Storm damage repair that starts with the truth
Storm damage is not always visible from the ground. We find it, photograph it, and tell you straight what it means.
When a storm rolls through the Miami Valley, the damage that matters most is often the damage you cannot see: shingles bruised by hail, seal strips broken by wind, flashing that let water in behind a wall. Left alone, those small failures become leaks, rot and interior repairs.
Our storm damage repair starts with a free inspection. We check the full roof system and exterior, photograph everything we find, and explain your options: repair, replacement, or nothing at all if the storm missed you.
Four kinds of storm damage, and where they hide
Each storm leaves a different signature. Knowing where to look is most of the job.
Hail damage
Hail rarely tears a shingle. It bruises it, knocks off the protective granules, and shortens its life, often without a single leak this year.
What we look for- Soft spots and bruises in the shingle mat
- Heavy, patchy granule loss
- Dents on vents, gutters and downspouts
- Cracked or dented siding and trim
Wind damage
Wind does not hit a roof evenly. It pulls hardest at the edges, corners and ridge, lifting shingles until the seal strip lets go and the nails loosen.
What we look for- Lifted, creased or missing shingles
- Broken seal strips that look fine from the ground
- Damage concentrated at eaves, rakes and ridge
- Loose gutters and siding panels
Lightning damage
A strike can puncture a roof, scorch the decking and travel through anything metal on its way to the ground.
What we look for- Punctures and scorch marks on the roof and decking
- Damaged flashing, vents and gutters
- Burn marks in the attic
If lightning hit your house, have an electrician check the wiring as well.
Heavy rain & leaks
Wind-driven rain finds the weak points: the transitions and penetrations where most leaks start long before a ceiling stain shows up.
What we look for- Failed flashing at chimneys and walls
- Cracked pipe boots and vent seals
- Water tracking in valleys
- Attic stains and wet insulation
Our 5-step storm damage inspection
The same process on every house, so nothing gets missed and nothing gets exaggerated.
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1
Surface scan
Missing shingles, lifted edges, and visible hail or wind impact.
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2
Roof system check
Ridge, hips, valleys, vents, flashing and every penetration.
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3
Leak-risk review
The transitions where water intrusion usually starts.
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4
Photo documentation
Clear photos of everything we find, for your records.
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5
Straight answers
Repair, replacement, or no action needed, and what to do first.
If the storm missed you, we will tell you that too. No damage, no pitch.
Storm damage gets more expensive the longer it sits
Hail ages a roof early
Bruised shingles shed granules faster and wear out years ahead of schedule, even if they never leak this season.
Leaks start out of sight
Water reaches the decking, insulation and walls long before a stain appears on a ceiling. By then, the repair is bigger.
Policies have time limits
Many policies require prompt notice and set deadlines for storm claims. Waiting too long can cost you coverage.
How to file a storm damage claim, step by step
The claim is yours from start to finish. Here is how to file it well, and where a roofer fits in.
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1
Document everything
Photos, video, receipts and a list of what was damaged all help confirm the value and description of the loss. Date everything.
A professional roofer can help you find damage you cannot see from the ground. That is what our free inspection is for.
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2
Prevent further damage
If it is safe, cover openings or catch leaks so the damage does not spread. A roofer can tarp a roof properly. Save every receipt, since temporary repairs are often part of the claim.
Safety first: stay off the roof and follow the National Weather Service safety guidance after severe weather.
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3
Contact your insurance company
Call the claims number on your policy or use your carrier’s app. They can tell you whether the loss is covered and how long you have to file.
Have this ready- The date and type of storm
- Your address and a short description of the damage
- Your photos and any inspection report
- Your claim number
- Your adjuster’s name and direct contact
- The timeline for the inspection
Stick to the facts. Do not guess at the cause or the cost. Everything you say goes in the file.
Find your carrier’s claim page ↓ -
4
Complete the claim paperwork
Fill out the documents your insurer sends, including the proof of loss form if they require one. Attach your photos, video and receipts.
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5
Prepare for the adjuster
The adjuster’s job is to assess the damage and confirm the details. Have your documentation ready.
It can help to have your roofer there to show the damage they found. We are glad to meet your adjuster on the roof for exactly that.
File directly with your insurance carrier
Click your carrier’s logo to go straight to their official claims page. Not listed? Use the claims number on your policy or insurance card.
Links go to each carrier’s own website. Thrush & Son is not affiliated with or endorsed by these companies. We work with homeowners insured by every carrier.
Had a storm? Let’s take a look.
Tell us about your home, and your nearest Thrush & Son® team will get you on the schedule.
