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— After-the-Storm Checklist · WI & IA
What to do after a hail storm, from Wisconsin roofers since 1979.
Buckshot built this six-step checklist for Wisconsin and Iowa homeowners after hail and wind storms. Follow it in order to protect your family, your home and your insurance claim, and call us for a free inspection or 24/7 tarping.
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47 yrsIn Wisconsin$0Inspection Cost— The Full Checklist
SEC 01 / 07
Your hail storm checklist, step by step.
Work through these six steps in order after any hail or wind storm. They keep your family safe and make sure your insurance claim reflects everything the storm did.
Make sure everyone is safe
Check on people first, then hazards. Stay clear of downed power lines, leave if you smell gas or the structure looks unstable, and call 911 and your utility.
DO · get everyone to safety first
Safety first
Photograph the damage
Your claim is only as strong as your evidence. Photograph and video every side of the house, inside and out, before anything is cleaned up, and keep receipts for emergency costs.
DO · photograph all damage before cleanup
Protect your claim
Prevent further damage
Your insurer expects reasonable steps to stop more damage. Buckshot tarps roof openings 24/7 and documents the work for your claim, so hold off on permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen it.
DO · make temporary safe coverings
24/7 tarping
Get a free storm damage inspection
Most hail damage is invisible from the ground. A free Buckshot inspection finds bruised shingles, cracked siding and dented gutters, then documents them in the format your adjuster expects.
DO · get a free professional inspection
$0 · no obligation
File your insurance claim
With the damage documented, open a claim with your carrier. Buckshot works directly with your adjuster so the scope covers everything, and you typically pay only your deductible.
DO · keep receipts & file promptly
Any carrier
Hire a local, licensed contractor
Out-of-town crews flood the area after a big storm. Hire a local, licensed and insured contractor who will be here to honor the warranty, and never sign over your insurance check.
DO · hire a licensed, local, insured contractor
— Do & Don't
SEC 02 / 07
Do's and don'ts after a hail storm.
If you remember nothing else, remember these. They protect your safety and your claim in the first 48 hours.
Do These help you
- Get everyone to safety first
- Photograph all damage before cleanup
- Cover openings to limit water damage
- Get a free professional inspection
- Keep receipts for emergency costs
- Hire a licensed, local, insured contractor
Don't These cost you
- Go onto a wet or damaged roof
- Approach downed power lines
- Throw out damaged items before documenting
- Make permanent repairs before the adjuster sees it
- Sign over your insurance claim or check
- Be pressured by door-to-door storm-chasers
— What Your Claim Needs
SEC 03 / 07
What your hail damage claim needs.
Most storm damage is covered by homeowner policies when it is documented properly. Three things separate a smooth claim from a dispute, and Buckshot helps with all of them.
1 · Good documentation
Dated photos and a professional report give your adjuster what they need to approve the scope.
2 · A full inspection
A complete inspection records every damaged component, so the claim covers more than the obvious.
3 · Your deductible
When the damage is covered, you typically pay only your deductible and Buckshot handles the rest with your carrier.
— Know What Hit You
SEC 04 / 07
Match each storm to its damage.
Hail, wind, ice and falling trees each leave a different pattern on a roof. Here is what each one looks like and what a free Buckshot inspection checks.
Wind & Tornado →
Lifted, torn & missing shingles
Hail Damage →
Bruising, dents & granule loss
Ice Dam Damage →
Winter roof leaks
Fallen Tree Damage →
Impact & structural damage
Emergency Repairs →
24/7 tarping & response
Insurance Claims →
How we handle the process
Restoration →
Water mitigation & recovery
— What Homeowners Say
SEC 05 / 07
Neighbors who called Buckshot after the storm.
Real Google reviews from Wisconsin and Iowa homeowners, written about the same team that will inspect, document and repair your home.
— Home Base
Madison, WI · Centerville, IA
Local crews, close when it counts.
Buckshot is based in Madison, WI with a second shop in Centerville, IA. Family-owned since 1979, our crews are close enough to respond within 2 hours after a storm.
— After-the-Storm FAQ
SEC 06 / 07
Questions after a hail storm.
Make sure everyone is safe. Stay away from downed power lines, leave if you smell gas, and keep off a wet or damaged roof, then start documenting. See the checklist →
Take photos first. Capture all the damage inside and out before anything is moved, and keep receipts for emergency expenses.
Make temporary repairs such as tarping to stop further damage, and wait on permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen it. Buckshot tarps and secures your home and documents it for the claim. We can help →
Most hail damage cannot be seen from the ground. Dented gutters, vents and siding on the storm side are a strong sign, and a free professional inspection confirms it before you file.
Be careful. Out-of-town storm chasers go door to door after storms, so choose a licensed, insured local contractor and never sign over your insurance claim or check. Why local matters →
Many Wisconsin policies allow about 12 months from the storm, but your policy sets the deadline. Filing early is safer, because unrepaired damage gets worse and can be treated as wear.
Nothing. Buckshot inspections are free with no obligation, and for covered damage you typically pay only your deductible.
24/7 Emergency · Free Inspection
Finished steps 1 and 2? Buckshot takes it from here.
Once your family is safe and the photos are taken, Buckshot secures your home, documents the damage and works your claim with any carrier. You pay your deductible and our own crews handle the rest.