Your Iowa Roof Got Hit by a Storm — Here Is Exactly What to Do Next

Published May 1, 2026 • By Black Ridge Contracting

Iowa storms do not give you a warning. One minute the sky looks fine, and the next you are watching golf-ball-sized hail slam into your roof. When the storm passes, the damage is done — and what you do in the next 24 to 48 hours matters more than most people realize.

At Black Ridge Contracting, we have helped hundreds of Central Iowa homeowners navigate storm damage repairs and insurance claims. Here is exactly what you need to do if your roof just took a hit.

Step 1: Stay Safe and Stay Off Your Roof

This is the most important step, and it is the one most people skip. Do not climb on your roof after a storm. Wet shingles are slippery. Damaged decking can give way under your weight. Downed power lines may be nearby. Leave the climbing to the professionals.

If water is actively leaking into your home, place buckets under the drips and move furniture and valuables away from the affected area. If the leak is severe, use a tarp on the inside to direct water into a container. Your safety comes first — the roof can wait a few hours.

Step 2: Document Everything From the Ground

Grab your phone and start taking photos. Walk around the outside of your home and photograph anything that looks off. Here is what to look for:

• Hail damage signs: Dents on gutters, downspouts, and window frames. Dings on your air conditioning unit. Cracked or chipped siding. Dark spots or bruises on visible shingles.
• Wind damage signs: Missing shingles or shingle tabs. Lifted or curled shingle edges. Exposed underlayment (the black felt paper under your shingles). Debris like tree limbs on the roof.
• Other damage: Broken windows, damaged fencing, dented vehicles, and torn screens.

Take wide-angle shots of each side of your home and close-up shots of any specific damage. Time-stamp your photos. This documentation becomes critical during the insurance claims process.

Step 3: Call a Licensed Contractor Before Your Insurance Company

This is where most homeowners go wrong. They call their insurance company first and schedule an adjuster visit without having a contractor look at the damage. Here is why that is a mistake.

Insurance adjusters are good at their job, but their job is to assess damage for the insurance company. A reputable contractor works for you. They know exactly what to look for, where damage hides, and how to document it in a way that ensures nothing gets missed on the insurance report.

At Black Ridge Contracting, we offer free storm damage inspections. We will get on your roof within 24 to 48 hours of your call, document every bit of damage with photos and detailed notes, and provide a comprehensive report. When the adjuster comes out, we meet them on-site and walk the roof with them to make sure every damaged area gets included in the claim.

Step 4: File Your Insurance Claim

Once your contractor has documented the damage, call your insurance company to file a claim. Have the following information ready:

• Your policy number
• The date and time of the storm
• A description of the damage
• Photos and documentation from your contractor

Your insurance company will assign an adjuster who will schedule a time to inspect your property. This usually happens within one to two weeks of filing. Make sure your contractor is available to be there during the adjuster visit.

How the Insurance Claims Process Works

After the adjuster inspects your property, the insurance company will issue a determination. If the claim is approved, they will send you a check for the cost of repairs minus your deductible. Some policies pay in two installments — one upfront and one after the work is completed.

If the adjuster misses damage or the payout seems low, your contractor can file a supplement with additional documentation. This is common and it is one of the biggest reasons having a good contractor matters. We have recovered thousands of additional dollars for our clients through the supplement process.

Emergency Repairs and Timeline

If your roof has active leaks or exposed areas, emergency repairs should happen as soon as possible. Tarping a damaged section of roof typically costs between $200 and $500 and prevents further water damage to your home's interior. Most insurance policies cover emergency tarping as part of the claim.

Once your claim is approved, a full roof repair or replacement typically takes one to three days depending on the scope of the damage. Most storm damage projects in Central Iowa follow this timeline:

• Day 1-2: Contractor inspection and documentation
• Week 1-2: Insurance adjuster visit
• Week 2-4: Claim approval and material ordering
• Week 4-6: Repair or replacement completed

How Black Ridge Contracting Helps With the Entire Process

We handle storm damage claims every season in Central Iowa. From the first phone call to the final nail, we walk you through every step. Here is what you get when you work with us:

• Free storm damage inspection within 24 to 48 hours
• Detailed photo documentation and damage report
• We meet your adjuster on-site and walk the roof together
• We handle supplements if the initial payout falls short
• Quality repairs backed by manufacturer warranties
• We never ask for money upfront on insurance claims

If your roof took a hit from the last storm, do not wait. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to prove the damage was storm-related, and the more likely you are to develop secondary problems like leaks, mold, and structural damage.

Learn more about our roofing services or call us today at (515) 219-4654 to schedule your free storm damage inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions