Storm documentation
Illinois roofs take hits from spring hail, summer derecho winds, tornado-season gusts, and branches that come down after saturated ground loosens root systems. A good storm visit documents what changed without turning the call into a rushed sales event.
Storm signs worth checking
Hail can bruise asphalt mats, knock granules loose, dent vents, and mark gutters before the roof leaks. Wind damage may show as creased tabs, missing ridge caps, lifted edges, or fasteners that no longer hold the shingle flat.
Some damage is obvious from the yard, but much of it is not. The inspection should cover roof slopes, soft metals, gutters, siding edges, attic water marks, and any interior ceiling stains that started after the storm line moved through.
Documentation without insurance shortcuts
A contractor can photograph roof conditions, prepare an itemized repair or replacement scope, and meet an adjuster when that helps clarify the physical damage. The insurer decides coverage; the contractor documents the roof.
Illinois PA 96-1113 does not allow a roofer to make a homeowner deductible vanish through rebates, credits, or side deals. Treat that kind of storm pitch as a consumer-protection warning, not a favor.
Repair, dry-in, or replacement
A missing shingle section may need a quick dry-in before permanent work. Hail limited to one area may lead to a repair scope. Widespread bruising, older brittle shingles, or multiple slopes with wind damage can push the roof toward replacement.
The written recommendation should explain which path fits the evidence. Ask for photos and a plain-language note on what can wait, what should be handled soon, and what would become worse if another storm arrives.