From the ground, look for missing or lifted shingles, dented gutters and downspouts, and shingle granules washing out of your downspouts after rain — a telltale sign of hail impact on asphalt shingles. Check inside your attic for water stains, daylight coming through, or wet insulation. A lot of storm damage isn’t visible from the ground, though, which is why a professional inspection is the best way to know for sure.

Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover storm damage caused by wind, hail, and lightning. What you’ll actually receive depends on your deductible, your roof’s age and condition, and your insurer’s interpretation of the damage. A professional inspection with photo documentation gives your claim the strongest possible footing — adjusters work from evidence, not assertions.

Most Illinois homeowner’s insurance policies require you to file within one year of the damage event, though some carriers have shorter windows — and the clock starts on the date of the storm, not the date you noticed the damage. Don’t wait. The longer you delay, the harder it gets to prove the damage was storm-caused and not gradual wear.

Storm chasers are out-of-state contractors who follow major weather events. They move fast, offer aggressive pricing, and are often gone within weeks — long before any warranty issues surface. Local contractors live and work in your community, hold local licenses, and are still around when you need them years later. If a warranty problem comes up in year three, your storm chaser is two states away.

Most residential storm damage repairs are completed in one to three days once materials are in hand and insurance is approved. Full replacements typically require one to two days of active work on your roof. The longer part of the timeline is usually claim approval and materials sourcing — not the actual work.

Yes. Holthaus Roofing provides free storm damage inspections for homeowners throughout Central Illinois — Canton, Lewistown, Farmington, Havana, Macomb, Peoria, and surrounding areas. Our inspection comes with a written report and photo documentation you can share with your insurance company. No obligation, no pressure.

Illinois faces hailstorms, heavy snow, strong winds, and rapid freeze-thaw cycles — all of which can weaken shingles, flashing, gutters, and underlayment over time. Regular inspections help catch damage early before it becomes a leak or a structural problem.