Common questions from Fort Wayne homeowners about storm damage, insurance claims, and roof repair
Look for dented gutters, torn window screens, and damaged siding first — these soft metals dent at lower impact thresholds than your roof and act as early warning signs. On the roof itself, hail damage appears as random circular bruises on shingles where granules are missing. Wind damage shows as lifted, creased, or missing shingles, usually along ridges and edges. If you see any ground-level indicators, schedule a professional inspection — most storm damage is invisible from the ground.
Most standard homeowner's insurance policies in Indiana cover storm damage including hail, wind, and fallen trees. Your policy typically covers the cost of repair or replacement minus your deductible. File your claim within 24-48 hours of the storm for best results. Document everything with photos before making any temporary repairs. Some policies have separate wind/hail deductibles — check your declarations page.
Minor storm repairs (missing shingles, small leaks) typically run $300 to $1,500. Major repairs involving multiple sections or structural damage range from $2,000 to $8,000. Full roof replacement after severe storm damage costs $8,000 to $25,000 depending on roof size and materials. Most storm damage is covered by insurance, so your out-of-pocket cost is usually just your deductible.
You should get a professional inspection after any storm that produces hail 1 inch or larger, winds over 60 mph, or visible damage to your property. For normal thunderstorms, a visual check from the ground for obvious damage is sufficient. We recommend a professional maintenance inspection at least once per year regardless of storms.
Document the damage with photos and video first. Call your insurance company's claims line (not your agent) within 48 hours. Request an inspection date and get a claim number. Before the adjuster visits, have a licensed roofer inspect your roof and provide a written damage report. Have your roofer present during the adjuster's inspection to ensure all damage is identified.
Storm chasers are out-of-state contractors who arrive within days of a major storm, go door-to-door soliciting work, and leave town once the job is done. Local roofers have a permanent business address, verifiable license, local references, and will be here for warranty work. Ask for a physical business address, Indiana contractor's license number, and at least 3 local references from the past year.
We strongly advise against climbing on a damaged roof. Damaged decking may not support your weight, and wet surfaces are extremely slippery. If you must prevent water entry, use a ground-level tarp draped over the ridge from a ladder leaned against the eave — never walk on a storm-damaged roof. Most local roofers offer emergency tarping as part of their storm response.
In Indiana, most homeowner's policies require you to report damage 'promptly' — typically within 1-2 years. However, filing within 48-72 hours of the storm gives you the strongest position. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove the damage was storm-related rather than wear and tear. Document damage immediately even if you're not sure about filing.
Your insurance company will send an adjuster who determines the scope and cost of repairs. You're not required to get multiple bids, but getting an independent estimate from a licensed local roofer before the adjuster visits ensures all damage is identified. If the adjuster's estimate seems low, your roofer's documentation can support a supplement request.
Hail 1 inch in diameter (quarter-size) can damage standard three-tab shingles. Architectural shingles typically resist damage up to about 1.25 inches. At 1.5 inches (golf-ball size), virtually all asphalt shingles sustain damage. At 2 inches (egg-size), even impact-resistant Class 4 shingles can be compromised. Metal roofs resist hail better but can still dent at 1.5 inches and above.