The First 24 Hours After a Storm: Michigan Homeowner Checklist

NEXT Exteriors | Published February 19, 2026 | 12 min read

The storm just passed through Southeast Michigan. You heard the wind howling, watched hail hammer your windows, maybe saw a tree branch come down in the yard. Now it's quiet — and you're standing in your driveway wondering what just happened to your roof, siding, and gutters.

What you do in the next 24 hours matters. Not just for your insurance claim, but for preventing a $2,000 repair from turning into a $15,000 disaster because water got into your attic and sat there for three days.

We've been handling storm damage across Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair counties since 1988. We've seen homeowners do everything right — and we've seen them make mistakes that cost them thousands. This is the checklist we wish every homeowner had taped to their refrigerator before severe weather hits.

Immediate Safety Assessment (First 2 Hours)

Before you grab your phone to take pictures, before you climb any ladders, before you do anything — check for these safety hazards:

Downed power lines. If you see a line on the ground, in a tree, or touching your roof, stay inside and call DTE or Consumers Energy immediately. Assume every downed line is live. Don't touch tree branches or debris near power lines. We've seen homeowners in Rochester Hills try to move a branch off their roof without realizing it was tangled with a service line.

Gas leaks. If you smell gas (that rotten egg odor), leave the house immediately. Don't flip light switches, don't use your phone inside — just get out and call 911 from a safe distance. Storm winds can shift gas meters and crack supply lines.

Structural instability. Look at your roofline from the street. Does it sag anywhere? Are there visible holes? Is part of your chimney missing? If your roof looks compromised, don't go in the attic. Water damage is bad, but a roof collapse is worse.

Standing water and electrical hazards. If your basement flooded and you have power, don't wade into water near your electrical panel or appliances. Shut off power at the main breaker if you can do so safely from dry ground.

Michigan-Specific Hazard: After severe summer storms in Metro Detroit, we often see homeowners rush outside while there's still lightning in the area. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going outside to assess damage. The National Weather Service's "30-30 rule" applies here — if you see lightning and hear thunder within 30 seconds, you're still in the strike zone.

Exterior Damage Documentation (Hours 2-6)

Once it's safe to go outside, your job is to become a crime scene investigator — except the crime is what the storm just did to your house. Your insurance adjuster won't see the damage for days, maybe weeks if the storm hit a wide area. The documentation you create right now determines whether your claim gets approved or denied.

Roof Damage

From the ground, look for:

• Missing or lifted shingles. You'll see exposed black underlayment or bare wood decking. In Michigan's summer storms, we often see entire sections of architectural shingles peeled back like opening a can of sardines.
• Granule loss. Check your gutters and downspouts. If they're full of dark, sand-like granules, your shingles took a beating. Hail strips granules off asphalt shingles, which accelerates UV degradation. If you lost more than 30% of the granule layer, most insurance companies will authorize a full roof replacement.
• Dented or damaged flashing. Look at the metal trim around chimneys, vents, and roof valleys. Hail dents in flashing often mean there's hidden damage to the shingles underneath.
• Debris impact damage. Tree branches, patio furniture, even your neighbor's trampoline — we've seen it all end up on roofs during Michigan windstorms. Photograph any punctures or crushed areas.

Don't climb on your roof to inspect it yourself. Wet shingles are slippery, and you can cause more damage by walking on compromised materials. If you need a close-up view, use a drone or hire a Detroit roofing services professional with proper safety equipment.

Siding Damage

Walk around your entire house. Photograph every elevation (front, back, both sides). Look for:

• Cracks in vinyl siding. Hail impact creates spiderweb cracks that are easy to miss from 10 feet away. Get close-up photos with a reference object (like a quarter) to show scale.
• Dents in fiber cement or metal siding. James Hardie and LP SmartSide siding can withstand hail better than vinyl, but large hailstones (1+ inch diameter) will still leave visible damage.
• Holes or punctures. Tree branches, flying debris, even large hail can punch through siding panels.
• Loose or missing panels. High winds can rip siding off the house, especially if the original installation wasn't done correctly. We see this frequently on older homes in Warren and Sterling Heights where the siding was installed in the 1980s without proper fastening.

If you're planning to file a claim, document every damaged panel. Insurance adjusters count individual pieces — if you have 12 cracked vinyl siding panels but only photograph 6, you're leaving money on the table. For more context on hail damage in Michigan and when insurance helps, we've covered the specifics in detail.

Window and Gutter Damage

Windows: Check for cracked glass, broken seals (you'll see condensation between double-pane glass), and damaged frames. If a window broke during the storm, photograph it before you board it up. Measure the opening and note the window type (double-hung, casement, etc.) for replacement estimates.

Gutters: Look for sections that pulled away from the fascia, dents from hail, and downspouts that disconnected. Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles already stress gutter systems — a severe storm can be the final straw for gutters that were already marginal. If your seamless gutters in Detroit, MI took a beating, document every damaged section.

Photography Best Practices

Take way more photos than you think you need. Here's the system we recommend:

• Wide shots first. Capture the entire house from the street, showing context and overall condition.
• Then medium shots. Each side of the house, each roof section, each elevation of siding.
• Then close-ups. Individual shingles, siding cracks, gutter damage. Get close enough that the damage is obvious.
• Include a reference object. A coin, a ruler, your hand — something to show scale. A 1-inch hail dent looks like nothing in a photo without context.
• Use timestamps if possible. Many phone cameras embed time and location data. If yours doesn't, take a photo of today's newspaper or your phone's lock screen showing the date.
• Shoot video walkarounds. A 2-minute video where you narrate what you're seeing ("Here's the north side of the roof, you can see at least 15 shingles missing...") provides context that photos alone can't.

Contacting Insurance & Contractors (Hours 6-12)

You've documented the damage. Now it's time to start the claims process and line up professional help.

Call Your Insurance Company First

Report the claim within 24 hours. Most homeowner policies require "prompt notice" of damage — waiting a week can give your insurer grounds to deny coverage. When you call:

• Have your policy number ready
• Describe the storm event (date, time, type of weather)
• List all damaged areas (roof, siding, gutters, windows)
• Ask about your deductible and coverage limits
• Ask if emergency repairs (like tarping a damaged roof) are covered and what the spending limit is
• Request the claim number and adjuster contact information

Don't downplay the damage. If you say "I think maybe a few shingles are loose," the adjuster will show up expecting minor wear and tear. If you say "I have significant roof damage with multiple missing shingles and exposed underlayment," they'll take it seriously.

Find a Licensed Michigan Contractor

After major storms, out-of-state "storm chasers" flood Metro Detroit. They knock on doors, offer to handle your insurance claim, and promise to get you a new roof for "just your deductible." Many are unlicensed, uninsured, and will disappear the moment they cash your check.

Look for these credentials:

• Michigan Residential Builder's License. This is non-negotiable. Anyone doing exterior work on your home needs to be licensed by the State of Michigan. Ask for the license number and verify it at michigan.gov/lara.
• Liability insurance and workers' compensation. If someone gets hurt on your property and the contractor doesn't have workers' comp, you're liable. Get certificates of insurance before any work starts.
• Local references and a physical address. A PO box and an out-of-state phone number are red flags. You want a contractor who's been in Southeast Michigan for years and will still be here when you need warranty work.
• Manufacturer certifications. For roofing, credentials like CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator or GAF Master Elite mean the contractor has met strict training and quality standards. These aren't participation trophies — they require proven installation expertise and a track record of successful projects.

NEXT Exteriors holds the CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator credential (the highest level in the industry), carries full insurance, and has been operating in Metro Detroit since 1988. We're not going anywhere. When you need exterior services in Detroit, you want a contractor who'll answer the phone five years from now.

Red Flag: Any contractor who offers to "eat your deductible" or waive it entirely is committing insurance fraud. Michigan law is clear — if your policy has a $1,000 deductible, you owe $1,000. A contractor who inflates the claim to cover your deductible is lying to your insurance company, and you're on the hook if they get caught.

Get Multiple Estimates

Before your insurance adjuster arrives, get at least two written estimates from licensed contractors. This gives you leverage if the adjuster's initial assessment is low. Contractors who work with insurance claims regularly know what adjusters look for and can document damage the homeowner might miss.

A good estimate includes:

• Itemized scope of work (e.g., "Remove and replace 32 squares of CertainTeed Landmark shingles")
• Material specifications (brand, color, product line)
• Labor costs broken out separately
• Timeline for completion
• Warranty information (both manufacturer and workmanship)

Temporary Protection Measures (Hours 12-24)

Your insurance claim is filed, you've got contractors coming out for estimates, but the damaged roof is still exposed. If rain is in the forecast, you need to prevent further damage right now.

Emergency Roof Tarping

If you have missing shingles or holes in your roof, a tarp can prevent water intrusion until permanent repairs are made. Here's how to do it safely:

• Use a heavy-duty poly tarp, not a cheap blue tarp. You want at least 6-mil thickness. A lightweight tarp will shred in the first windstorm.
• The tarp should extend at least 4 feet beyond the damaged area in all directions. Water runs downhill — if your tarp only covers the hole, water will flow under the edges.
• Secure it properly. Don't just throw the tarp over the roof and hope for the best. Use 2x4 boards as battens, sandwiching the tarp edge between the board and the roof. Screw the boards into the roof deck (not just the shingles). Yes, you're putting holes in your roof — but controlled fastener holes are better than wind ripping the tarp off.
• Don't tarp over the ridge. If possible, run the tarp from the damaged area down to the eave, not over the peak. Tarps that cross the ridge act like sails in high wind.

If you're not comfortable working on a roof (and most homeowners shouldn't be), call a licensed contractor for emergency tarping. Most insurance policies cover reasonable emergency repairs to prevent further damage — keep receipts and photos of the work.

Boarding Up Broken Windows

A broken window is an invitation for weather, animals, and unfortunately, theft. Cover it immediately:

• Use 1/2-inch plywood, not cardboard or plastic sheeting
• Cut the plywood to overlap the window frame by at least 2 inches on all sides
• Screw it into the frame, not just the siding — you want a secure attachment
• If the glass is still in the frame but cracked, tape it with duct tape in an X pattern to prevent it from falling out before you can board it

If you need window replacement in Detroit after the storm, document the damage before you remove the broken glass. Your insurance adjuster needs to see what happened.

Redirect Water Away from the Foundation

If your gutters are damaged or disconnected, water is pouring off your roof and landing right next to your foundation. In Michigan's clay-heavy soil, that's a recipe for basement flooding.

Temporary fixes:

• Use downspout extensions or even just lengths of PVC pipe to channel water at least 6 feet away from the house
• If a gutter section pulled away from the fascia, prop it up with a 2x4 or temporarily reattach it with deck screws (not nails — they'll just pull out again)
• Clear debris from remaining gutters so water can flow to the downspouts instead of overflowing

These aren't permanent solutions, but they'll buy you time until you can get proper gutter installation in Metro Detroit scheduled.

What NOT to Do After a Storm

In 35+ years of storm damage work, we've seen homeowners make the same mistakes over and over. Here's what to avoid:

Don't wait to file your claim. "I'll see if it gets worse" is a terrible strategy. Storm damage doesn't heal itself — it gets worse. File the claim within 24 hours, even if you're not sure how bad it is. You can always withdraw a claim if the damage is minor. You can't go back in time if you wait three weeks and your adjuster says "this doesn't look like storm damage."

Don't sign anything from a door-knocker. After the 2021 hailstorms in Macomb County, we saw contractors going door-to-door with contracts that gave them power of attorney over homeowners' insurance claims. Read that again — they wanted legal authority to negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. Never sign a contract with a contractor you didn't research and choose yourself.

Don't make permanent repairs before the adjuster sees the damage. If you replace your roof before the insurance adjuster inspects it, you've destroyed the evidence. The adjuster will say "I don't see any storm damage" and deny your claim. Emergency tarping is fine — permanent repairs are not. If you're worried about further damage, document everything and get written approval from your insurance company before proceeding.

Don't assume your insurance will cover everything. Most homeowner policies have depreciation clauses, coverage limits, and exclusions. A 15-year-old roof might only get partial replacement value. Cosmetic damage (like hail dents on siding that don't affect function) might not be covered at all. Read your policy and ask questions before you're surprised by a lowball settlement offer.

Don't hire based on price alone. The lowest bid is usually the worst bid. A contractor who's $3,000 cheaper than everyone else is cutting corners somewhere — substandard materials, unlicensed labor, no insurance, or all of the above. When you're dealing with siding services in Metro Detroit, quality matters more than saving a few hundred dollars.

When to Call a Licensed Contractor Immediately

Some damage requires professional attention within hours, not days. Call a licensed contractor right away if you see:

• Active water intrusion. If water is dripping from your ceiling or running down your walls, you have a roof or flashing failure that needs emergency attention. Every hour you wait increases the risk of mold, rot, and structural damage.
• Structural deformation. A sagging roofline, a leaning chimney, or a wall that's bowing outward means you have structural damage. This isn't a DIY situation — you need an engineer's assessment and immediate shoring before someone gets hurt.
• Large debris on the roof. If a tree branch (or worse, a whole tree) is resting on your roof, don't try to remove it yourself. The weight might be the only thing holding a damaged section together. A contractor with proper equipment can safely remove debris without causing a collapse.
• Exposed roof decking. If you can see bare plywood or OSB sheathing from the ground, your roof has lost its weather barrier. This needs tarping or emergency patching within hours to prevent water damage to your attic insulation and ceiling drywall.
• Siding blown off the house. Missing siding panels expose your wall sheathing and insulation to moisture. In Michigan's humid summers, exposed wall cavities can develop mold in 24-48 hours. Get it covered immediately.

For urgent situations, NEXT Exteriors offers emergency response for storm damage across Southeast Michigan. We'll stabilize your home, document everything for your insurance claim, and provide a detailed estimate for permanent repairs. Call (844) 770-6398 if you need immediate help.

Cost Reality: Storm Damage Repairs in Michigan

Let's talk numbers. What does it actually cost to fix storm damage in Metro Detroit?

Roof replacement: For a typical 2,000-square-foot home (about 20 squares of roofing), expect $8,000-$15,000 for a full tear-off and replacement with architectural shingles. That includes removal of the old roof, new underlayment, new shingles (CertainTeed Landmark, GAF Timberline HDZ, or Owens Corning Duration), ice and water shield in valleys and eaves, and new ridge vents. Higher-end products like CertainTeed's Landmark Premium or designer shingles add $2,000-$4,000.

If you're comparing costs in specific areas, we've written about roof considerations for Bloomfield Hills homes and the unique challenges of older housing stock.

Siding repair: Replacing individual vinyl siding panels runs $3-$6 per square foot installed, but here's the catch — if your siding is more than 10 years old, finding an exact color match is nearly impossible. Vinyl fades over time, and manufacturers discontinue colors. You might end up replacing an entire wall to avoid a patchwork appearance. Full siding replacement ranges from $8,000-$18,000 depending on material choice. For context on fiber cement siding options like James Hardie vs. LP SmartSide, we've broken down the cost and performance differences.

Window replacement: A standard double-hung vinyl replacement window costs $400-$700 installed. Casement windows run $500-$900. If you're upgrading to energy-efficient models with low-E glass and argon fill (which you should in Michigan's climate), add 15-20% to those numbers. Replacing all the windows in a 2,000-square-foot home typically runs $8,000-$15,000.

Gutter replacement: Seamless aluminum gutters cost $8-$12 per linear foot installed. A typical home needs 150-200 feet of gutter, so figure $1,200-$2,400 for a complete system with downspouts and hangers. Upgrading to 6-inch gutters (which handle Michigan's heavy rainfalls better than standard 5-inch) adds about $2 per foot.

Emergency tarping: Professional emergency tarping runs $300-$800 depending on roof size and accessibility. That's a small price to pay to prevent $5,000 of water damage to your attic and ceilings.

Insurance Deductible Reality: Most Michigan homeowner policies have a 1% or 2% deductible for wind and hail claims. On a $300,000 home, that's $3,000-$6,000 out of pocket. If your total damage is less than your deductible, filing a claim doesn't make financial sense — you'll pay for the repairs yourself and potentially see your premiums increase at renewal. If the damage is close to your deductible amount, get a detailed estimate before deciding whether to file.

What Insurance Typically Covers (and Doesn't)

Usually covered:

• Sudden storm damage (wind, hail, falling trees)
• Emergency repairs to prevent further damage (tarping, boarding up windows)
• Water damage that results from covered storm damage (like a roof leak from missing shingles)
• Debris removal

Usually NOT covered:

• Wear and tear or deferred maintenance (your 25-year-old roof that failed wasn't storm damage, it was old age)
• Cosmetic damage that doesn't affect function (hail dents on siding might not be covered if the siding still protects the house)
• Damage from lack of maintenance (if your gutters were clogged and water backed up into your soffit, that's on you)
• Improvements or upgrades beyond the original condition (if you had 3-tab shingles and want architectural shingles, you pay the difference)

Every policy is different. Read yours carefully and ask your agent specific questions about your coverage before assuming everything will be covered.

Storm Damage? We Can Help.

NEXT Exteriors has been handling storm damage restoration across Southeast Michigan since 1988. We work directly with insurance companies, document everything properly, and get the job done right the first time. No pressure, no gimmicks — just honest work from a licensed Michigan contractor.

Get Your Free Estimate

Or call us 24/7 for emergency service: (844) 770-6398

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file an insurance claim after a storm?

Most homeowner policies require "prompt notice" but don't specify an exact deadline. Best practice: file within 24-48 hours of discovering damage. Some policies have a one-year statute of limitations for filing claims, but waiting weeks or months makes it harder to prove the damage was storm-related. The adjuster will ask "why didn't you report this sooner?" and might deny the claim if they suspect pre-existing damage.

Should I get my own estimate before the insurance adjuster arrives?

Yes. Having a detailed estimate from a licensed contractor gives you leverage if the adjuster's assessment is low. Adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you — their job is to settle claims for as little as possible. A contractor who specializes in insurance work knows what to look for and can document damage the adjuster might miss or downplay. Get at least two estimates before the adjuster arrives.

Can I choose my own contractor, or does insurance assign one?

You have the right to choose your own contractor. Some insurance companies have "preferred vendor" lists, but you're not required to use them. In fact, contractors on those lists often have agreements to work within the insurance company's pricing guidelines, which might not reflect actual market rates in Southeast Michigan. Choose a licensed, insured contractor with local references and manufacturer certifications — not whoever your insurance company recommends.

What if the insurance settlement doesn't cover the full repair cost?

This happens frequently. Insurance companies often use software that generates estimates based on regional averages, which don't account for your specific home's conditions or local material costs. If the settlement is too low, you have options: negotiate with the adjuster using your contractor's detailed estimate, request a re-inspection, or file an appeal with the insurance company. If that fails, you can hire a public adjuster (they take 10-15% of the settlement) or consult an attorney. Most disputes get resolved before it reaches that point if you have solid documentation.

How long does a typical storm damage repair take in Michigan?

It depends on the scope of work and weather. A roof replacement takes 1-3 days in good weather. Full siding replacement takes 5-10 days. Window replacement is usually 1-2 days. The bigger delay is usually insurance approval and material availability. After major storms, roofing materials can be on backorder for weeks. Emergency tarping and stabilization should happen within 24-48 hours. Permanent repairs might take 2-6 weeks from claim approval to completion.

Will filing a storm damage claim raise my insurance rates?

Maybe. Homeowner insurance rates are based on claims history, but storm damage claims (wind, hail, lightning) are usually treated differently than liability claims. Some insurers won't raise your rates for a single weather-related claim, especially if the storm was a widespread event that affected hundreds of homes. Others will. Ask your agent before filing. If your damage is less than 1.5 times your deductible, it might not be worth filing — you'll pay most of it out of pocket anyway and risk a rate increase.

What's the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost coverage?

Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays for repairs minus depreciation. If your 15-year-old roof costs $12,000 to replace but has depreciated 50%, you get $6,000. Replacement Cost Coverage pays the full cost to replace damaged materials with new ones of similar quality, regardless of age. Most policies pay ACV initially, then reimburse the depreciation after repairs are complete and you submit receipts. Always choose replacement cost coverage if it's available — the premium difference is small compared to the out-of-pocket expense if you only have ACV.

Final Thoughts: Preparation Beats Panic

The best time to prepare for storm damage is before the storm hits. Keep your contractor's contact information handy. Know where your insurance policy is and what it covers. Take photos of your home's exterior every year so you have "before" documentation if something happens.

But if you're reading this because the storm just passed and you're standing in your driveway wondering what to do next — you're already ahead of most homeowners. Follow this checklist, document everything, and don't rush into decisions because a door-knocker pressured you.

NEXT Exteriors has been helping Michigan homeowners recover from storm damage since 1988. We've seen every type of weather-related disaster this state can throw at us — from the 1997 windstorms that took down thousands of trees to the 2014 hailstorms that damaged roofs across Macomb County. We know how to work with insurance companies, we know Michigan building codes, and we know how to get your home protected before the next storm rolls through.

If you need help assessing damage, filing a claim, or getting repairs done right, we're here. No pressure, no gimmicks — just straight talk from a contractor who's been doing this longer than most of our competitors have been alive.

Whether you need house siding installation in Detroit, top-rated insulation services to improve energy efficiency after repairs, or Southeast Michigan's painting professionals to finish the job, we handle all your exterior needs under one roof. Literally.

Stay safe out there. And if the next storm looks bad, get inside early and wait it out. Your roof will still be there when it's over — and if it's not, now you know exactly what to do.