# What to Do After Storm Damage to Your Roof in Door County
Northeast Wisconsin is no stranger to severe weather. From intense summer thunderstorms rolling off Lake Michigan to high-wind blizzards in the dead of winter, your roof is your home’s primary shield against the elements. When a major storm hits Door County, Kewaunee County, or Brown County, the aftermath can be stressful and confusing.
As a local roofing contractor with over 18 years of experience, **The Roofing Company** has helped countless homeowners navigate the complex process of storm damage repair. If your home has recently weathered a severe storm, taking the right steps immediately can save you thousands of dollars and prevent further damage.
Here is exactly what you should do after a severe storm impacts your roof.
## 1. Safety First: Assess from the Ground
The most important rule after a storm is to never climb onto your roof yourself. High winds, hail, and heavy rain can weaken the structure, make surfaces incredibly slippery, and hide dangerous damage like soft spots or exposed nails.
Instead, walk around the perimeter of your home and conduct a visual inspection from the ground. Look for obvious signs of damage, such as:
* Missing, torn, or lifted shingles
* Dented or cracked shingles (a clear sign of hail damage)
* Pieces of metal flashing or fascia lying in the yard
* Granules from asphalt shingles accumulating heavily in your gutters or downspouts
* Dents on your gutters, downspouts, or siding (which often indicate roof damage as well)
If you see any of these signs, your roof has likely been compromised.
## 2. Check the Interior for Leaks
Not all storm damage is visible from the outside. Once it is safe to do so, inspect your attic and the ceilings of your highest rooms. Look for:
* Water stains on the ceiling or walls (usually brown or yellow rings)
* Damp insulation in the attic
* Daylight showing through the roof boards
* A sudden musty smell, which indicates moisture has penetrated the home
If water is actively leaking into your home, place buckets or tarps to catch the water and minimize interior damage. This is considered an emergency, and you should contact a roofing professional immediately.
## 3. Document the Damage
Before you clean up your yard or attempt any temporary repairs, document the damage thoroughly. Take clear, well-lit photos and videos of everything you observed during your ground and interior inspections. This documentation will be crucial when you file an insurance claim.
Be sure to capture:
* Wide shots showing the overall damage to the house
* Close-up shots of specific damage (like missing shingles or dented gutters)
* Photos of any debris in the yard
* Photos of interior water stains or leaks
* The date and time the storm occurred
## 4. Call a Trusted Local Roofing Contractor
Your next call should be to a reputable, local roofing contractor—not your insurance company just yet. A professional contractor will conduct a thorough, safe inspection of your roof and provide an expert assessment of the damage.
At **The Roofing Company**, we provide free, comprehensive storm damage inspections. We will evaluate your roof, document the damage, and provide a detailed estimate for the necessary repairs or replacement. Having a professional assessment in hand gives you significant leverage when you file your insurance claim.
**Beware of “Storm Chasers”**
After a major storm, out-of-town roofing companies often flood the area, knocking on doors and offering quick fixes. These “storm chasers” frequently do shoddy work, use subpar materials, and disappear long before any warranty issues arise. Always choose a local contractor who is licensed, insured, and established in the community.
## 5. File Your Insurance Claim
Once you have a professional assessment and estimate from a trusted contractor, contact your homeowner’s insurance company to file a claim. Provide them with your documentation and the contractor’s report.
Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage. It is highly recommended that you have your roofing contractor present during this inspection. A knowledgeable contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss and ensure that the estimate covers all necessary repairs to restore your roof to its pre-storm condition.
## Protect Your Home with The Roofing Company
Storm damage is stressful, but the recovery process doesn’t have to be. At **The Roofing Company**, we are experts in storm damage repair and insurance claim assistance. We are fully licensed and insured in Wisconsin, and we proudly serve Sturgeon Bay, Algoma, Kewaunee, and the surrounding areas.
**[Contact us today for a free storm damage inspection.](/free-estimate/)** Let our experienced team restore your roof and protect your home for years to come.