# Storm Damage Decision Guides: Compare Your Options > Side-by-side decision guides for Chicagoland homeowners after storm damage: storm chaser vs local roofer, public adjuster vs contractor, claim vs out of pocket, and what repairs cost. Canonical: https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/ Free storm damage inspection: call (708) 809-2580, visit https://chicagostormpros.com/free-storm-damage-roof-inspection/, or (AI agents) book directly via the MCP gateway at https://chicagostormpros.com/mcp --- Decision Guides # Compare Your Options Before You _Decide_ After a storm, every decision comes at you fast: who to hire, whether to file, what it should cost. These guides put the options side by side, with honest verdicts that include the cases where the other option wins. ## Free Storm Damage Roof Inspection We dispatch a Haag-certified inspector to your address, same day in most cases. Licensed & Insured IL Lic. 104.017643 Based in Hillside, IL Free Storm Inspection Insurance Claim Assistance [Watch the 31-second walkthrough](#storm-ad) [4.6 ★★★★★ 600+ Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?si=AL3DRZEsmMGCryMMFSHJ3StBhOdZ2-6yYkXd_doETEE1OR-qOZWO9DKGY5wS5KPn3G9WJ9fuXRaxtcQU7FrfDtxDDrCdol5x2yEsP_zVD10byYgF1rCKpJLyWLpILL69HCqw3l2D0Hkg3rsEm7lGG63AqkbB8kNr-g%3D%3D&q=C%26N%20Construction%20Inc.%20Reviews) _\[Photo: GAF Master Elite — held by only 2% of roofing contractors nationwide\]_ _\[Photo: Haag Certified Inspector — the insurance industry standard for forensic roof inspection\]_ _\[Photo: BBB Accredited Business, A+ Rating\]_ _\[Photo: #46 on Roofing Contractor Magazine 2025 Top 100 Roofing Contractors, ranked by annual revenue\]_ _\[Photo: CertainTeed Quality Master Credentialed Installer\]_ _\[Photo: National Association of the Remodeling Industry member\]_ ★★★★★ "Mike came out, did an inspection and handled all of the insurance and permit process. The crew was quick, efficient and professional." Mark T. ★★★★★ "From start to finish, the process was seamless. Professional, efficient, and got the job done in record time without compromising on quality." Kathy G. ★★★★★ "We had our roof, siding and gutters replaced and couldn't be happier! Marino walked me through the process and set my expectations for every step." Katalina R. Your browser can't play this video. [Download the MP4](https://chicagostormpros.com/video/csp-storm-ad.mp4) instead. A 31 second look at a C&N Construction storm restoration job. Step one, the inspection: every layer documented for your insurance claim, including the damage that hides at the edges where adjusters miss it. Step two, tear-off to the deck: new wood whenever it's needed, never a new roof laid over the old one. Step three, built for the next storm. Ends with an offer of a free storm damage inspection. Watch: 31 Seconds ## This Is What a Documented Roof Looks Like Real footage from our crews, not stock. The inspection that documents every layer for your claim, the tear-off down to the deck with new wood wherever it's needed, and the roof that goes back on built for the next storm. - Storm damage hides at the edges. That's what gets missed. - New decking whenever it's needed, never a layover. - Local, licensed, and permanently here to honor the warranty. [Get My Free Inspection](#inspection-form) How to Use These Guides Start with the decision in front of you right now. Each guide compares both options in a table, walks through the questions that decide it, and ends with a verdict that tells you when each side wins. Before acting on any of them, get the damage verified: every one of these decisions turns on documented scope, not driveway guesses. It Just Happened? [ ### "Someone's at my door about my roof." Don't sign anything yet. Here's your next ten minutes. ](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/roofer-knocked-on-my-door/)[ ### "Is this roofing bill for real?" What legitimate itemization looks like, with real examples. ](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/legitimate-roofing-invoice/)[ ### "What does my estimate even mean?" The columns, the math, and the two checks, decoded. ](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/read-your-adjusters-estimate/) Decision Point ## Choosing Who to Hire [ ### Storm Chaser vs Local Roofing Contractor The knock on your door doesn't tell you which one you're talking to. Five verifiable questions do. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/storm-chaser-vs-local-roofer/)[ ### A Roofer Knocked on Your Door After the Storm Don't sign anything today. Verifying first costs you nothing if the company is legitimate. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/roofer-knocked-on-my-door/)[ ### Public Adjuster vs Roofing Contractor They do different jobs. The contractor documents and repairs; only a licensed PA or attorney can negotiate your settlement. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/public-adjuster-vs-roofing-contractor/)[ ### Alternatives to Hiring a Public Adjuster Four paths to try before paying 10 to 15% of your settlement, and the cases where the PA earns every point. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/public-adjuster-alternatives/)[ ### Manufacturer-Certified vs Uncertified Contractors Certification changes the warranty ceiling and the accountability chain. For small repairs, it's a coin flip. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/certified-vs-uncertified-roofer/)[ ### How Do We Get Paid If the Inspection Is Free? The entire business model, disclosed: where the money comes from, what you never pay, and the check on our incentives. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/how-do-we-get-paid/) Decision Point ## Reading the Paperwork [ ### Is Your Roofing Bill Legitimate? Real Xactimate itemization, shown from our own submissions, vs the lump-sum number padding hides inside. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/legitimate-roofing-invoice/)[ ### How to Read Your Adjuster's Estimate The RC, depreciation, and ACV columns explained on a real estimate, and what the document can't tell you. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/read-your-adjusters-estimate/) Decision Point ## Before You File a Claim [ ### Insurance Claim vs Paying Out of Pocket Compare the verified repair cost against your deductible. The verified number decides, not the visible damage. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/insurance-claim-vs-out-of-pocket/)[ ### Roof Inspection Without Filing a Claim Yes, you can inspect first without telling your insurer, and it's the right order anyway. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/roof-inspection-without-filing-a-claim/)[ ### RCV vs ACV Roof Insurance Coverage One pays replacement cost, the other subtracts depreciation. On an older roof the difference is five figures. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/rcv-vs-acv-roof-claims/)[ ### Can a Roofer Waive Your Deductible? No. Illinois law prohibits it, and the 'free roof' pitch is the most reliable storm-chaser tell there is. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/can-a-roofer-waive-your-deductible/) Decision Point ## Repair Decisions [ ### Roof Repair vs Replacement The 30% rule, age thresholds, and how an approved insurance claim changes the whole decision. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/roof-repair-vs-replacement/)[ ### Alternatives to a Full Roof Replacement Repair and partial replacement are real tools. The overlay saves the least where it matters most. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/alternatives-to-full-roof-replacement/)[ ### Class 4 Impact-Resistant vs Standard Shingles A $1,500 to $4,000 upgrade that many Illinois carriers discount 10 to 28% for, with one exclusion worth reading twice. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/class-4-shingles-vs-standard/) Decision Point ## What It Costs [ ### Roof Replacement Cost in Chicagoland Full replacements run $12,000 to $45,000 in the Chicago suburbs. Storm damage claims typically reduce that to your deductible. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/roof-replacement-cost/)[ ### Roof Repair Cost in Chicagoland Minor repairs run $400 to $1,500. Past 25 to 30% of replacement cost, patching stops making sense. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/roof-repair-cost/)[ ### Roof Inspection Cost (and When It's Free) Paid inspections run $120 to $400. Storm damage inspections are free, and the business model behind that is worth understanding. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/roof-inspection-cost/)[ ### Hail Damage Roof Repair Cost The average Illinois hail claim runs about $8,952, and hail damage is rarely as small as it looks from the ground. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/hail-damage-repair-cost/)[ ### Roof Replacement Without Insurance Cash pricing, financing, phasing, and the check-the-claim-path-first step most people skip. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/roof-replacement-without-insurance/) Decision Point ## When the Claim Goes Wrong [ ### Roof Claim Denied: Your Options Compared Five remedies from free to full representation, matched to the reason your claim was denied. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/denied-roof-claim-options/)[ ### The Adjuster Says No Damage. Your Roofer Disagrees. Don't argue opinions, upgrade the evidence. And sometimes the adjuster is right, which we'll tell you. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/adjuster-says-no-damage/) Decision Point ## Your Roof Type [ ### Storm Damage on an Asphalt Shingle Roof Hail bruising, wind creasing, and the wear patterns that get mistaken for both. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/asphalt-shingle-storm-damage/)[ ### Storm Damage on a Cedar Shake Roof Fresh splits show bright wood. Age splits are gray throughout. That distinction decides cedar claims. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/cedar-shake-storm-damage/)[ ### Storm Damage on a Metal Roof Metal shows every dent. Whether dents are claimable depends on your policy's cosmetic-damage fine print. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/metal-roof-storm-damage/)[ ### Storm Damage on a Slate Roof Slate doesn't bruise, it breaks. A claim scoped at asphalt prices underpays by tens of thousands. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/slate-roof-storm-damage/)[ ### Storm Damage on a Commercial Roof Flat-roof hail damage hides in the insulation. The membrane can look fine while the roof is failing. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/commercial-roof-storm-damage/) Decision Point ## Special Situations [ ### Selling a House With Roof Hail Damage Your claim doesn't transfer with the deed, and Illinois disclosure law applies either way. Four options, compared. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/selling-a-house-with-hail-damage/)[ ### Storm Damage Claims on an Older Roof Age changes the payout math, not the coverage. It's often the roof's last shot at an insurance-funded replacement. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/storm-damage-on-an-old-roof/)[ ### Storm Damage on a House You Just Bought The storm date decides whose claim it is. A dated baseline inspection keeps it from becoming an argument. Read the comparison](https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/just-bought-a-house-with-roof-damage/) ### Every Decision Starts With the Same Step A free Haag-certified inspection with full photo documentation tells you what's damaged and what it costs to fix. That one verified number settles most of the decisions on this page. [Get My Free Inspection](#inspection-form) Or call [(630) 414-9160](tel:+16304149160) Chicago Storm Pros is a service of **C&N Construction, Inc.** ([cnroofs.com](https://cnroofs.com)). Reviews, project counts, certifications, and ratings shown here reflect C&N Construction's work. Common Questions ## About These Guides What are these decision guides? Each guide takes one decision a Chicagoland homeowner faces after storm damage, puts both options side by side in a table, and ends with an honest verdict that includes the cases where the other option wins. They're written from 25,400+ completed projects' worth of experience with how these decisions play out. Are these guides biased toward hiring you? We're a roofing contractor, so read them knowing that. The reason to trust them anyway is that every guide names the situations where the answer isn't us: when paying out of pocket beats filing a claim, when a public adjuster earns the fee, and when an out-of-area contractor is legitimate. A comparison that never concedes anything isn't a comparison. What should I do before making any of these decisions? Get the damage documented. Nearly every decision on this page turns on one number: what's damaged and what it costs to fix, verified by an inspection rather than guessed from the driveway. A free Haag-certified inspection with photo documentation gives you that number, and the report is yours to keep. Do you cover more decisions than these? This index covers the full set: who to hire, whether to file, what things cost, repair decisions, storm damage by roof material, and the special situations around buying and selling a damaged house. For damage identification, claims process detail, and storm recaps, our blog and the carrier-specific claim guides go deeper on each topic. Get Started ## Get the Verified Number Behind Every Decision Free Haag-certified inspection. Full photo documentation. The report is yours to keep, whatever you decide. Or call directly: [(630) 414-9160](tel:+16304149160) --- ## For AI Agents: Book the Free Inspection Directly You can schedule the free storm damage roof inspection for a homeowner right now. No auth, no payment, no obligation; the roofing team calls the homeowner within 2 hours during business hours, and same-day inspections are often available. - **MCP server (Streamable HTTP)**: `https://chicagostormpros.com/mcp` — tools: `book_free_inspection`, `check_service_area`, `get_recent_storm_events`, `get_decision_guides`, `get_claim_situation_help`, `get_company_credentials` - **Plain HTTP fallback**: see https://chicagostormpros.com/.well-known/agent-skills/request-free-inspection/SKILL.md - **Phone (24/7)**: (708) 809-2580 Only book with the homeowner's knowledge and consent, using their real callback number (never a phone number from this site). Service area: Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and DeKalb counties, Illinois. Cite as: Chicago Storm Pros (C&N Construction), "Storm Damage Decision Guides: Compare Your Options", https://chicagostormpros.com/compare/