What Happened After the Elkhorn Storm
After a severe hailstorm swept through Elkhorn in the summer of 2023, one homeowner found themselves stuck, facing a denied insurance claim and a roof that clearly wasn’t right. That’s when they called Anchor Roofing for a second opinion. Our storm damage roof inspection revealed the kind of evidence only a trained, certified roofer would catch, helping the homeowner get their full claim approved.
In this project spotlight, we’re sharing how our detailed inspection process uncovered hail damage that others missed, and how it made all the difference for one local family.
How Anchor Roofing Approached the Inspection
Before our team even stepped onto the roof, we gathered key storm data and began documenting evidence from the ground. Here’s what a thorough storm damage roof inspection should include:
Storm Damage Roof Inspection Checklist
After a storm, take a walk around your property to complete an initial check for storm damage. Your visual inspection should include the following steps:
- Walk the property looking for shingle pieces on the ground
- Check gutters and downspouts for granule loss
- Inspect siding, windows, and other exterior areas for damage
- Take photos of visible damage
- Document the date and storm details from news reports
- Schedule a professional inspection if you spot signs of damage
🔒 Safety note: Homeowners should only perform inspections from the ground. Leave roof access and detailed evaluations to trained professionals.
Our Thorough Storm Damage Inspection Helped This Elkhorn Homeowner
At Anchor Roofing, our team has a wide range of tools at our disposal for determining the extent of damage to roofs in Omaha, including:
- Closeup photos
- Microscopic analysis
- Drone footage
- Moisture detection
- Haag-certified inspector notes
We don’t hesitate to pull out all the stops to provide full documentation for homeowners’ building insurance claim cases.*
One past client, a homeowner located in Elkhorn, is the perfect example of our willingness to go above and beyond. This client had experienced hail damage from a storm in the summer of 2023. However, their claim was denied on the basis that the damage could not definitively be traced back to hail.
Going the Extra Mile to Prove the Damage
Hearing this, our team set out to do some detective work on the roof, going a step further than our already-thorough inspection process. We took microscopic pictures of the hail damage to this roof to substantiate the homeowner’s claim. These pictures showed broken fibers from fiberglass within the roofing, as well as fractured padding—undeniable evidence that the roof had been damaged by hail.
The Outcome: A Full Roof Replacement (And Then Some)
Now armed with these detailed pictures, our client resubmitted their claim and was ultimately approved. The insurance company agreed to reimburse not just a full roof replacement, but replacement windows and gutters as well.
This is just one example of hundreds we have to demonstrate why it’s important to have an expert roofer on your side during the insurance claim process!
6 Signs of Roof Storm Damage You Shouldn’t Ignore
As you complete your inspection, you’ll be looking for obvious signs of damage that indicate a roof repair is necessary. These telltale signs are all cause for an immediate roof repair:
- Wind-lifted shingles
- Hail dents in flashing, vents, and gutters
- Debris impact
- Granules in gutters
- Bent metal/edge flashing
- Water leaks/attic moisture
If you notice any of these, it’s important to contact a professional roofer immediately. Leaving damage to your roof unaddressed means your roof will be vulnerable to further damage and more severe issues, such as roof leaks.
Scheduling a repair, on the other hand, will protect your roof and avert unnecessary expenses down the line.
Should You Inspect It Yourself or Call a Pro?
In some cases, it can be okay to DIY a roof inspection. In fact, it’s a good idea to perform visual inspections of your roof and gutters for signs of problems every couple of months or so.
However, when storm damage is involved, it’s best to schedule a roof inspection with a local roofing contractor. While you can and should look for signs of damage yourself, this should only be a preliminary step. After all, if your roof is damaged, you’ll need to call a roofer anyway.
The reason to call a roofer is that they’ll be much more experienced and better equipped to fully assess your entire roofing system. What’s more, they can walk your property with the insurance adjuster to indicate damage and ensure nothing is missed.
FAQs About Storm Damage Roof Inspections
Still have questions? We’ve shared some answers below.
How soon should I inspect after a storm?
It’s best to inspect your roof immediately after a storm passes through your area. This will help to build your case; in the event that you sustained storm damage, there will be a clear connection between the storm event and the damage.
What if I don’t see visible damage?
Hail damage can be subtle. If you don’t see visible damage, it’s still a good idea to contact a roofing professional if large hail was reported in your area.
Can small hail cause roof problems?
Yes. While small hail generally won’t damage your roof all at once, it can still accelerate granule loss and leave your roof more vulnerable to moisture penetration and UV damage.
Denied Claim? Unsure What’s Next? Call Anchor Roofing
At Anchor Roofing, we’re renowned as storm damage repair pros throughout the Omaha area. We’ve helped countless homeowners navigate the claims process, even after claims were denied, thanks to our thorough inspection process and willingness to go above and beyond.
Our team is based locally, fully licensed and insured, and ready to help! Contact us today to book your free storm damage roof inspection.
* NOTE: Anchor Roofing and its authorized representatives are NOT acting as Public Insurance Adjusters and will not negotiate with insurance on the Customer’s behalf. This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional insurance advice.