeting under active drips
A company like Affordable Roofing can provide emergency tarping and temporary repairs so additional water doesn’t cause more serious interior damage while you wait on your claim.
Worried about leaks turning into bigger problems? Learn more in:
The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Small Roof Leaks
5. Then Call Your Insurance Company
Once you have:
- Photos and videos
- A roof inspection report
- Temporary measures in place
…you’ll be ready to call your insurance company. When you do:
- Have your policy number handy
- Explain the date and type of storm (hail, wind, heavy rain, etc.)
- Let them know you had a professional inspection
- Ask about next steps and whether you can have your roofer meet the adjuster on-site
Having Affordable Roofing
present during the adjuster visit can help ensure the damage is
fully and accurately documented.
Why Work With Affordable Roofing in Aurora & Chicagoland?
Affordable Roofing helps homeowners in
Aurora, IL and the greater Chicagoland area navigate storm damage from start to finish:
- Detailed roof inspections and documentation
- Honest recommendations: repair vs. replacement
- Help coordinate with your insurance adjuster
- Quality installations using trusted materials
We’re here to protect your home, not just your roof.
If a storm has just hit your home in Aurora or Chicagoland, don’t wait for small issues to become big, expensive problems.
Contact Affordable Roofing today for a professional storm damage inspection and clear guidance before you file your insurance claim.
👉
Call us now or
request an inspection at
affordableroofing.net.
