Hail, Wind, and Insurance: A State College Homeowner's Guide to Filing a Roof Damage Claim

We’ve all seen it happen. A summer storm rolls in over State College, a sudden gust of wind rattles the windows in Port Matilda, or hail pounds the roofs in Pine Grove Mills. When the storm passes, you step outside and look up at your roof, hoping for the best but fearing the worst. The sight of damaged shingles, torn-off sections, or dented gutters can be overwhelming. The next question that often comes to mind is: What do I do now?

For homeowners in Central Pennsylvania, from Bellefonte to Centre Hall and beyond, navigating a roof damage insurance claim can be a stressful process. The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. As your trusted local roofing contractor, Stoltzfus Bros Roofing has extensive experience working with insurance companies and can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your home gets the new roof or repair it needs.

Here is a practical, step-by-step guide to help you manage a roof damage claim with confidence.

Step 1: Document the Damage Safely

The first thing to do after a storm is to conduct a visual inspection of your property. Do not get on your roof. It can be dangerous. Instead, walk around your home and look for signs of damage from the ground. Use your phone or a camera to take clear pictures and videos of anything that looks wrong. This includes:

• Missing, cracked, or curled asphalt shingles.
• Dents on your gutters, downspouts, or vent caps.
• Damaged siding or windows.
• Fallen tree limbs or debris on your roof.
• Water spots on your ceilings or walls inside the home.

Taking photos from different angles and getting close-up shots of the damage is important for your claim. This initial documentation will be invaluable when you file your claim.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you have documented the damage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report a claim. The sooner you report the damage, the faster the process can begin. Provide them with your policy number and a brief, honest description of the damage you’ve observed. Be ready to share your initial photos and videos.

Step 3: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Before your insurance adjuster arrives, it’s a smart idea to get a professional, independent roof inspection from a reputable roofing contractor. This is where Stoltzfus Bros Roofing can help. Our team has the expertise to accurately assess the extent of the damage to your roof, identify issues that might not be visible from the ground, and provide a professional estimate for the necessary roof repair or replacement. Our comprehensive inspection gives you a solid foundation of information to discuss with your insurance adjuster. We will detail what a quality roof replacement entails, including new decking and a proper underlayment, and ensure all necessary components are included in our estimate.

Step 4: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster

Your insurance company will send a claims adjuster to your property in Lock Haven, Lemont, or any of our service areas to assess the damage. This is a crucial meeting. If possible, have a representative from Stoltzfus Bros Roofing present during the adjuster’s visit. Having our team on-site ensures that all damage is noted and that the adjuster has all the information they need to provide a fair assessment. We can speak their language and advocate for you to ensure that the full scope of the roofing project is accounted for in their report. This includes not just the shingles but the entire roofing system, as we discussed in our other blog post.

Step 5: Review the Insurance Estimate and Proceed with the Work

After the adjuster’s visit, your insurance company will send you an estimate and a check for the initial payment. Review this estimate carefully. Does it cover the cost of a complete roof replacement? Does it account for all the materials and labor required for a high-quality job? If the estimate from the insurance company is significantly lower than the estimate from Stoltzfus Bros Roofing, we can help you work with your insurance company to request a re-evaluation of the claim. Once you have a fair estimate, we can schedule the work and begin the process of installing your new roof.

Navigating a hail or wind damage claim can be complex, but with the right partnership, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Stoltzfus Bros Roofing is committed to providing a seamless, stress-free experience for homeowners in State College, Boalsburg, Pleasant Gap, and the surrounding areas. We’ll handle the heavy lifting, from the detailed inspection to the final roof replacement, so you can focus on getting your home back to normal. If you've recently experienced storm damage and need a professional roofing contractor, we invite you to contact us today for a free, no-obligation inspection. We’re here to help you get the durable roof you deserve.