Milwaukee averages 35-40 severe thunderstorm warnings per year, and each one can turn your roof into an insurance claim. After 20 years of responding to storm emergencies across Greater Milwaukee, here is exactly what to do in the first 24 hours after a storm damages your roof — and the costly mistakes to avoid.
If your roof is actively leaking right now, call our 24/7 emergency line at (414) 340-3890 for immediate tarping and water mitigation.
The First 24 Hours: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
Stay off the roof. Wet, debris-covered, or structurally compromised roofs cause falls — the #1 home injury. If you see sagging ceilings, hear cracking, or notice the smell of gas, evacuate and call 911. Move vehicles away from the house to avoid falling debris.
Step 2: Contain Active Water Intrusion
Place buckets under active drips. If ceiling drywall is bulging with water, carefully puncture it with a screwdriver over a bucket to prevent a ceiling collapse. Move electronics, furniture, and valuables away from the leak path.
Step 3: Document Everything — Before Touching Anything
This is where most homeowners lose money on their claim. Before any cleanup or temporary repairs:
- Photos: Take 50+ photos from every angle — wide shots of each roof section visible from the ground, close-ups of visible damage, interior water stains, debris
- Video: Walk the perimeter narrating what you see, including the date and your address
- Write down the storm date and time — your insurance company needs this
- Save weather reports — screenshot local news or weather service alerts showing the storm severity in your area
Step 4: Make Temporary Repairs (But Save Everything)
You have a duty to mitigate further damage (insurance may deny claims for damage that occurred after the storm due to inaction). Use tarps to cover exposed areas. Save all damaged materials — don't throw anything away until the adjuster has seen it. Keep receipts for any emergency supplies. Our emergency team can tarp your roof within hours of your call.
Step 5: Call Your Insurance Company
File your claim within 48 hours. Wisconsin statute of limitations for property damage claims is 6 years, but prompt filing produces better outcomes. When you call:
- Report the date of the storm and the damage observed
- Ask for your claim number and adjuster assignment
- Ask about Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage if the home is uninhabitable
- Do NOT sign anything from a roofing company before speaking with your insurer
Step 6: Get a Professional Inspection
Before the insurance adjuster arrives, get your own independent inspection from a local, established contractor. We provide detailed storm damage assessments with photo documentation that supports your claim — and we'll be present during the adjuster's visit if you want a second set of expert eyes.
Storm Chaser Red Flags
After every major storm in Milwaukee, out-of-town contractors flood neighborhoods going door-to-door. Here's how to spot them:
- Out-of-state plates on their vehicles
- No local address — working from a hotel
- "Free inspection" pressure — they "find" damage to generate work
- Ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) — this transfers your insurance rights to them
- Offer to pay your deductible — this is insurance fraud in Wisconsin
- Want a large deposit before starting work
Legitimate Milwaukee contractors don't need to canvas neighborhoods after storms. We have a 20-year reputation, a physical office, and we answer our phone year-round — not just when there's storm money to chase.
What Insurance Covers (And What It Doesn't)
| Typically Covered | Typically NOT Covered |
|---|---|
| Sudden hail damage | Gradual wear and tear |
| Wind damage (missing shingles) | Pre-existing damage |
| Fallen tree/debris damage | Cosmetic-only damage (some policies) |
| Interior water damage from storm | Neglected maintenance issues |
| Emergency tarping | Code upgrades required during repair |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a storm damage claim in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's statute of limitations is 6 years for property damage, but most insurance policies require "prompt notice." File within 48-72 hours for the strongest claim. Documentation quality matters more than speed, but don't wait weeks.
Should I let my roofer talk to my insurance adjuster?
Yes — an experienced local contractor who understands both roofing and insurance adjusting processes can ensure nothing is missed. We attend adjuster meetings regularly and have documented millions in legitimate damage that homeowners would have missed on their own.
Storm hit your area? Call our 24/7 emergency line at (414) 340-3890. We respond same-day across Greater Milwaukee for emergency tarping and damage assessment.
Need Expert Roofing Advice?
Holland Exteriors provides honest assessments and transparent pricing. Call us for a free inspection — we'll tell you the truth, even if it means less work for us.
