Storm Damage Archives | Lindus Construction /blog/category/storm-damage/ The Premier Home Improvement Company in Minneapolis, St. Paul, & Western Wisconsin Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:54:14 +0000 en hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cropped-favicon-1000-150x150.png Storm Damage Archives | Lindus Construction /blog/category/storm-damage/ 32 32 Dos & Don’ts of Homeowners Hail Damage Insurance Claims /blog/dos-donts-of-homeowners-hail-insurance-claims/ /blog/dos-donts-of-homeowners-hail-insurance-claims/#comments Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:47:36 +0000 /?p=1954 For more than 45 years, we’ve helped homeowners deal with hail insurance claims. We’ve also seen what can go wrong after a storm. To help you avoid common mistakes, here are the do’s and don’ts of homeowners hail insurance claims.

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Contact Your Insurance Company & Reputable Contractor

DO contact your insurance company and a reputable contractor as soon as possible after the damage occurs. After major storms, contractors book up fast. Insurance adjusters do too. In the Midwest, winter weather can delay roof work. Acting quickly can help you avoid waiting until spring for your roofing project.

DO set a time for you, your spouse, a reputable contractor, and the insurance adjuster to meet. After large storms, insurance companies often send adjusters from out of state. Meeting in person helps your contractor explain issues like the effects of hail on your home. This is harder to do later by phone after the adjuster has returned to their home office.

storm damage roof

Understanding Your Home Insurance Policy

DO keep a copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy and carefully consider the coverage you need before purchasing. If you need to file a hail damage roof insurance claim, have the policy handy so you understand what you’re entitled to.

Get The Facts On Your Roof Warranty

DO know that manufacturer warranties on items such as gutters, roofing, and siding are typically voided if hail damage occurs and affected areas are not repaired or replaced.

storm damage

Avoid Storm Chasing Contractors

DO NOT sign with the first company that knocks on your door after a storm. After widespread hail damage, storm-chasing contractors often move quickly through affected areas and promise fast fixes.

These companies may leave before work is complete or perform work that fails later. Homeowners often have no way to contact them once problems appear. Learn how to protect yourself from storm-related contractor scams and how to spot the warning signs of storm-chasing contractors before making a decision.

Review Adjuster & Contractor Estimates on Hail Damage Insurance Claims

DO NOT accept the insurance adjuster’s first estimate if it does not reflect the full scope of work your contractor recommends. Initial estimates may miss damage or fail to account for upgrades you’ve made to your home.

If the numbers do not align, you have the right to ask questions and request revisions. In some cases, homeowners choose to work with an independent adjuster or pursue additional review through their insurance provider or state insurance office.

hail to roof

Properly Vet Contractors

DO NOT feel forced to use a contractor referred to you by the insurance company. Oftentimes, their motivation is to complete the work as cheaply as possible, shortchanging the homeowner through subpar materials and shortcuts. Hiring your own contractor means their incentive is to satisfy you rather than the insurance company.

Use these tips to find a roofing contractor to help with your hail damage roof insurance claim.

Get a Behind the Scenes Look at Storm Damage Repair Completed by our Team:

Helping You Navigate Storm Damage Repairs:

At Lindus Construction, all of our estimators go through extensive training and possess the knowledge to identify storm damage to your home. This is one of the many reasons why we receive excellent reviews. We are able to help you work with your insurance company to get your home restored as soon as possible. Our full service construction company is ready to help you with your storm damage and hail insurance claim needs.

If your home has recently been hit by hail, review this hail damage inspection checklist to help you figure out exactly what to do after a storm.

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Four Insurance Questions Every MN & WI Homeowner Should Ask Today /blog/stormcoverage/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 17:46:49 +0000 /?p=27823 Storm Damage and Changing Insurance Policies in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Wind and hail are common in Minnesota and Wisconsin. They damage roofs, windows, siding, and gutters.

Lindus Construction has helped homeowners recover from storms for over 45 years. We know how to work with insurance companies to get homes repaired and often improved.

Lately, we’ve seen a problem. Many homeowners don’t know their insurance has changed until it’s too late. They’re left without the coverage they thought they had.

That’s tough news to swallow. Even more frustrating is the unexpected out-of-pocket expenses that follow.  To help, we put together four key insurance questions every homeowner should ask.

storm damage

1. Do I Have RCV (Replacement Cost Value) or ACV (Actual Cost Value)?

What is Replacement Cost Value?

Replacement cost value pays to repair or replace damaged property with new items of like kind and quality at today’s prices, without deduction for depreciation.

Pays: The cost to replace your damaged or stolen property with new, similar items.

Premiums: Usually higher.

Benefit: Provides full coverage for new replacements without factoring in depreciation.

Drawback: Higher monthly or annual premium costs.

What is Actual Cost Value?

Actual cost value pays the current market value of your damaged property, accounting for depreciation due to age and wear and tear.

Pays: Replacement cost minus depreciation.

Premiums: Typically lower.

Benefit: Lower upfront cost.

Drawback: You pay out of pocket for the difference to buy new items.

storm damage

2. What is My Insurance Deductible?

It’s likely much higher than it was 10 years ago. Recent data shows that the share of policies with deductibles between $5,000 and $10,000 increased by nearly 50% between 2019 and 2024. A deductible of $500 is almost unheard of these days, and most do not drop below $3,000.

3. What Types of Deductibles Are There?

Flat: This is a fixed dollar amount you pay for a covered loss, such as $2,500 for a fire, for example.

Percentage: This is a percentage of your home’s insured value. It’s often applied to claims for specific events like wind and hail damage repairs, where a 1% or 2% deductible would be a specific amount based on your home’s value.

window installation

4. What is a Cosmetic Damage Exclusion?

Many insurance companies include a “cosmetic damage exclusion” in their policies, meaning they won’t pay for damage that’s only cosmetic. That includes things like dents, dings, scratches, scuffs, fading, staining, or pitting on exterior surfaces like siding, roofs, gutters, or windows. To get coverage for cosmetic damage, you often need to add a special endorsement or rider to your policy.

At Lindus Construction, our estimators know how to spot storm damage. Their experience is one reason we earn so many great reviews.

We know how confusing insurance claims can be after a storm. We work with your insurance company to make the process faster and less stressful. We handle everything from inspection to restoration. That way, your home gets back to normal sooner.

If your home was recently hit by hail, read our Dos & Don’ts of Homeowners Hail Insurance Claims.  It explains what to do and what to avoid when filing a homeowners insurance claim to prevent costly mistakes.

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Top 3 Causes Of Roof Storm Damage & Homeowner Solutions /blog/causes-of-storm-damage-roof-repair-homeowner-solutions/ Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:21:19 +0000 /?p=19691 There is an array of weather-related events that can cause the need for storm damage roof repair including hailstorms, tornadoes, and wind driven rain.  While roof leaks may not be immediate, failure to have a roof repair or replacement completed can have dire consequences for both the interior and exterior of your home.  Here’s what you need to know!

Storm Damaged Roofs Can Occur In A Variety Of Ways

1. Hail Damage Roof

After a sizable hailstorm occurs, homeowners are often left needing to file roofing insurance claims for storm damage.  There are a few ways that a storm damage restoration company is able to identify hail damage.  This can include bruised shingles which will eventually lead to holes forming on shingles, which makes them unable to protect a home from interior damage.  Hail can also cause the granules to separate from the shingles.  With enough velocity, roof vents can become dented, and shingles can become cracked.

hail damage

2. Windstorms

Heavy windstorms can pull shingles off the roof or cause tears in those that remain.  In some instances, wind damage can cause a roof’s shingles to curl.  Curled shingles that do not correct themselves over time are cause for alarm because it is likely that will suffer further damage over time.

curling shingles

3. Tornado Roofing Catastrophes

A home that is impacted by a tornado is likely to need a roof replacement.  That is because tornadoes can rip shingles off the roof.  In addition, tornadoes often cause tree branches to fall on roofs, causing significant structural damage.

How Can Homeowners Make It Less Likely That They Will Need Storm Damage Roof Repair?

Impact-Resistant Roof Replacement

When getting roof replacement estimates, it is important to understand that shingles are offered in a variety of impact-resistance classes.  Homeowners opting for a Class 4-impact resistant roof are investing in the shingles that have been certified by Underwriters Laboratory to have the lowest probability of needing new roof installation due to hail.  Examples of Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are GAF Glenwood® and Timberline® AS II Shingles.

See A GAF Glenwood® Shingle Roof Replacement:

Best Shingles For High Winds

The average shingle that most roofing services offer is not meant to withstand the impact of high winds.  However, homeowners living in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin should seek out wind resistant shingles for their roof to reach the maximum possible lifespan.  One such example is Timberline® HDZ™ shingles by GAF asphalt roofing.  The shingles are manufactured with a larger nailing area than ordinary shingles.  This added step makes them much less likely to pull up in periods of heavy wind.  For this reason, GAF is able to offer the industry’s first roofing shingle with no maximum wind speed limitation.

Timberline HDZ and LeafGuard

Well-Known & Trusted For Roofing Services

Since 1979, Lindus Construction has served over 100,000 happy customers in Western Wisconsin in the Twin Cities with home improvements, including roof replacement.

As the most trusted roofing company in the area, you can depend on our craftsmen to install GAF asphalt roofs that are accompanied with a 50-year non-prorated warranty on labor and materials.  Streamline your roofing project and get a complimentary estimate today.

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Why Lindus is the Top Roofing Company to Repair Storm Damage /blog/why-lindus-roofing-company-for-storm-damage-repairs/ Sat, 05 Jul 2025 14:19:34 +0000 /?p=20946 A Legacy Of Excellence for Storm Damage Repairs in MN & Western WI

Lindus Construction has worked with homeowners in western Wisconsin and Minnesota since 1979. Our employees have a deep dedication to craftsmanship and customer service. Our headquarters is in Baldwin, WI which is the hometown of our founders, Kevin and Emily.

Lindus Family

Homeowners that partner with us for storm damage restoration get treated like family.  We continue to win national awards and recognition in our second generation of ownership, and we pride ourselves on having excellent customer reviews.

Watch A Hail Damage Roof Repair:

Western WI & MN’s Premier Storm Damage Restoration Contractors

Researching storm damage repairs in Wisconsin and Minnesota can provide many options.  Yet, it can be tough to tell which storm restoration services are reputable.  The last thing a homeowner wants to do is have to deal with unreliable storm chasing contractors. Here’s how our roof storm damage contractors provide the best possible experience.

Mahtomedi GAF Roof

Our Storm Restoration Services For Roofing

1. Roof Inspection & Estimate

First, our roofing contractors will inspect your roof.  Drone footage can also tell if storm restoration services are necessary. After noting the condition of your current roof installation, we can give the next steps. This often means explaining whether it’s better to repair or replace your roof.

drone

2. Deciding Between Roof Repair & New Roof Installation

In some cases, such as a minor roof leak, it can make more sense to perform a roof repair.  We inform homeowners about the amount of roof storm damage so they can make a smart decision. For example, if there is granule loss or many missing roof shingles, storm damage services are a must to restore your home.

bad roof

3. Our Experts Assist With Roofing Insurance Claims For Storm Damage

Our roofing contractors will work with you and your insurance company.  We can meet with you and your insurance adjuster to ensure a smooth claims process.  The goal of our storm damage repair services is to be there for MN & WI homeowners for the entire duration.

insurance

4. Completion Of Storm Damage Roof Repair

After a homeowner has picked from the roof shingle colors and styles we offer, the project can start.  Our factory-trained roofers work to protect your landscaping during the roof replacement. They install GAF roofing shingles that come with a 50-year warranty. This non-prorated roof installation covers labor and materials and comes with our lifetime workmanship guarantee. In addition, homeowners can appreciate that our impact-resistant roofing can lower insurance premiums.

Roofer Installing Shingles on a Home

Request Your Storm Damage Restoration Estimate

When it comes to storm restoration services, we take a personalized approach. A roof estimate starts with a home visit to test the condition of your current roof installation.  Our approach is to then look for signs of hail damage and old asphalt shingles. The best solution for your home will depend on the damage and age of your roof.

As an added bonus, we can also check your home’s siding and gutter guards for storm damage repair.  Contact us for your complimentary estimate today.

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Protect You & Your Home From Storm Chaser Contractor Scams /blog/protect-storm-chasers/ /blog/protect-storm-chasers/#comments Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:44:33 +0000 /?p=4129 When major storms leave damage to your home, it can be tempting to work with the first contractor that comes knocking on your door, the company that promises you a new roof by the end of the week, or the lowest bidder.  However, not educating yourself about who you are working with can have serious consequences, especially when it comes to hail damage contractor scamsstorm damage

What is a Storm Chaser?

In the construction industry, the term “storm chasers” or “storm chaser contractors” are those that travel to areas affected by storms and approach those in need of assistance with repairs.  Oftentimes, they require cash up-front in exchange for quick unreliable repairs.

Unlike reliable contractors, storm chasers will offer to act as the sole contact with a homeowner’s insurance company.  If a homeowner signs documents authorizing a storm chaser to act as sole contact with an insurance company, their insurance settlement check may be made out to the storm chaser, not the homeowner.  If this happens, the homeowner relinquishes the right to withhold payment if work is not completed in the manner that was agreed to.  The storm chaser is then free to use subpar materials & or even leave the job incomplete because they have already received full payment.

10 Signs of a Storm Chaser Contractor Scam

1)      The company solicits business door to door and shows up right after storm damage has occurred.

2)      They offer you a way to not have to pay your insurance deductible.  (This is insurance fraud.)

3)      Contracts are vague and do not state exact dollar amounts & are encouraged to be signed prior to meeting with your insurance adjuster

4)      They do not provide evidence of having insurance or a construction license number.

5)      You are responsible for obtaining the building permit.

6)      Unmarked vehicles or a vehicle with only a magnet that states the company name.

7)      No local references are available.

8)      Offers a price that seems too good to be true.

9)      Uses a PO box as their address.

10)  Out of area license plates and/or driver’s licenses.

In addition to the harm they can cause a local homeowner, contractor scams can be detrimental to the local economy.  Why?  Storm chasers often cut corners on things like insurance and materials, likely making them the cheapest contractor to work with.  If this happens repeatedly, it can make it difficult for legitimate contractors to have market share, causing them to go out of business.  This, in turn, provides the consumer with fewer places locally when a home repair is needed.

Storm Damage at Your Home?  Here are Some Thoughts to Consider

Oftentimes, storm chaser contractors do not carry insurance policies, leaving the homeowner at risk.  If a roofer is injured while working on your home and the contractor they are working for does not have insurance, their medical bills may become the responsibility of the home owner.  Another area where storm chasers fall short is warranties.  Most roofing materials have warranties to protect the homeowner.  However, warranties are void if the roofing was installed incorrectly.  If you’re dealing with a storm chaser scam that has no permanent address, it’s difficult to receive support if the product they installed malfunctions before the end of its intended lifespan.  A local contractor has a reputation to uphold and will likely do everything to rectify the situation if something goes wrong with a product down the road.  Their contracts often offer very specific terms that they are likely to honor.

Hear from One of Our Storm Damage Restoration Clients

 

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Four Point Post Hailstorm Checklist /blog/four-point-post-hailstorm-checklist/ /blog/four-point-post-hailstorm-checklist/#respond Mon, 16 Jun 2025 19:20:15 +0000 /?p=8945 The sound of hail pelting on roofs, siding, and gutters has been all too familiar to homeowners living in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin lately.  Though the damage takes only a few minutes to take place, the aftermath of hail is long-lasting and oftentimes stressful.  Understanding the proper steps once damage occurs is the first step towards storm damage restoration.  Follow our hail damage inspection checklist to understand the first four steps you should take.

1. Start a Storm Damage File

When beginning your initial hail damage inspection, record when the storm occurred and list all the areas that you are noticing damage.  Don’t overlook elements such as air conditioners, fences, and sheds.  It’s helpful to record the size of hail and photograph it next to an object that shows scale, such as a quarter.  During your hail damage inspection, using binoculars while standing on the ground can allow you to verify the extent of damage on your roof.  An abundance of shingle granules in your gutters or absent shingles are strong indicators that hail damage has occurred.

2. Triage Severely Damaged Areas

Hail damage on roofs can cause leaking; this should be addressed immediately by having a tarp installed over the problem areas as quickly as possible.  If hail shattered window glass, board up the damaged area until window replacement can take place.  The goal of your storm damage inspection should be to prevent any further damage to your home until a reputable contractor can assist you with restoration.

3. Have Your Property Inspected By A Trustworthy, Local Contractor

Local, highly rated contractors readily provide complimentary storm and hail damage inspections.  They are experienced and know exactly how to check roofs for hail damage, whereas an amateur could miss some of the signs.  If an insurance claim is needed, they can supply you with documentation and even work to meet with you and your insurance adjuster to finalize your claim.  Exercise extreme caution when interacting with storm chasing contractors that show up at your door uninvited.  Oftentimes, they are not insured or licensed.  In many instances, work is completed incorrectly, or not at all.  Refrain from signing their vague contracts and do not allow them to get on your roof, as you may be liable for their injuries in the event of an accident, especially if they lack insurance.

Here’s How A Reputable Contractor Can Help You After A Storm:

File A Hail Damage Insurance Claim

Prior to having work completed by the storm restoration companies you have interviewed, an insurance claim must be filed.  Having a reputable storm damage contractor support you during this process is particularly beneficial if the adjuster’s initial offer is not a reflection of all areas of your home that need restoration or fails to recognize premium improvements you have made to your home.  A homeowner has the right to retain the services of an independent adjuster that can submit their analysis to your insurance company with the amount you deserve compensation for.  As a last resort, a homeowner may hire an attorney or file a dispute with the state insurance commissioner’s office.

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Signs of a Hail Damaged Roof vs Old Roof Shingles /blog/roof-hail-damage-vs-old-shingles/ /blog/roof-hail-damage-vs-old-shingles/#respond Wed, 28 May 2025 18:54:59 +0000 /?p=2000 After a hail storm, homeowners are often curious to see whether their roof has experienced enough damage to be eligible for an insurance claim.  A trained storm damage contractor is able to analyze whether a deteriorating roof is the result of hail damage or if a roof simply nearing the end of its lifespan.  In this blog, we’ll discuss the difference between the two.

Signs of Hail Damage On Your Roof & Shingles

Bruised Shingles

Shingles bruising occurs when a hailstone’s impact disperses the roof’s granules.  Bruising will feel like indentations on your roof’s surface.  They are not always visible but should be addressed upon discovery, as failure to do so can cause holes to eventually form in your shingles, leaving your roof vulnerable to nature’s elements.

Loose, Missing, Or Shingle Loss

This one is tricky because it can be a symptom of a hail damaged roof but can also be a sign that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.  To verify if this is happening due to a hail damaged roof, see whether the displaced granules have now uncovered the roofing underlayment.  If it is faded, it means that the condition is preexisting.  However, if it is not discolored, it is likely that this is a new phenomenon.

The roof below was less a year old when it was damaged by hail.

hail on roof

Cracked Shingles on Your Roof

Large hailstones, hitting your roof at a high enough velocity can cause cracking in circular patterns.  Should you find hail damage to shingles on your roof, address it as soon as you can, as failure to do so can lead to a leaky roof.

Dented Roof Vents

Should your roof vents have been dented, it’s probable that the roof itself has been impacted by hail damage.  Contact your insurance company and a local, reputable contractor, who can offer a professional opinion on hail damage to shingles, repair, and replacement costs.

Signs of Worn Out Roof Shingles

Buckled Shingles

Buckling shingles can occur when new shingles are placed on top of old shingles or the roof was not properly installed. It can also be a sign of poor ventilation. When the shingles buckle, it means that moisture is underneath them. This can often signal that a whole new roof installation is needed.

Water Spots on Your Ceiling

Discolored spots on your ceilings are caused by leaks in your roof. The damage doesn’t stop with the unsightly spots. Left ignored major damage can occur and a homeowner can be forced to also replace their ceilings and/or drywall.

Curling Shingles

There are several reasons why curling roof shingles can happen. One is that the roofer disregarded the manufacturer’s nail per shingle recommendations. If a roof is inadequately insulated, moisture may build up in a home’s attic. Because it needs to go somewhere, it will slowly become trapped between the underlayment and shingles. Each shingle has an adhesive strip that connects it to the row below it. If that strip, called back coating, is not properly attached to the row below it curling can occur. Weather elements cause your roof to expand and contract. During this process, the nails holding your shingles down can be forced upwards which can cause shingles to curl.

Experiencing Roof Rot

Roofs begin to rot when the shingles have absorbed moisture all the way to the core. This is a serious matter and should be addressed as quickly as possible by a roofing professional.

Missing Shingles on Your Roof

This problem often occurs in the spring and cast be the result of high winds, ice and snow damage. Another possibility is that shingles were not installed correctly. Regardless, it’s important to call a roofing professional to get your roof back to its original condition. An untrained person trying to do this on their own can incorrectly replace the shingles which can cause your roof to leak.

Missing Granules on Shingles

When a roof is first replaced, it’s normal to have some granules (small ceramic coated rock specs that cover an asphalt shingle’s surface) dislodged from the shingles. However, if this continues, your roof’s lifespan will be greatly decreased because the asphalt on your shingle has been exposed to weather elements. If you are noticing this problem on an older roof, it’s likely that it needs to be replaced.

Roof Blistering

Blisters which look like bubbles just under the surface of your shingle’s granules are caused by moisture trapped in a shingle. The shingle may not need to be replaced until it breaks open. Once a shingle breaks open, it may become discolored and water leakage may become an issue.

Roof Flashing that is Damaged

Roof flashing is a piece of sheet metal placed on the joints in a roof to keep water from seeping into the structure. It is installed before the shingles.  Flashing that has not been installed correctly or is damaged can cause leaking. In some cases, flashing is able to be replaced in the damaged area only.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Inspecting Your Home After a Storm:

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How to Deal With Unreliable Storm Chasing Roofing Contractors /blog/storm/ /blog/storm/#respond Thu, 15 May 2025 15:47:08 +0000 /?p=8789 It’s been said that the only things certain in life are death and taxes.  Having been in the home improvement industry for the past 45 years, we’d like to include an additional item to this list: storm chasing contractors.  Like clockwork, as soon as heavy winds or hail desecrates an area, contractors from several states away enter the impacted areas into their GPS and start driving.  Risks that come from working with storm chasing contractors include incomplete work, work that doesn’t meet building codes, and having to retain storm damaged services from another contractor and attorney to get your home restored.

Signs a Roofing Contractor is a Storm Chaser:

Their Address is a PO Box

This means there’s no genuine way to track a storm chaser down in a few years should their seemingly acceptable roof installation begin to leak.  Even though roofing manufacturers offer material warranties, if the product was installed incorrectly, the manufacturer warranty is void.

Inability to Produce Local References

If the only names and phone numbers of homeowners a contractor can provide are from several states away, it’s likely they are a storm chaser.  In today’s economy, reputable contractors quickly book up and have no need to live a nomadic lifestyle.

The Storm Chaser Offers to Pay Your Insurance Deductible

This, in one word is fraud.  This is because an insurance policy is a legally binding contract between a homeowner and their insurance company.  Learn more about the insurance claim process when your home is damaged by a storm.

Unable to Supply Documentation of Being Licensed & Insured

If a worker is injured working on your property and the roofing contractor they’re working for does not have insurance or lacks proper limits, the homeowner can become liable for their medical expenses and even lifetime disability.  Likewise, if storm chasing contractors don’t have general liability insurance and damages your home while performing work, the homeowner can be left trying sue for damages, with the hopes the contractor has the ability to pay.

No Builder’s License Number

A contractor’s license number shows that they adhere to industry standards.  Unlicensed contractors cannot pull building permits and are very unlikely to perform work that’s up to building code.

Be on the Look-Out for Out of State License Plates

If the roofing contractor at your door has license plates from a state in a different time zone, it’s a sure sign they are a storm chaser.  The same holds true of their driver’s license.  Beware of any of any contractor in a company vehicle that has magnets that can be removed at a moment’s notice.  Simply having attire with a construction company logo on it, does not insure they are local.

What to Do if a Storm Chasing Contractor Comes to Your Door:

Act in a Calm & Patient Manner

Storm chasers make for unreliable roof contracts and try to take advantage of the fact that homeowners with storm damage are anxious to get the work completed quickly.  In most cases, homeowners have a year to file a claim after a storm and can have up to two years to get the work completed.

Do Not Allow Them to Inspect Your Roof

Even if you haven’t agreed to hire the contractor, if they perform an inspection and are not insured, the homeowner can be liable for their injuries.

Don’t Sign Anything

A common trait among storm chasing contractors is high pressure sales tactics.  Signing vague contingency documents to allow them to commence work once your insurance company has approved it can lead to harassment and threats of litigation.

Get the Facts On Storm Damage Restoration

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Find A Roofing Contractor to Help with Your Hail Damage Roof Insurance Claim /blog/find-hail-damage-roof-insurance-claim-contractor/ Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:47:49 +0000 /?p=20656 After your insurance company verifies that a hail roof insurance claim is needed, homeowners should begin the process of selecting a reputable roofer to complete their storm damage repair.  It’s wise to seek out roofing contractors that can advise on the do’s and don’ts of a hail damage roof insurance claim over contractors with little experience in this type of roof replacement.   Here’s what to look for.

It’s In Your Best Interests To Partner With Local Roofing Companies

Roofing contractors in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin often have the expertise to know the difference between hail damage to asphalt shingles and an old roof installation that has reached the end of its lifespan.  Reputable, local roof installation companies are also able to inspect both asphalt and metal roofs for damage.  They often can determine whether a metal roof installation has enough hail to warrant an insurance claim or if the sun’s rays will pop out the minimal dents over time.

Contactors local to Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Western Wisconsin should be trusted over out of area roofing contractors that may not be well-versed in local code.  In addition, out of area contractors scam homeowners going through hail damage insurance claims.  These roofing installation contractors often utilize vague contingency contracts and fail to fully complete the roof replacement as promised.  Local companies that offer roofing services tend to offer longer warranties on their roof shingles and offer installations that stand the test of time.

Roofer Installing Shingles on a Home

It’s Important To Hire A Licensed, Bonded, And Insured Roofing Contractor

Unlicensed roofing companies have not gone through the proper channels to ensure that they can offer a legal and code compliant roofing installation.  For this reason, they are unable to be insured as a roofer.  Because they do not carry the proper levels of insurance, they can often offer to repair hail damage to asphalt shingles at an unbelievably low price.  However, this type of roofer cannot be trusted.  Even more frustrating is that if their employees damage a homeowner’s property during their project, the homeowner can be financially liable.

roof installation

Don’t Forget To Look At Online Reviews

One of the most important facts to know about storm damage restoration is that online reviews can often tell the story of whether a company is reputable.  While it can take additional time to research potential partners, it often saves stress down the road.  Friends and family members that can provide first-hand accounts of how a company handled their hail damage to asphalt shingles can also be extremely helpful.

online reviews

We Can Assist With Hail Damage Insurance Claims

For over 40 years, Lindus Construction has been assisting homeowners in Western Wisconsin, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond with roof replacement due to storm damage.  The below infographic gives further details on how to ensure you’re partnering with a local and reputable contractor that can restore your home to better than its original condition.  Contact us for a complimentary storm damage estimate.

 

The Do's Don'ts Of Storm Damage Restoration

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How to Restore Your Roof After Severe Weather [Storm Damage Repair Checklist] /blog/restore-roof-after-severe-weather/ Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:57:53 +0000 /?p=22976 Roof storm damage is a stressful occurrence for any homeowner.  First-time homebuyers and those educated about storm damage restoration are often overwhelmed.  There are many steps a homeowner should take after experiencing roof damage from a storm. Following all standard procedures ensures a complete storm restoration.  Here are our expert tips for filing a roof insurance claim for storm damage and getting your home restored.

roof storm damage

Steps Homeowners Should Take to Complete Their Storm Damage Repair Project

Inspect the Storm Damage and Record Critical Information

First, before you do anything else, document all areas that need storm restoration before cleaning them up.  Proceed with caution in areas where power lines are down and scenarios when gas leaks can occur. This will put you in the best spot to receive compensation for your losses from your insurance company.

If a tree has fallen on your roof, a professional should remove it as soon as possible to prevent any further structural damage to your home.  Be sure to take photos before the tree is removed, and save all receipts from tree removal to provide them to your insurance company.

Storm Damage Maple Grove MN

How to Look for Roof Damage from Storms

If you can’t climb a ladder to see if you have potential roofing damage from a storm, stand on the ground and look with binoculars.  This can give you a close-up of the roof damage from the storm

Signs you have roof storm damage can include:

  • Indentations in your shingles
  • Shingles that are bruised, loose, cracked, or missing
  • Roof vents that are dented
  • Holes in the roof

To reduce the chances of future hail damage, many homeowners opt for a new metal roofMetal roofing can lower insurance premiums and enhance curb appeal.

Bonus read: Find out if your home is showing signs of damage from a hail damaged roof vs. old roof shingles.

Storm Damage Watertown MN

Check Your Gutters for Hail Damage

If hail has dented your house gutters, there are many issues that can arise, including:

  • Gutter leaks
  • Water pooling near your foundation
  • Downspout damage
  • Broken gutter hangers

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Hail Damage Can Ruin Your Home’s Windows

Even the strongest residential windows can fall victim to hail damage. Windows with hail damage may have indentations in frames, broken glass, and cracks. Not all dents on windows are easy to spot, so try running your hand over sashes, wraps, and frames to help identify indentations.

Verify if Your Siding Has Been Damaged in a Storm

The amount of storm damage repair that house siding needs depends on the material. Vinyl, steel, and engineered wood siding can be in need of repairs from hail.  Heavy winds can also cause the siding to separate from the home.  To see if you need storm damage restoration to your home’s siding, inspect it in the early morning or at dusk. This is when indentations are most visible.

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Does Your Attic or Ceiling Show Evidence of a Damaged Roof?

Leaks or water spots in your living spaces or attic can signal that roof storm damage has taken place. Left unaddressed, these issues can lead to mold and dry rot – problems that can affect air quality and health, and cost thousands to remediate.

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Contact Your Insurance Agent to Let Them Know About Storm Damage to Your Roof

After reviewing your homeowner’s insurance policy, contact a claims representative. Fill them in about your anticipated storm restoration work. From there, an insurance adjuster will work to determine the extent of your roofing damage.  One storm damage restoration fact that most homeowners aren’t aware of is that they may only have a year after the damage occurred to get it fixed, so time is of the essence.

No roof damage repairs should happen until this step is complete. If emergency repairs are necessary, document them with photos and save receipts.

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Obtain Estimates for Your Storm Restoration Project from Your Own Sources

Before a storm ever even hits, it’s wise to research roof damage contractors.  That’s because reputable storm damage roof replacement companies book up fast after hail events.  Your research will yield results that vary from unreliable storm chasing roofing contractors to local and reputable professionals.  Reliable storm repair and restoration contractors have a physical address, local references, and online reviews.

Working with a storm chasing roofer leaves homeowners to incomplete work or projects that don’t meet the code, so it’s wise to interview at least three highly rated roof damage companies before making your choice.

A reputable contractor will assist you with reviewing your insurance policy, and seasoned storm damage repair companies can verify that the adjuster found all damage to your home.  They can also work to document items that should be covered that may have been missed.

Local storm damage repair companies offer a consultative approach. They often offer complimentary design advice on roof shingle colors and styles. This ensures that a home’s curb appeal remains intact.

GAF Roof Mahtomedi

Storm Damage Restoration Checklist

Use this storm damage checklist to help you understand the type of roofing damage you may have along with other areas to inspect.

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Storm Damage Restoration Contractors Serving the Twin Cities & Western Wisconsin Since 1979

A local storm restoration company is a valuable resource after a wind or hail event. They can assist homeowners with assessing the full extent of the damage for no charge. The longer a homeowner waits to consult a local roofer, the more tedious the process can become.

Contact us today to learn more about Lindus Construction’s storm damage repair services or get a complimentary estimate to get your project started.

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