The storm’s moved on, the yard is full of leaves and small branches, and the neighbors are out looking up at their roofs. Yours looks fine from the driveway, mostly. But you’ve heard that hail damage can hide, and now there’s a pickup truck parked down the street with a roofing sign on the door. If you need storm damage roof repair in Springfield, MO, the first job is figuring out what actually happened up there.

Blue tarp over storm damage on a shingle roof

It’s normal to feel unsure. You don’t want to file a claim for nothing, and you don’t want to miss damage that turns into a leak next spring.

APC Roofing has a local office in Springfield, and we’ve been in business since 2017. We’re GAF Certified, licensed and insured, and your storm damage inspection is free.

The storms that damage Springfield roofs

Hail

Spring and early summer bring hail to the Ozarks most years. Hail bruises asphalt shingles, cracking the mat underneath even when the surface looks only scuffed. It knocks off the granules that protect shingles from the sun, which shortens their life. Bigger hail can dent metal roofs, vents and gutters. Our hail damage roof repair page goes deeper on what hail does.

Wind

Straight-line winds from severe thunderstorms can lift shingles, break the seal strip that holds them down and crease them so they never lie flat again. A creased shingle can look fine from the ground and still let water in. Strong gusts also peel back flashing and tear off ridge caps.

Ice storms and falling limbs

Southwest Missouri gets freezing rain some winters, and the weight of ice brings down limbs and whole trees. A heavy limb can crack decking and rafters, not just shingles. Ice dams along the eaves can also push water under the shingles, so leaks may show up days after the storm.

Signs your roof has storm damage

From the ground or inside, look for:

  • Shingles or pieces of shingle in the yard
  • Dark patches on the roof where shingles are missing or granules are gone
  • Dents in gutters, downspouts, metal vents or your car after hail
  • Piles of granules at the bottom of downspouts
  • New water stains on ceilings or walls, especially near exterior walls
  • Limbs resting on the roof

Not seeing any of these doesn’t mean the roof is fine. Bruised and creased shingles are hard to spot without getting up close, which is what a storm damage inspection is for.

What to do after a storm

Stay off the roof. Take photos of anything you can see from the ground, plus any leaks inside. If water is coming in, see our emergency roofing page for what to do first.

Then get an inspection before you decide anything. Knowing what’s there helps you decide whether to file a claim at all.

Storm damage and your insurance claim

You file the claim with your insurance company and pay your deductible. We document the damage with photos and measurements, give you a written estimate and work with your adjuster when they come out. You make the decisions about your claim. Our insurance roof claims page explains the process in more detail.

Be wary of anyone who offers to waive or cover your deductible, or who asks you to sign a contract before your insurer has even looked at the roof.

Watch out for storm chasers

After a big hailstorm, out-of-town crews often go door to door. Some take deposits and leave, or do rushed work that fails within a few years, and they’re long gone when you need them. Ask any roofer for a local address, proof of insurance and a written estimate, and don’t let anyone rush you into signing the same day.

How it works

  1. Book your free inspection. We’ll check the whole roof, the gutters and vents and the attic if we can get to it.
  2. Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll see photos of any damage and hear whether you’re looking at a repair, a replacement or no real damage at all.
  3. Your roof gets repaired or replaced and the site gets cleaned up. If the damage is widespread, our storm damage roofing page covers full replacement after a storm.

Storm damage rarely stays the same size. A bruised shingle can hold for a while, then crack after a winter of freezing and thawing and start a leak.

Storm damage questions from Springfield homeowners

How do I know if hail damaged my roof?

Dents in gutters, vents or cars and granules piling up at downspouts are good clues. An up-close inspection is the only way to know for sure.

How long do I have to report storm damage?

That depends on your policy, so check with your insurance company. It’s usually better to have the roof inspected soon after the storm.

Can wind damage be repaired, or does the whole roof need replacing?

Often it can be repaired, especially when only a few shingles lifted or tore. Widespread damage across several slopes usually points toward replacement.

Book a free storm damage inspection

Call 913-398-5020 or request an inspection online. You’ll know what the storm actually did, what it’ll take to fix and where you stand with your insurance. Then you can get back to a dry house and a roof you trust.