A homeowner-friendly guide to responding to storm damage and navigating insurance
The weather in central Illinois can be unpredictable—and as we’ve already seen this year, storm season is off to a strong start and we have a couple months of potential bad weather left. Between high winds, heavy rain, hail, and the recent localized tornado activity in parts of Champaign and Douglas counties and the surrounding area, it’s clear that spring to fall brings real risk to homes and businesses across the region.
At Savior Roofing, we’ve seen firsthand how storms can damage roofs in ways that aren’t always obvious at first. Whether shingles are missing, flashing is torn, or your roof has taken more serious impact, we’re here to walk you through what to do—and just as importantly, what not to do—after a storm hits.
Safety First—Always
Before anything else, make sure you and your family are safe. Stay away from damaged areas, especially if there are downed power lines, fallen trees, or exposed parts of your roof. Do not climb onto your roof to check for damage—leave that to professionals with the right equipment and experience.
Do a Ground-Level Inspection
Once it’s safe, take a walk around your home and look for visible signs of roof damage. Common issues include:
- Missing or curled shingles
- Shingle granules in gutters or on the ground
- Pieces of flashing or roofing material in the yard
- Leaks or water stains inside your home, especially in the attic or ceiling corners
- Damaged or detached gutters
- Tree limbs or other debris resting on the roof
Even if everything looks okay from the ground, wind and hail can cause subtle damage that weakens your roof over time. And if something heavy—like a large branch—has landed on your roof, it's critical to have it inspected right away to check for structural issues.
Call a Trusted Local Roofing Company Before Filing a Claim
This is one of the most important steps. Before calling your insurance company, contact a reputable local roofer like Savior Roofing for a professional inspection. We’ll assess the damage, document what we find, and help you determine whether it makes sense to move forward with a claim.
Here’s why this matters:
Even if your insurance company doesn't issue a payment, your claim could still remain on your record, which may impact your future premiums or coverage. Filing a claim for minor damage—especially repairs that cost less than your deductible—can still count against you.
It’s also important to remember that the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company—not for you. Our job is to represent your best interest, ensuring nothing is missed and that your damage is fairly assessed and documented. We’ll help you make an informed decision before taking the next step.
Work with a Trusted Local Professional
Unfortunately, storm damage often brings in companies from out of state looking to make a quick buck. They knock on doors, promise fast work, and disappear once things slow down—often leaving behind poor workmanship or unresolved issues.
At Savior Roofing, we live and work right here in central Illinois. We’ve been serving our neighbors for over 35 years, and we’re not going anywhere. When you work with a local team, you’re getting more than a contractor—you’re getting accountability, follow-up service, and people who care about the community.
We Know How to Work with Insurance—And We Fight for You
Navigating insurance claims can be overwhelming, especially after a storm. That’s where we come in. Savior Roofing has decades of experience working directly with insurance companies, and we know how to:
- Thoroughly document roof damage
- Communicate with your adjuster
- Ensure you get the coverage you’ve paid for and deserve
Insurance companies don’t always make it easy—but we’ll be your advocate throughout the process to make sure nothing gets missed or overlooked.
It’s also important to remember that most insurance policies give you just one year from the date of the storm to file your claim. That may sound like plenty of time, but if damage goes unnoticed for too long, you could miss your window to get coverage. Getting a professional inspection right after the storm ensures you stay within your policy timeline—and protects your home from further damage.
Get Repairs Scheduled Promptly
If your roof is damaged, don’t wait to schedule repairs. Even minor damage can lead to major problems if water seeps in. Whether you need emergency tarping, partial repairs, or a full roof replacement, Savior Roofing will handle it quickly and professionally—always keeping you informed along the way. If your gutters were pulled away or a tree fell onto your roof, we’ll help you safely assess and address the damage.
Let’s Get Ahead of the Next Storm
The best time to prepare for the next storm is right now. Central Illinois weather can shift fast, and spring is just getting started. Whether you think your roof was damaged or just want peace of mind, call us for a free inspection. We’ll give you an honest assessment and help you make the best decision for your home or business.
Why Homeowners and Business Owners Trust Savior Roofing
We’re more than just a roofing company—we’re your neighbors. We believe in honest work, clear communication, and doing what’s right, especially when people are dealing with stressful situations. We treat your property like we’d treat our own, and we’ll be here for you long after the storm passes.
Let Savior Roofing save your roofing.
Schedule your free post-storm inspection today.