St. Cloud Storm Damage Repair
Storm Damage Restoration Solutions in Central Minnesota
Major Minnesota storms, which often feature a combination of heavy rain, powerful winds, hail, and even tornadoes, can weaken structures, tear off roofs, and damage siding, gutters, doors, and windows. While discovering extensive damage in the aftermath of a storm can be overwhelming, help is only a call away.
At Minnesota Home Improvements, we are ready to jump into action after your home sustains damage in a serious storm. We have three teams located throughout the state that can reach you quickly, inspect your home, and get to work on comprehensive repair solutions. Our highly trained, licensed, and insured contractors can assist with everything from repairing siding and window damage to restoring your roof after it sustains hail or wind damage. We guarantee your satisfaction!
Waiting to address potential storm damage can lead to more severe (and expensive) problems down the line. Schedule your free consultation with our St. Cloud storm damage repair professionals by calling (320) 434-8804 or contacting us online.
Watch Out for Storm Chasers!
You should always be wary of any unsolicited contractors that knock on your door after a storm passes. These contractors are likely “storm chasers” who prioritize quantity over quality and will try to schedule as many repair and restoration jobs as they can. Many of these companies aren’t local, don’t hire licensed or experienced contractors, and aren’t interested in giving you the level of service and craftsmanship you deserve. In the worst cases, they may struggle to work with your insurance company or even implement “solutions” that end up doing more damage to your home.
Don’t rush storm damage restoration. Make sure you are hiring a company you can trust. If you’ve already signed a contract with a storm-chasing company, you can likely cancel within 72 hours.
Types of Storm Damage Minnesota Roofs Can Experience
Minnesota roofs face a variety of challenges throughout the year thanks to the state’s frequent storm activity. These storms can inflict significant damage on residential roofs, necessitating timely inspections and repairs once the weather passes. Addressing repairable storm damage promptly can help avoid the need for a premature roof replacement.
Some of the most common types of storm damage Minnesota roofs can sustain include:
- Hail damage. Hailstorms are a common occurrence in Minnesota and can severely affect roofing materials. The impact of hailstones can cause shingles to crack, dent, or even dislodge, leading to compromised roof integrity. This type of damage may also create bruises or depressions that weaken shingles over time, increasing vulnerability to leaks.
- Wind damage. High winds are another frequent threat during storms. They can lift shingles, exposing the underlying roof deck to the elements. In severe cases, wind may rip shingles off entirely. This not only leaves the roof susceptible to water infiltration but can also affect the overall aesthetics and value of the property.
- Water damage. Heavy rains accompanying storms can lead to water pooling on the roof if drainage systems are ineffective or blocked. This accumulation of water can seep into the roofing materials, causing rot, mold, and structural deterioration. Water damage is often insidious, developing over time and leading to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
- Ice dams. Unique to colder climates, ice dams form when snow on the roof melts and refreezes at the edge, creating a barrier that prevents proper drainage. This can lead to water backing up under the shingles and causing leaks, as well as damage to the roof structure and insulation within the home.
Checking Your Roof for Damage After a Storm
You are probably well aware you need to check your home’s roof for damage after a significant storm. Knowing what to look for and what to document might be a bit more difficult, especially if you’re new to the area. You’ll need to know how to assess different types of damage and arrange repairs from a company like Minnesota Home Improvements.
Reach out to our St. Cloud storm damage repair experts if you encounter any of these issues in the days or weeks after the weather passes:
- Roof leaks. Look for water stains on ceilings and walls, which indicate that water is entering through compromised roofing materials.
- Damaged siding. Check the siding of your home for cracks, chips, or large sections that have been blown off. Hail and wind can cause significant damage to siding materials.
- Water pooling around your foundation. Excessive rainfall can lead to water pooling near your home's foundation, potentially causing leaks and structural issues over time.
- Fallen trees or branches. Severe storms can cause trees or large branches to fall on your home, damaging your roof, windows, or other structural components.
- Broken windows. Hail, flying debris, or strong winds can break windows or cause cracks, compromising your home's security and energy efficiency.
- Gutter damage. Inspect your gutters for dents, detachments, or complete breakage.
- Interior water damage. Beyond visible leaks, look for signs of water damage inside your home, such as peeling paint, swelling wood, or musty odors that may indicate mold growth.
- Damaged outdoor equipment. Examine air conditioning units, BBQ grills, and other outdoor equipment for dents, scratches, or malfunctioning parts that may have been affected by the storm.
- Broken fences or walls. Inspect fencing or walls surrounding your property for visible damage like slumping, leaning, or missing sections.
What Can I Expect During the Storm Damage Restoration Process?
Dealing with an insurance claim for storm damage is never fun, but you don’t have to go through this process alone. When you come to us for help, our team can help you navigate each step of getting your home the repairs it needs.
Here is a brief outline of our St. Cloud storm damage repair process:
- We conduct a detailed inspection of your property.
- If we find damage, we can assist you with completing a “no-fault” claim.
- We will set an appointment to meet with your insurance adjuster to discuss the necessary repairs and an agreeable price to do the work.
- Approximately seven to ten days after this appointment, you should receive paperwork describing the approved repairs and how much funds have been approved for them. Included with this paperwork will be an “actual cash value” check, which is approximately 50 to 70% of the total claim amount.
- Once we receive authorization from the insurance company, along with the appropriate down payment (facilitated by the actual cash value check), we can begin work on your home.
- Once we have completed our work, we will invoice your insurance company.
- Your insurance company will send a final check to you, which you will then use to make your last payment to our team.
- If the storm damage is a result of a natural disaster, the claim filed is a “no-fault” claim. Federal law prohibits the increase of insurance rates as the direct result of filing a claim linked to a natural disaster.
Don’t wait to schedule an inspection after a massive storm! Call (320) 434-8804 or contact us online now.
What Are the Signs of Hidden Roof Damage After a Storm?
Hidden roof damage, which may not be immediately apparent after a storm, can lead to significant issues over time if not addressed promptly. One of the subtle indicators of underlying roof problems is unexplained increases in electricity bills. If your heating or cooling costs have spiked without a reasonable explanation, it might point to poor roof insulation caused by undetected damage that allows energy loss. Similarly, mysterious drafts or temperature inconsistencies within your home can signal breaches in your roofing that compromise its insulating properties.
Another sign of hidden damage could be stains or discoloration on the ceilings and walls without obvious leaks or water entry points. These kinds of marks often result from slow moisture penetration through roofing materials, which can gradually lead to more severe issues like mold growth and structural weakness.
Moreover, any musty odors or persistent dampness indoors, particularly in the attic, may also indicate hidden roof damage. These odors suggest increased moisture levels, often due to minute gaps or damage in the roofing that allows water to seep in unnoticed.
Additionally, granule loss from shingles might not be visible from the ground but could reveal itself in unexpected places, such as in gutters or downspouts. Granules protect shingles from the sun and weather, so losing them can accelerate roof deterioration and expose the structure to further damage. Finally, be aware of any unusual noises, such as creaks or popping sounds, especially during windy conditions. These could suggest that roofing materials have shifted or loosened during the storm.
You deserve the peace of mind of knowing your roof is in good condition after a storm. When in doubt, schedule a professional inspection.
Why Choose Minnesota Home Improvements?
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We at Minnesota Home Improvements have the most experience and most trust in the area. Our in-house crews deliver industry-leading beautification to your home.
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From design to completion, we use only the best technology, materials and proven industry practices when it comes to your Home Improvement project.
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Minnesota Home Improvements is a licensed, insured, and certified Home Improvement & Remodeling Contractor with offices in or near St. Cloud, Brainerd and Willmar, Minnesota.
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MN Home Improvements has been providing quality building and construction materials to each and every one of our projects for over 40 years.