What to do in the first few days after a windstorm
A strong wind event along the Front Range can leave hundreds of roofs damaged in a single afternoon. What you do in the next few days makes a real difference in how smoothly the repair and any insurance claim go.
Stay safe first. Stay off the roof, and keep away from any downed power lines or hanging branches.
Document everything. Take photos and video of the roof from every side of the house, plus any shingles, flashing or debris in the yard. Inside, photograph ceiling stains, wet insulation or drips. Write down the date and time of the storm.
Prevent more damage. If water is coming in, put a bucket under the leak and move belongings out of the way. A roofer can put a temporary tarp over the damaged area until a permanent repair is done. Most policies expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to stop further damage, so keep receipts for anything you spend.
Schedule an inspection. A professional roof inspection tells you exactly what was damaged and gives you a written report with photos. That report is useful whether or not you end up filing a claim.
Does homeowners insurance cover wind damage?
Many standard homeowners policies in Colorado cover sudden wind damage to a roof. Coverage depends on your specific policy, so it is worth pulling it out and reading the section on wind and hail. A few things to look for:
Your deductible. Some Colorado policies use a separate wind and hail deductible, often a percentage of the home's insured value instead of a flat dollar amount. Knowing this number helps you decide whether a small repair is worth a claim.
Wear versus storm damage. Insurance covers damage from a specific event. It usually does not cover a roof that has simply worn out over time. An inspection report that ties the damage to a dated storm matters here.
Replacement cost or actual cash value. Some policies pay the full cost to replace damaged roofing. Others subtract depreciation based on the age of the roof. Your policy will say which.
Time limits. Most policies set a window for reporting damage. Do not wait until spring to start the process.
If you are unsure about any of this, call your insurance agent and ask. They can explain your coverage before you file.
How the claim process usually works
Inspection by your roofer. You get a clear picture of the damage and a repair estimate.
You file the claim. Contact your insurance company and share your photos, the storm date and the inspection report.
The adjuster visits. Your insurer sends an adjuster to inspect the roof. It helps to have your roofer there at the same time so nothing gets missed.
You receive the decision. The insurer approves the claim in full, in part, or denies it, and explains the amount.
The repair is scheduled. Once you know what is covered, the work gets done and you handle the deductible.
Repair or full replacement?
Not every windstorm means a new roof. In many cases, replacing a few shingles, resealing lifted ones and resetting flashing is all a roof needs. A repair makes sense when the damage is limited to one area and the rest of the roof is in good shape.
A replacement may be the better choice when:
Damage is spread across several slopes
Many shingles have lost their seal, not just a few
The roof is near the end of its life and shingles are brittle
Matching replacement shingles is no longer possible because the style was discontinued
An honest roofer will tell you which situation you are in and why.
Watch out for storm chasers
After big storms, out of town crews often show up in Front Range neighborhoods knocking on doors. Some do fine work. Others take a deposit, do a rushed job and are gone before the first leak shows up, leaving you with no one to call about a warranty.
Before you sign anything, ask:
Is the company local, with a real office and phone number you can visit or call?
Are they licensed where required and insured?
Can they show you reviews and past jobs in your area?
Will they put the warranty in writing?
Are they asking for a large payment before any work starts?
Take your time. A legitimate roofer will not pressure you to sign on the spot.
Wind damage and solar panels
If your home has solar, the panels and roof work together. A properly installed system is built to handle high winds, but a storm can still loosen conduit, damage wiring or affect the roof around the mounts. Check your monitoring app after a big storm for any drop in production.
When roof repairs are needed under or near panels, the panels may need to be removed and reinstalled. Working with a company that handles both roofing and solar keeps that process in one place and protects your system warranty.
A local roofer for wind damage repair
Impact Energy & Roofing is a local roofing and solar company based in Centennial, serving homeowners in Denver, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. We inspect wind damaged roofs, document what we find with photos, explain your repair options and can meet your insurance adjuster on site.
If a windstorm just came through your neighborhood, call Impact Energy & Roofing to schedule a roof inspection before the next snow.