Storm Damage Roof Repair
in Chicago
GAF Master Elite contractor. Haag-certified inspectors. 25,400+ projects since 2015. We inspect the damage, handle the insurance paperwork, and restore your roof with in-house crews.
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On your roof next-day in most cases.
"I was very worried about storm chaser roofers. Matt was patient and explained the whole process. He worked with me and my insurance company throughout."
Ram P."Donte Dacres provided outstanding service. He made the call to my insurance company with TOTAL professionalism."
Judith W."They were extremely helpful, polite, timely, professional. All my neighbors are now jealous and calling C&N."
Tom V."My insurance company said they would not cover my whole roof. C&N demanded a second insurance appraisal and BINGO!"
Michael G.Illinois requires storm damage claims within 12 months. March 2026 storm? Your deadline is March 2027.
A $500 shingle repair left for 6 months can become a $15,000 full replacement. Get your roof documented now.
Chicago Storms Hit Different
Chicago's geography makes it one of the hardest places in the country to keep a roof intact. Lake Michigan drives moisture inland and amplifies storm systems as they cross the metro. That same lake effect accelerates wind speeds along the lakeshore and funnels severe weather into the western suburbs, where DuPage and Will counties consistently rank among Illinois' most hail-damaged areas.
The temperature swings are just as punishing. A typical Chicago winter produces 80 or more freeze-thaw cycles, where daytime temps rise above freezing and nighttime drops back below. Every cycle expands and contracts the water trapped under shingles and in flashing seams. Over a few seasons, this loosens nails, cracks sealant strips, and creates gaps that let water reach the roof deck.
Then there are the storms themselves. The Chicagoland area gets hit by derechos, microbursts, straight-line winds, and supercell thunderstorms that produce hail large enough to puncture roofing materials on contact.
In March 2026, a supercell dropped baseball-sized hail across DuPage County. Darien recorded stones measuring 4.8 inches in diameter, and Westmont, Woodridge, Downers Grove, and Bolingbrook all reported destructive hail. A 6.6-inch stone recovered in Kankakee may be the largest ever recorded in Illinois.
Just weeks earlier, in February 2026, straight-line winds gusting to 65 mph tore through Naperville, Aurora, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn. Wind damage is deceptive because it concentrates on the back slope of the roof, the side facing away from the street.
Homeowners walk out the front door, look up, see nothing wrong, and assume they're fine. Meanwhile, shingles on the back slope are lifted, nail heads are exposed, and water is already working its way underneath.
This combination of lake-effect moisture, extreme temperature cycles, and violent storm frequency is why Chicago roofs fail faster than roofs in most other markets. A shingle rated for 30 years in Atlanta might last 18 here. Understanding that reality is the first step toward protecting your home.
Signs Your Roof Has Storm Damage
The tricky thing about storm damage is that it rarely looks dramatic from the ground. A tree through the roof is obvious. But the kind of damage that leads to insurance claims and costly repairs is almost always subtle. Here's what to look for, and why most of it requires a professional on the roof deck to confirm.
Missing, cracked, or curling shingles are the most visible sign. Wind lifts shingle tabs and breaks the sealant strip that holds them flat. Once a tab is lifted, the next storm can rip it off entirely. Cracking usually shows up after hail impact or repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and curling edges mean the shingle has lost adhesion and is vulnerable to wind uplift.
Granule loss shows up in your gutters and downspouts after a storm. Hail knocks the protective coating off asphalt shingles and those granules wash into gutters with the next rain. If your gutters are full of coarse, sand-like material, your shingles are losing their UV and weather protection faster than normal. Our guide on what hail damage looks like on a roof shows exactly what to look for.
Dented metal flashings, vents, and gutters tell the same story. Hail that dents aluminum gutters almost certainly damaged the shingles above them. Metal components are softer than roofing material and show hail impact more visibly. Insurance adjusters use gutter and vent dents as corroborating evidence when evaluating roof claims.
Water stains on interior ceilings and walls are a late-stage warning. Brown or yellow rings on drywall mean water has been getting past the roof system long enough to saturate insulation and reach the ceiling. The longer it goes, the more likely you're dealing with mold remediation on top of roof repair.
Sagging sections of the roof line indicate structural damage to the decking or rafters underneath. Sagging means the plywood sheathing has absorbed enough water to delaminate, or that a rafter has cracked under the weight of ice or debris. This goes beyond cosmetic repair and requires immediate attention.
The most important thing to understand is that most storm damage is invisible from the ground. Hail bruises shingles without breaking them. Wind lifts shingles on the back slope where you can't see. Granule loss is gradual. A professional inspection from the roof deck is the only reliable way to know the true condition of your roof after a storm.
Quick Damage Check
Walk around your property and check what you see from the ground:
Checked 2 or more? Your roof likely has storm damage that's invisible from the ground.
Get Free InspectionWhat to Do in the First 48 Hours After Storm Damage
The first two days after a major storm are critical. What you do (and don't do) in that window directly affects the outcome of your insurance claim and the cost of repairs. Our full guide covers what to do after a storm hits your roof in detail.
Step 1: Prioritize safety. Stay away from downed power lines, even if they look inactive. Don't walk on a roof that might be structurally compromised. If you see sagging, large holes, or a tree resting on the structure, keep everyone out until a professional assesses it. Call your utility company if lines are down in your yard.
Step 2: Document everything before cleaning up. Photograph the damage from every angle using your phone. Get wide shots showing the full scope and close-ups showing specific damage. Include the street address in at least one frame.
Photograph hail on the ground if any remains, along with dented gutters, broken siding, and damaged landscaping. This documentation strengthens your insurance claim, and once debris is cleared, the evidence is gone.
Step 3: Emergency tarping for active leaks. If water is coming into your home, you need temporary protection immediately. A properly installed tarp prevents further interior damage while you wait for permanent repairs. Most homeowner policies cover emergency tarping costs as part of the claim, so keep the receipt. Don't attempt to tarp a steep or high roof yourself.
Step 4: Call a Haag-certified inspector, not just any roofer. Haag Engineering certification is the industry standard for forensic roof inspection. Haag-certified inspectors identify and document damage in the specific format insurance adjusters recognize.
A generic roofer might miss damage or document it in a way that doesn't support your claim. The inspection should be free, and the report should be yours to keep regardless of who you hire for repairs.
Think Your Roof Has Storm Damage?
Free Haag-certified inspection. We document everything for your insurance claim.
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Our Storm Restoration Process
Storm restoration isn't a single transaction. It's a sequence of coordinated steps that involves your insurance company, material suppliers, permit offices, and installation crews. Cutting corners at any step creates problems downstream. Here's exactly how we handle it.
- Free Haag-Certified Inspection. One of our certified inspectors climbs the roof and examines every shingle, vent, pipe boot, ridge cap, and piece of flashing. We check for hail bruises using a chalk test, look for lifted or creased shingle tabs from wind, and assess granule loss across the entire field. The inspection takes about 45 minutes and produces a detailed photo report.
- Detailed Documentation for Insurance. We compile the inspection findings into a damage report formatted specifically for insurance claims. This includes annotated photos, measurements, a diagram of the roof with damage locations marked, and a written scope of work. Adjusters process these reports faster because they contain exactly the information required for approval.
- Meeting with Your Adjuster. When your insurance company sends an adjuster, we meet them at your property. We walk the roof together, point out every area of damage, and make sure nothing gets missed. Adjusters are evaluating dozens of claims after a storm and they're moving fast. Having a Haag-certified inspector on the roof with them ensures the damage report is thorough and accurate.
- Repair Planning. Once the claim is approved, we plan the restoration. This includes selecting materials (we'll recommend options and explain the differences), pulling permits with your municipality, ordering materials from our supplier network, and scheduling your installation date. Most jobs are scheduled within 7 to 10 business days of approval.
- Professional Restoration by In-House Crews. Our installation crews are W-2 employees, not subcontractors. They're OSHA-certified, background-checked, and trained specifically in storm damage restoration. A project manager is on-site for the duration of the job. We handle tear-off, deck inspection and repair, ice and water shield installation, drip edge, underlayment, shingle installation, flashing, ridge vent, and cleanup.
- Final Walkthrough and Extended Warranty. After installation, your project manager walks the completed roof with you and explains everything that was done. We photograph the finished work for your records. As a GAF Master Elite contractor, we offer GAF's Golden Pledge warranty on qualifying installations, covering materials for 50 years and workmanship for 25 years.
No-Risk Contract
You sign a contingency agreement. We don't start work until your insurance company approves the claim. If the claim doesn't go through, you don't owe us anything. No deposit. No cancellation fee. The contract doesn't screw anyone.
Your Budget, Your Call
If insurance approves less than the full scope we recommended, you decide what happens. You can spec down the project to match your payout exactly. Same materials. Same warranty. You won't pay for unapproved work unless you tell us to order it before the approval.
We Call You First
We don't silently revise your project to match whatever insurance approved. If there's a gap between our recommendation and the payout, we pick up the phone. We walk through the difference and help you keep out-of-pocket as low as possible. The only reasons you'd pay extra are to fix damaged lumber our crew needs to stand on or if you want to upgrade to luxury shingles.
Storm Damage Insurance Claims
Insurance is the part of storm restoration that creates the most confusion and frustration for homeowners. Understanding how the process works in Illinois puts you in a stronger position from day one.
To file in Illinois, call your insurance company's claims line and report the damage. You don't need to know the exact extent yet. Just report that your property was affected by a storm on a specific date. They'll assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster visit. File the claim before scheduling repairs, not after. Our step-by-step guide on how to file a roof insurance claim walks through the full process.
Insurance adjusters assess damage by examining the roof from the deck level. They test shingles for hail bruising, check metal components for dents, and look for wind-related displacement. But adjusters handle a high volume of claims after major storms and may spend limited time on your roof. Subtle damage like granule loss patterns, hairline cracks in flashings, and compromised sealant strips get overlooked without your own Haag-certified inspector present.
Haag Engineering created the training program that most insurance adjusters themselves go through. When a Haag-certified inspector presents findings to an adjuster, they're speaking the same technical language. Adjusters take Haag reports seriously because they know the methodology is sound. That shared framework has a measurable impact on claim outcomes.
Most Illinois homeowner policies require you to file a claim within 12 months of the storm event. After that deadline, you lose coverage for the damage entirely, even if your roof is clearly storm-damaged. The March 2026 DuPage hailstorm claims, for example, need to be filed by March 2027. If your area was hit by a storm in the past year and you haven't filed, the clock is running.
Claims get denied for three main reasons: insufficient documentation, pre-existing damage attributed to the storm, and filing after the deadline. Thorough photo documentation from the day of the storm and a professional inspection report address the first two. If your claim is denied, you have the right to request a re-inspection or hire a public adjuster to advocate on your behalf. A licensed public adjuster works on contingency, typically 10% of the settlement, and specializes in getting underpaid claims corrected. We can recommend reputable public adjusters in the Chicago area if needed.
For more detail on specific damage types, see our guides on hail damage repair and emergency roof repair. If you're dealing with a specific insurance carrier, our insurance claims hub has carrier-specific guides, and our team has experience working with every major insurer in Illinois.
Repair vs. Replace After Storm Damage
Not every storm-damaged roof needs a full replacement. Understanding where the line falls helps you make a smarter decision and have a more productive conversation with your insurance company.
The general industry threshold is 30% of the roof surface. When more than 30% is damaged, replacement is more cost-effective than spot repair. Patching 40 or 50 damaged shingles across a roof creates mismatched sections, leaves marginal shingles in place, and doesn't address underlying damage to the underlayment or deck. Insurance adjusters understand this threshold and typically approve full replacement when damage is widespread.
Age of the roof matters too. A 5-year-old roof with localized hail damage is a good candidate for repair. A 20-year-old roof with the same damage pattern is probably better replaced. Older shingles have less remaining life, and the undamaged sections are already deteriorating from age and UV exposure. Repairing a few squares on a roof that's going to need replacement in three years isn't a sound investment.
The hidden cost of deferred repairs is real. A cracked shingle or lifted tab that lets water reach the deck starts a chain reaction. The plywood swells and delaminates, moisture reaches the attic insulation and reduces its R-value, and mold colonizes within 48 to 72 hours of sustained moisture. What starts as a $500 shingle repair becomes a $3,000 deck replacement with mold remediation. Fixing storm damage quickly costs less than fixing the water damage it causes later.
If you're getting a full replacement through an insurance claim, consider upgrading your materials. Insurance pays to restore your roof to pre-storm condition, but you can upgrade by paying the difference out of pocket. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are rated to withstand 2-inch hail without damage and many Illinois insurers offer premium discounts of 10% to 28% for impact-resistant roofs. Over the life of the roof, the upgrade often pays for itself. Read our breakdown of roof replacement cost in Illinois for current pricing details.
Types of Storm Damage We Repair
Hail Damage
Hail is the most common cause of storm-related roof damage in the Chicago metro. Hailstones bruise asphalt shingles by displacing the granule layer and fracturing the fiberglass mat underneath. This damage is often invisible from the ground but shortens the shingle's life by years. Large hail, like the 4.8-inch stones recorded in Darien during March 2026, can crack shingles on impact and dent metal components throughout the roof system. Our hail damage repair page covers the inspection and claims process in detail.
Wind Damage
Wind damage follows a predictable pattern. The back slope and roof edges take the worst hits because of how wind flows over a structure. Shingle tabs lift, sealant strips break, and nail heads become exposed. Once a shingle is lifted, the tab underneath it is also exposed, creating a cascading vulnerability. Ridge caps are especially susceptible because they sit at the highest point and catch the full force of the wind. Chicago regularly experiences straight-line winds of 50 to 70 mph during severe thunderstorms, more than enough to compromise a standard three-tab or architectural shingle roof.
Debris Impact
Falling tree limbs are the most visible form of storm damage, but they're not the only debris threat. Wind-driven objects like fence boards, lawn furniture, and construction materials can puncture shingles and crack flashing. Even small branches that land on a roof can scrape away granules and break sealant strips when they're dragged by wind. After any storm with significant wind, a roof inspection should include a debris impact assessment, not just a hail and wind check.
Water Intrusion
Water intrusion is usually a consequence of other damage types rather than a standalone event. A cracked pipe boot, lifted shingle, or compromised valley flashing lets water bypass the roof system and reach the deck. From there, it saturates insulation, stains drywall, and creates conditions for mold growth. Emergency tarping stops the immediate flow, but the underlying damage needs permanent repair. If your roof is actively leaking, our emergency roof repair team can respond same-day in most cases.
Ice Dam Damage
Ice dams form when heat escaping through the roof melts snow on the upper sections, and the meltwater refreezes at the cold eaves. The resulting ice ridge traps water behind it, forcing it under shingles and into the roof system. Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles make ice dams a recurring winter problem, particularly on homes with inadequate attic insulation or ventilation. Ice dam damage often doesn't reveal itself until spring, when homeowners notice stained ceilings, warped fascia, or peeling paint along the eaves.
Ready to Get Your Roof Inspected?
We've completed over 25,400 storm restoration projects since 2015. Free inspection, no obligation, detailed photo report.
Get My Free InspectionOr call (708) 809-2580
Why Chicago Homeowners Choose C&N for Storm Restoration
Credentials matter in storm restoration because they directly affect your insurance claim outcome, the quality of the installation, and whether the warranty behind it means anything five years from now.
C&N holds GAF Master Elite status, a designation only 2% of roofing contractors in the country earn. GAF awards it based on proper licensing, adequate insurance, a proven reputation, and a commitment to ongoing training. Master Elite status unlocks GAF's strongest warranties, including the Golden Pledge warranty with 50-year material and 25-year workmanship coverage.
We've been ranked the #1 Chicago roofer for seven consecutive years by project volume, customer satisfaction, and industry certifications. That's not a purchased badge or a pay-to-play directory listing. It reflects consistent performance across thousands of jobs per year. Roofing Contractor Magazine also places us among the Top 100 US Roofing Contractors based on annual revenue, project count, and safety record.
Since 2015, we've completed over 25,400 projects across Chicagoland. Volume matters in storm restoration because experience with insurance companies translates directly to better claim outcomes. We've worked with every major insurer in Illinois and know what each one looks for, how their adjusters evaluate damage, and what documentation format gets claims processed fastest.
Our Haag-certified inspectors are trained to identify and document storm damage using the same methodology insurance adjusters rely on. That shared framework makes adjuster meetings more productive and reduces the chance of damage being overlooked or disputed. Our installation teams are W-2 employees, not subcontracted day labor. Every crew member is OSHA safety certified and trained specifically in storm damage restoration.
We're accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. Our complaint resolution record and customer satisfaction scores are public and verifiable. For out-of-pocket costs beyond your deductible, or for homeowners who choose not to file a claim, financing options are available. Ask about current terms during your free inspection.
Storm Damage Roof Repair FAQ
How do I know if my roof has storm damage if it looks fine from the ground?
Will my homeowner's insurance cover storm damage roof repair?
How quickly should I schedule repairs after a storm?
How long does storm damage roof repair take?
Can I stay in my home during storm damage repairs?
What should I do if I find additional damage after repairs?
How much does storm damage roof repair cost in Chicago?
Do I have to pay anything before insurance approves my claim?
What if insurance approves less than your estimate?
What types of storm damage are most common in Chicago?
Do you offer warranties on storm damage repairs?
What's the difference between you and a storm chaser?
Storm Restoration Across Chicagoland
Free storm damage inspections across DuPage, Cook, Will, and Kane counties, plus the Peoria metro.
DuPage County
- Naperville
- Downers Grove
- Hinsdale
- Elmhurst
- Wheaton
- Glen Ellyn
- Lisle
- Darien
- Woodridge
- Westmont
Cook County (Suburbs)
- Chicago
- Schaumburg
- Hillside
- Oak Park
- Oak Lawn
- Arlington Heights
- Tinley Park
Will & Kane Counties
- Joliet
- Plainfield
- Bolingbrook
- Aurora
- Batavia
- Geneva
Central Illinois
- Peoria
- East Peoria
- Pekin
- Washington
Free Storm Damage
Inspection in 45 Minutes
Haag-certified inspector on your roof. Detailed photo report. No cost, no obligation.