What to Do After a Hail or Wind Storm Hits Your Area
When a strong storm hits—bringing hail, high winds, or both—it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Even if your home seems fine at first glance, there could be hidden damage that can lead to costly repairs down the line. Here’s a step-by-step guide to protect your home, assess any damage, and avoid common pitfalls after a storm hits your area.
✅ 1. Check for Immediate Safety Issues
Before doing anything else, make sure your family and property are safe:
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Stay away from downed power lines.
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Watch for sharp debris, loose shingles, or damaged trees.
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Avoid going on the roof yourself—leave that to professionals with the right equipment.
🔍 2. Do a Ground-Level Walkaround of Your Home
Take note of any visible signs of damage, including:
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Shingle pieces or debris in the yard
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Dented gutters, downspouts, or siding
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Broken windows or damage to trim
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Granules from shingles around your downspouts
Even if you don’t see anything obvious, that doesn’t mean your roof escaped damage. Hail impacts often bruise or crack shingles in ways that are hard to spot from the ground.
📸 3. Document Everything
Take clear, time-stamped photos of any damage you see. This can be helpful for your insurance claim, especially if you're able to catch damage early before it worsens. Be thorough but don’t put yourself at risk—again, leave roof photos to your roofer.
📞 4. Contact a Local Roofing Professional for a Free Inspection
Before filing an insurance claim, it’s smart to have a trusted roofing contractor inspect your home. A reputable company will:
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Check for roof, siding, and gutter damage
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Give you an honest assessment
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Help determine if a claim is warranted
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Document everything professionally for your insurance carrier
Be cautious of out-of-town “storm chasers” who pressure you to sign contracts on the spot. Look for local contractors who have a track record in your area and will be around to stand behind their work.
🏠 5. Understand What Insurance Covers (and Doesn’t)
If your inspection reveals storm damage, your next step may be filing a claim. Most standard homeowners policies cover hail and wind damage, but not all damage qualifies for full replacement.
Also, insurance companies may sometimes only approve a partial repair, leaving you with mismatched shingles or siding. Work with a contractor who knows how to communicate effectively with adjusters and advocate for a proper restoration of your home.
🛠 6. Choose a Contractor You Can Trust
Look for companies that:
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Are licensed and insured
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Provide references or photos of past work
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Explain your options clearly
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Don’t ask for full payment upfront
At Pinnacle Roofing & Construction, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Northwest Arkansas navigate storm repairs and insurance claims—always with quality craftsmanship and transparency.
💡 Final Tip: Don’t Wait Too Long
Storm damage can worsen over time. Small cracks or lifted shingles can eventually lead to leaks, mold, and interior damage. Even if you're unsure about the extent of the damage, it’s worth getting a professional opinion.
Need a Roof or Siding Inspection After the Storm?
We’re here to help. Pinnacle Roofing & Construction is a local, experienced team serving Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, and Fayetteville. If your home was hit by recent storms, reach out for a free, no-pressure inspection and the support you need to move forward confidently.
📲 https://mypinnacleroofing.com
Call Us at: 479-437-2761
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