TLDR:

• Check your roof, siding, windows, and gutters within 24 hours after storms
• Document damage with photos before calling insurance or contractors
• Some problems get worse if you wait, so prioritize safety issues first

Ohio storms can damage your home in ways that aren't obvious right away. Wind, hail, and heavy rain can cause problems that show up weeks or months later if you don't catch them early.

I've helped dozens of homeowners in Warren County deal with storm damage, and the key is knowing what to look for and acting quickly. Here's a complete checklist to help you assess your home after severe weather hits.

Safety First: Before You Start

Don't inspect your property until it's safe to do so.

Wait for:

• Winds to drop below 25 mph
• Lightning to stop
• Flooded areas to drain
• Power lines to be secured if they're down

If you smell gas or see electrical damage, call utilities immediately and don't enter the house until they clear it. 

Roof Damage Assessment

Your roof takes the biggest hit during storms, but damage isn't always visible from the ground.

What to Look For (From the Ground)

Missing or damaged shingles:

• Shingles blown off completely
• Curled or lifted edges
• Granules missing in large patches
• Exposed underlayment (black paper showing)

Damaged gutters and downspouts:

• Sections pulled away from the house
• Dents from hail
• Bent or separated downspouts
• Debris blocking flow

Flashing problems:

• Metal pieces around chimneys or vents that are loose
• Gaps where flashing meets the roof
• Bent or missing pieces

Signs of Hail Damage

Hail damage can be subtle but leads to leaks over time.

Look for:

• Dents in metal gutters, vents, or flashing
• Granules knocked off shingles (looks like bare spots)
• Cracked or chipped shingles
• Dents in aluminum siding

Don't climb on your roof to inspect it yourself. Use binoculars or hire a professional if you suspect damage.

Siding and Exterior Wall Damage

Storm damage to siding can let water into your walls, causing expensive problems.

Immediate Concerns

Wind damage:

• Siding pieces blown off or hanging loose
• Cracks or holes in siding material
• Trim pieces damaged or missing

Hail impact:

• Dents in vinyl or aluminum siding
• Cracks from impact
• Holes punched through siding

Water penetration:

• Stains on siding that weren't there before
• Soft spots in wood siding
• Gaps where water could get behind siding

Foundation and Structural Issues

Check for:

• New cracks in foundation walls
• Shifted or settling areas
• Water pooling against the foundation
• Damaged basement window wells

Window and Door Damage

Windows and doors are vulnerable to both wind and hail damage.

Window Problems

Glass damage:

• Cracks or chips in glass panes
• Broken or shattered windows
• Damaged window screens
• Bent or damaged frames

Seal and weatherstripping:

• Gaps around window frames
• Damaged caulking
• Weatherstripping pulled loose

Door Issues

Structural damage:

• Doors that won't close properly
• Frames that are warped or shifted
• Hardware damage from debris impact

Weather sealing:

• Damaged weatherstripping
• Gaps around door frames
• Storm doors blown off or damaged

Interior Damage Signs

Storm damage often causes problems inside your house that you need to address quickly.

Water Damage

Look for:

• New water stains on ceilings or walls
• Wet insulation in attic spaces
• Standing water in basements
• Musty odors that weren't there before

Act fast on water damage — mold can start growing within 24-48 hours.

Electrical Issues

Signs of electrical problems:

• Lights flickering or not working
• Outlets that aren't functioning
• Burning smells
• Sparks or buzzing sounds

Call an electrician immediately if you notice any electrical issues.

Documenting Damage for Insurance

Proper documentation is critical for insurance claims.

Photography Tips

Take photos of:

• Overall views of each damaged area
• Close-up shots showing specific damage
• Serial numbers or identifying marks on damaged items
• Temporary repairs you make to prevent further damage

Include reference objects (like coins or rulers) to show the size of damage.

Keep Records

Document:

• Date and time of the storm
• Weather conditions (wind speed, hail size if known)
• List of all damaged items
• Receipts for emergency repairs
• Communications with insurance company

Emergency Repairs vs. Permanent Fixes

Some damage requires immediate temporary repair to prevent bigger problems.

Do These Immediately

Temporary roof repairs:

• Tarp over holes or missing shingles
• Cover broken windows with plywood
• Clear debris from gutters to prevent overflow

Water intrusion:

• Remove standing water
• Set up fans to dry wet areas
• Cover damaged areas to prevent more water entry

Don't Rush Permanent Repairs

Wait for proper assessment before:

• Replacing large sections of roof or siding
• Major structural repairs
• Expensive permanent fixes

Insurance adjusters need to see the damage before you make permanent repairs.

When to Call Professionals

Some damage assessment requires professional help.

Call a contractor for:

• Roof damage assessment (they have ladders and safety equipment)
• Structural damage evaluation
• Major siding or window damage
• Any repairs that affect your home's weather barrier

Call utilities for:

• Downed power lines
• Gas leaks
• Water service problems

Insurance Claim Process

Understanding the insurance process helps you get proper coverage.

First Steps

1. Call your insurance company within 24-48 hours
2. Ask about emergency repair coverage before making temporary fixes
3. Get claim number and adjuster contact information
4. Review your policy to understand your coverage

Working with Adjusters

Be prepared to:

• Show all documented damage
• Explain what happened during the storm
• Provide receipts for any emergency repairs
• Get estimates from licensed contractors

Don't sign anything until you understand what you're agreeing to.

Common Storm Damage That Gets Missed

Some damage isn't obvious right away but causes problems later

Often overlooked:

• Small roof leaks that only show up during certain wind directions
• Cracked caulking around windows and doors
• Damaged weatherstripping
• Loose flashing that hasn't started leaking yet
• Foundation settling from saturated soil

Preventing Future Damage

After dealing with storm damage, consider improvements that reduce future risk.

Upgrades that help:

• Impact-resistant shingles
• Storm shutters or impact windows
• Reinforced garage doors
• Better drainage around foundation
• Regular maintenance of gutters and roof

What Repairs Actually Cost

Storm damage repair costs vary widely depending on extent of damage.

Typical costs in Warren County:

• Minor roof repairs: $300-1,500
• Partial roof replacement: $5,000-15,000
• Siding repair: $200-2,000 per section
• Window replacement: $300-800 per window
• Complete exterior restoration: $15,000-50,000+

Getting Quality Repairs

Storm damage brings out contractors who do poor work or overcharge.

Choose contractors who:

• Are licensed and insured in Ohio
• Provide detailed written estimates
• Have local references you can check
• Don't ask for full payment upfront
• Understand insurance claim process

Avoid contractors who:

• Go door-to-door after storms
• Demand immediate decisions
• Ask for full payment before starting work
• Don't provide proper documentation

Recovery Timeline

Storm damage recovery takes time, especially for major damage.

Typical timeline:

• Emergency repairs: 1-3 days
• Insurance assessment: 1-2 weeks
• Contractor selection: 1-2 weeks
• Material ordering: 2-4 weeks
• Repair completion: 2-8 weeks depending on scope

Be patient but persistent with insurance companies and contractors.

When You Need Help

Storm damage assessment can be overwhelming, especially for major damage.

I help homeowners throughout Warren County assess storm damage and work with insurance companies to get proper repairs. If you're dealing with storm damage and need help understanding what needs to be fixed, I can evaluate the damage and give you straight answers about repair priorities and costs.

The key is acting quickly to prevent further damage while making sure you get proper documentation for insurance claims.