Severe weather is routine here. Trotwood, Xenia, and Dayton have all taken serious storm damage in recent years, and every spring brings hail somewhere in the Miami Valley. What you do right after matters more than most people realize.
First, stay off the roof. A storm-damaged roof has loose decking, hidden soft spots, and slick debris. Assess what you can from the ground and from inside the attic, and let a professional handle the rest.
Second, document everything before anything is touched. Photograph the roof from the ground on all four sides, any siding dents, downed gutters, damaged screens, and — importantly — the yard debris and any hail still on the ground. Timestamps help.
Third, prevent further damage, but don't do permanent repairs yet. Insurers expect you to mitigate: tarp an open section, move furniture away from an active leak, catch water. Keep every receipt, because reasonable mitigation costs are typically reimbursable. Permanent repairs made before the adjuster sees the damage, however, can complicate the claim.
Fourth, get an independent inspection. A contractor's documented, written scope of work gives you something concrete to bring to the claim rather than relying entirely on the insurer's assessment. We do this free, and we'll meet the adjuster at the property when it helps.
Fifth, file promptly. Most policies require timely notice, and claims filed months after a dated storm event get much harder to substantiate.
A word of caution: after every major storm, out-of-town crews show up going door to door, ask for a signed contract or a deposit on the spot, and are gone by the time the work goes wrong. Check that whoever you hire is local, insured, and will still be here in five years for the warranty.
We're based right here on Genesee Ave in Dayton. If a storm just came through your neighborhood, call (937) 956-8963 for a free, documented inspection.