Storms in North Alabama don’t play around.Between hail, high winds, and falling limbs, it doesn’t take much to damage a roof—and most homeowners don’t realize how bad it is until it’s too late.If you think your roof may have been hit, here’s exactl...
Storms in North Alabama don’t play around.
Between hail, high winds, and falling limbs, it doesn’t take much to damage a roof—and most homeowners don’t realize how bad it is until it’s too late.
If you think your roof may have been hit, here’s exactly what you should do next (and what not to do).
First Things First: Is Your Home Leaking?
If you’ve got active water coming in:
👉 Your priority is stopping further damage
Call for emergency tarping
Protect interior areas if possible
Once things are contained, then you can move forward with the inspection and claim process.
Step 1: Look for Signs of Damage (From the Ground)
After the storm passes, do a quick walk around your property.
Things to look for:
Shingles blown off or laying in the yard
Granules collecting in gutters or downspouts
Dents in metal (gutters, vents, mailbox, etc.)
Pieces of siding or trim damage
New water stains inside your home
Also take note of:
When the storm hit
How severe it was (hail size, wind, etc.)
📸 Take pictures of anything you see. This helps later.
⚠️ Stay off your roof—this is where people get hurt.
Step 2: Get a Professional Roof Inspection
Before you call your insurance company, have a contractor inspect the roof.
This step matters more than most people think.
Here’s why:
Not all storm damage qualifies for a claim
Just because a storm came through doesn’t mean your roof is totaled.
Filing unnecessary claims can hurt you
Even a claim that doesn’t get approved can still be recorded.
A trained eye catches what you can’t see
A lot of real damage isn’t visible from the ground.
At Bottomland Builders, we give you a straight answer:
If there’s damage, we’ll show you
If there’s not, we’ll tell you that too
No pressure either way.
Step 3: Decide Whether to File an Insurance Claim
If your inspection shows real storm damage, then it makes sense to move forward.
When you call your insurance company, keep it simple:
Provide the date of the storm
Describe what you’ve noticed
Let them know your roof has already been inspected
That last part helps set the tone for a smoother process.
Step 4: The Adjuster Inspection (Why It Matters)
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the roof.
This is one of the most important steps in the entire process.
Having your contractor present during this inspection helps ensure:
All damage is properly identified
Nothing gets overlooked
There’s clarity on what’s storm-related
Small details can impact whether your claim results in a repair or a full replacement.
Step 5: Understand What Your Insurance Covers
After the inspection, you’ll receive a scope of work.
Most policies fall into one of two categories:
Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
Covers full replacement cost (minus deductible)
Most common and most beneficial
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
Pays based on depreciated value
Leaves you covering more out of pocket
If you’re not sure which one you have, it’s worth checking.
Step 6: Choosing the Right Contractor
After storms, a lot of out-of-town companies show up looking for quick jobs.
Be careful.
Things to watch out for:
No local presence
No Alabama license
High-pressure sales tactics
Unrealistic promises
Instead, work with a contractor who:
Is local to North Alabama
Is properly licensed and insured
Has a track record of completed work
Will be around after the job is done
What the Process Looks Like From Start to Finish
Here’s the simple version:
Storm hits
You check for visible signs
Get a professional inspection
File a claim if needed
Meet with adjuster
Review scope
Complete the work
Handled correctly, the process is straightforward.
Final Thoughts
Storm damage isn’t always obvious—but ignoring it can lead to bigger problems later.
The biggest mistake homeowners make is either:
Filing a claim too quickly
Or waiting too long to have it looked at
A simple inspection can give you clarity either way.
Schedule a Roof Inspection
If you think your roof may have taken damage, we’ll come take a look.
At Bottomland Builders, we focus on:
Honest inspections
Clear communication
Quality work done right
📞 Call today to schedule your inspection.
Disclaimer
Bottomland Builders provides roofing inspections and damage documentation services for homeowners. We assist by identifying potential storm-related damage and providing supporting documentation for the homeowner’s review.
Bottomland Builders does not act as a public adjuster and does not negotiate, interpret, or settle insurance claims. All insurance-related decisions, coverage determinations, and claim outcomes are strictly between the homeowner and their insurance carrier.