How to Handle Storm Damage Like a Pro
Storms can strike with little warning—leaving behind everything from missing shingles and broken siding to severe leaks and fallen tree limbs. When the skies clear, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Before you reach for the phone to call your insurance company, take a moment to follow these crucial first steps.
At Fortex Roofing and Exteriors, we’ve helped countless homeowners recover quickly and successfully after storm damage. Here’s what to do immediately after a storm to protect your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind.
1. Prioritize Safety First
Before inspecting anything, make sure the area is safe. Stay clear of downed power lines, sharp debris, or unstable structures. If there’s major flooding or significant structural damage, contact emergency services before doing anything else.
2. Document Everything
Grab your phone or camera and take clear photos of all visible damage—including roof issues, siding problems, gutters, windows, fences, and even the interior if leaks have caused water damage. Make sure to:
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Capture wide shots of your home’s exterior
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Take close-ups of specific damage
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Include timestamps if possible
These photos will be key evidence when filing your insurance claim.
3. Don’t Start Fixing Anything Yet
As tempting as it may be to patch things up right away, don’t begin any major repairs before getting a professional inspection. Temporary measures like placing a tarp over a leak are okay, but avoid altering the damaged areas too much—your insurance company may need to assess the damage firsthand.
4. Schedule a Free Inspection with Fortex
Before calling your insurance company, get a free inspection from the storm damage experts at Fortex Roofing and Exteriors. Why? Because our trained eye can spot issues you might miss—and we’ll provide a detailed report and photo documentation you can use to back up your claim.
We’ll let you know whether the damage is cosmetic, structural, or serious enough to warrant a full roof or siding replacement—and we’ll give you honest recommendations without the pressure.
5. Review Your Insurance Policy
Before filing a claim, look over your policy so you understand your coverage, deductible, and limitations. Not all storm-related damage is covered, and some policies have exclusions based on the type of storm (hail, wind, etc.). Knowing this in advance will help you have a more informed conversation with your provider.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have a full understanding of the damage (and photos to prove it), you can call your insurance company and start the claims process. Having Fortex’s inspection report in hand gives you leverage—it ensures your claim reflects the true extent of the damage and helps avoid lowball assessments.
Why Fortex? We’re More Than Just Roofing Pros
When disaster strikes, you need a team that responds quickly, works with integrity, and knows how to navigate the insurance process. Fortex Roofing and Exteriors offers:
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Free, no-obligation storm damage inspections
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Detailed documentation for insurance claims
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Fast, professional repairs and replacements
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Local expertise you can trust
Don’t Wait—Act Fast After a Storm
The sooner you act, the better protected your home will be. If your property was hit by a recent storm, schedule your free Fortex inspection today. We’ll help you handle storm damage like a pro—every step of the way.