5 Steps to Respond to Storm Damage

In Minneapolis, spring and summer can bring some nasty storms with them. If your area gets hit and your Minneapolis home encounters storm damage, do you know what to do? If you don’t, that’s okay since we’ve compiled 5 steps that you should do to respond to storm damage.

When it comes to storm damage repair in Minneapolis, you should always act fast. Procrastinating can cause further damage to both your home and belongings, so it’s imperative that you get started on these steps right away!

Step 1: Inspect Home for Damage

After the storm has passed, the first step is to check your home for damage. Not all damage will always be immediately obvious, so be sure to pay close attention!

Before going outside to inspect your home, first make sure that your area is safe. The local news should release a statement once the storm has officially passed, confirming that it is safe to go outside. Other than that, your safety should be your number one priority! You should:

  • Watch out for broken glass, exposed nails and other hazards
  • Stay 10 feet away from downed power lines
  • Avoid standing water
  • Always take a flashlight if inspecting your home in the dark, but, if possible, wait until morning
  • Be aware of your surroundings

Both the inside and outside of your home are equally important when checking for storm damage. Check your attics or crawl spaces for water accumulation that could be caused by new damage to your roof, your basement for flooding, your siding and windows for damage, and look for any downed trees or power lines outside.


Step 2: Review and Assess Damage

Since you’ve already confirmed that it’s safe to move around your property and you have enough light, go around, and photograph any damage your home received during the storm.

It’s important to note that roofs are susceptible to damage from hail and falling tree limbs while windows and doors are especially vulnerable to wind damage and flying debris. Knowing what to look for when assessing damage can help make the process of storm damage repair that much easier, as you’ll be more likely to accurately assess the damage.

Step 3: Contact your Insurance Company

Since you’ve already taken pictures, you’re already well on your way to handling this next step! If you have insurance, you should file a claim including pictures of the damage sustained by your home. If you need to vacate your home during renovations, be sure to keep any receipts for hotels and travel costs to submit as well, as that should be covered by most insurances!

Step 4: If Possible, Prevent Additional Damage

If you notice any broken windows or repairs that you feel confident you can handle on your own, repairing them as soon as possible can help eliminate further damage. But if you don’t feel confident or safe completing those repairs, call a professional. In fact, we always recommend hiring a professional for tricky repairs and anything that involves getting up on your roof!

Step 5: Select the Right Contractor

Once you’ve taken inventory of the damage, it’s time to think about storm damage repair for your Minneapolis home. You need a professional and trustworthy contractor to come in and repair your home. Don’t be fooled by companies that swoop in after storm damage – just because they are there doesn’t mean that they care. Always check reviews and testimonials to make sure you get the best in storm damage repair.

That’s why you should call JTR Roofing! Our experts will handle all the necessary repairs to your roof, siding, windows, and more. Call us today at 651-777-7394 or contact us!