Severe storms roll through the Ohio Valley all spring and summer. Straight-line winds, hail, and heavy downpours can lift shingles, dent gutters, and open up leaks — and the damage is not always obvious from the ground. If a storm just came through Clark, Floyd, or Jefferson county, here is exactly what to do, in order, and when it is time to call a licensed roofer.
First: stay off the roof
The most important rule after a storm is safety. A wet, damaged roof is slick and unstable, and hidden soft spots can give way. Do your first inspection from the ground with a pair of binoculars, or from an upstairs window. Leave anything that requires a ladder to a professional.
Step 1 — Look for the signs of roof damage
From a safe vantage point, walk the perimeter of your house and look for:
- Missing, cracked, or lifted shingles — the clearest sign of wind damage.
- Shingle granules in your gutters or at the bottom of downspouts — hail and hard rain knock the protective granules loose, which shortens a roof's life.
- Dents or dings on gutters, downspouts, vents, and flashing — a common fingerprint of hail.
- Debris on the roof — branches or torn material that may have punctured the surface.
- Water stains on ceilings or walls inside the house, or daylight visible through the attic.
Even one or two of these is worth taking seriously. Small openings let water in, and in our humid Kentuckiana summers that quickly turns into rot and mold.
Step 2 — Document everything
Before you touch anything, take clear photos and video of all the damage you can see, inside and out. Note the date of the storm. Keep this record in one place. Good documentation is the single biggest factor in getting an insurance claim approved without a fight.
Step 3 — Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage
You are not fixing the roof yet — you are stopping the bleeding. If water is getting in and you can do it safely from inside the attic or from the ground, cover the area with a tarp and move belongings out from under the leak. Put a bucket under active drips. Keep receipts for any tarps or materials; insurers typically reimburse reasonable steps you take to limit further damage.
Step 4 — Call your insurance company
Report the damage and open a claim. Your insurer will usually send an adjuster to inspect. Do not throw away damaged materials until they have been documented, and hold on to those receipts from Step 3. Ask your insurer what your policy covers for wind and hail, and what your deductible is.
Step 5 — Get a licensed local roofer to inspect it
Most reputable roofers offer a free inspection and written estimate. Get the scope of work in writing, and compare at least three quotes before you commit. Indiana does not license roofers at the state level, but local municipalities in Clark, Floyd, and Jefferson counties require permits for roof work — ask whether the contractor pulls permits and carries their own liability insurance and workers' compensation. A pro who hesitates on those questions is a pro to skip.
Watch out for storm chasers
After every big storm, out-of-town crews flood the area going door to door. Some are fine; many are not. Protect yourself:
- Be wary of anyone who shows up uninvited with high-pressure tactics or a "today only" price.
- Never pay a large deposit up front or sign anything before your insurance adjuster has assessed the damage.
- If someone offers to "waive" or "eat" your deductible, walk away — that is insurance fraud, and it puts you at risk too.
- Hire local. A roofer based here in Southern Indiana or Louisville is easy to verify, has real reviews from your neighbors, and will still be around if you need warranty work.
Repair or replace?
A few missing shingles or an isolated leak is often a repair. Widespread hail bruising, a roof near the end of its life, or damage across multiple slopes usually points to replacement. Your roofer and your insurance adjuster will weigh in, but get an independent opinion if the two disagree. For a deeper breakdown, read our guide on roof repair vs. replacement in Kentuckiana.
The bottom line
Move fast, but move in order: stay safe, document, stop further damage, call insurance, then bring in a trusted local roofer. Handling those first steps well protects both your home and your claim. When you are ready for an inspection or estimate, get free quotes from vetted local roofing pros below.
