What should I do immediately after a storm damages my roof?

Eastern Iowa’s severe storms — from hail and straight-line winds to tornadoes and derechos — can cause sudden, significant roof damage. Here’s exactly what to do in the aftermath:

1. Prioritize safety. Never go onto your roof after a storm. Damaged roofing materials are slippery and structurally unstable. Stay inside if water is actively entering your home and move valuables away from the affected area.

2. Document everything. Once it’s safe to go outside, take photos and video of all visible damage from the ground — missing shingles, dented gutters, fallen branches, siding damage, and any water that entered your home. Include wide shots and close-ups. Time-stamped photos are valuable for insurance claims.

3. Mitigate further damage. If water is entering your home, place buckets or containers to collect it and move furniture away from wet areas. If you can safely place a tarp over small, accessible areas, do so. For significant damage, call for professional emergency tarping.

4. Contact your insurance company. File a claim as soon as possible. Note your claim number and adjuster’s name.

5. Call Bunting Construction at (319) 330-9691. We provide free post-storm inspections and can deploy emergency tarping if needed. We’ll document all damage professionally and help you navigate the insurance process from start to finish.

6. Be wary of storm chasers. After major storms, unlicensed out-of-state contractors go door-to-door soliciting work. Trust your home to a local company with a proven track record — not someone you’ll never see again after the check clears.