Storm Damage Roof Restoration: Step-by-Step Process

By STL Roofing

on November 27, 2025

Roofers repairing storm-damaged roof with tarps and new shingles

When a storm barrels through, it doesn’t ask for permission. One hour, your roof is fine; the next, you’re staring at missing shingles, shredded gutters, or worse. If you’re reading this with a pit in your stomach, you’re not alone. STL Roofing has seen it all—straight-line winds, hail, ice, and the kind of rain that tests every nail and seam.

Your roof is your shield. When it fails, you need more than just a patch—you need a plan. Here’s the step-by-step process STL Roofing follows to get homes and businesses back under safe cover, fast.

Assessing the Damage 🕵️‍♂️

First things first: before grabbing a ladder, step back and take a deep breath. Storm damage can be obvious—a gaping hole, dangling gutters, water pouring in. Sometimes, though, it hides in plain sight. Think of your roof as a thick forest after a storm. Some trees stand tall, others have lost branches, and some are split down the middle but look “okay” from a distance.

Here’s how STL Roofing approaches the first critical step:

Visual Survey: From the ground, look for missing shingles, dented flashing, cracked tiles, or exposed underlayment. Take photos. They’ll help later.
Interior Check: Water stains on ceilings or walls? Drips in the attic? Even a faint musty smell can signal trouble above.
Perimeter Walk: Check for shingle granules in downspouts, bent gutters, or debris that could hide damage.

Tip: Never climb a storm-damaged roof yourself. Wet surfaces plus hidden damage equals a recipe for disaster.

What STL Roofing Brings

Our crews arrive with more than just ladders. We use moisture meters, drones, and years of experience with local building codes. After the infamous 2021 hailstorm, we helped restore over 200 roofs—each with a unique set of scars. We know what to look for, even when it isn’t obvious.

Temporary Fixes

Once the assessment is done, the clock starts ticking. Water intrusion is like a slow leak in a dam. If you don’t stop it, everything downstream gets soaked.

Emergency Roofing Solutions

Tarping: We use heavy-duty tarps to cover exposed areas, secured tight so wind won’t rip them off. Think of it as a raincoat for your house.
Sealants: Quick-apply roof sealants can plug small leaks fast, buying time.
Gutter Clearing: Removing clogged debris ensures water flows away, not back into your walls.

A temporary fix isn’t about looks. It’s about stopping further damage until the real work can begin.

Safety Comes First

All work is done following OSHA fall protection guidelines.
We use weighted anchor systems and never compromise on crew safety.

Download: Click here for a sample emergency insurance claim form (PDF).

Working With Insurance

If roofs had “easy” buttons, storm claims would have one. But the reality? Paperwork, adjusters, and lots of back-and-forth. STL Roofing has helped hundreds of homeowners and businesses through the insurance maze.

The Process

Document Everything: Photos, videos, and written notes. The more detail, the better.
File Promptly: Most insurers require claims within a set time—sometimes as little as 48 hours.
Meet the Adjuster: We meet your insurance adjuster onsite, pointing out damage that’s easy to miss.
Estimate & Scope: We provide detailed repair estimates using industry-standard software, matching what insurance companies expect.

Pro Tips

Save all receipts for emergency repairs.
Don’t start permanent repairs until the claim is approved—unless safety demands it.
Reference FEMA and National Roofing Contractors Association for disaster guidelines.

Full Restoration Timeline 🛠️

Restoring a storm-damaged roof isn’t just about patching holes. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s the typical timeline STL Roofing follows:

Step 1: Initial Inspection & Temporary Repairs (Day 1–2)

Assess, document, and install emergency protection.

Step 2: Insurance Coordination (Days 2–14)

Work with your insurer, meet the adjuster, finalize claim paperwork.

Step 3: Materials & Scheduling (Days 7–21)

Order shingles, tiles, or metal panels. Schedule the restoration crew.

Step 4: Full Roof Repair/Replacement (Days 15–30)

Remove damaged materials.
Repair decking, flashing, and structural elements.
Install new roofing system—shingles, tile, or metal.
Address gutters, downspouts, and skylights.

Step 5: Final Walkthrough & Cleanup

Inspect for missed issues.
Clean up every nail, shingle, and scrap.
Provide a post-restoration report for your records.

Note: Severe weather or supply shortages can stretch timelines. We always keep you updated.

STL Roofing’s Storm Damage Legacy

Over the past decade, we’ve restored roofs after everything from Midwest derechos to freak hailstorms. Every storm has its own signature—hail the size of golf balls, winds that turn shingles into confetti, ice that weighs down gutters until they snap. We’ve rebuilt roofs for local churches, schools, small businesses, and homes from century-old Victorians to modern condos.

We’re not just roofers. We’re neighbors, too.

Practical Tips To Protect Your Roof

Schedule annual inspections—especially before storm season.
Trim overhanging branches.
Clean gutters every spring and fall.
If you spot early signs of leaks or loose shingles, act fast.

For code and safety guidelines, reference the International Residential Code (IRC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my roof damage is covered by insurance?

Most homeowner and commercial policies cover “sudden and accidental” storm damage. Check your policy or ask your agent. STL Roofing can help document damage for your claim.

What if I can’t see any leaks after a storm?

Hidden damage is common. Water can travel along rafters and show up days, even weeks later. If you suspect damage, schedule a professional inspection.

Will emergency tarping void my warranty?

No. Emergency measures—done right—are industry-standard and recognized by manufacturers and insurers.

How soon should repairs start after a storm?

Temporary fixes should happen immediately. Permanent repairs begin once your claim is approved and weather allows.

Local and Seasonal Considerations 🌦️

In our region, storms mean business—especially in spring and late summer. Hail, tornadoes, and heavy rain are common. STL Roofing monitors local weather alerts and follows up with customers after major storms, because catching issues early is key.

For commercial properties, flat roofs are especially vulnerable to ponding water and membrane tears. Residential homes with aging shingles or old flashing are at greater risk for leaks.

Downloadable Forms & Useful Resources

Ready to get your roof—and your peace of mind—restored?
Call STL Roofing now — or reach us anytime at 888-887-3097 .