Storm Restoration

First, ensure everyone is safe. Document visible damage with photos before any cleanup. If you have roof damage allowing water entry, place buckets to catch water and move valuables. Contact your insurance company to start a claim. Then call us for a professional damage assessment—we can often respond within 24-48 hours.

Hail damage isn't always visible from the ground. Signs include dented gutters or downspouts, dings on AC units or outdoor furniture, and granules in gutters. On the roof, look for circular dents, cracked shingles, or exposed fiberglass mat. We provide free inspections after storms hit Polk and Dallas counties.

Whether storm damage is covered depends entirely on your specific policy, deductible, and coverage — questions only your insurance company can answer. If you believe you have damage, we recommend contacting your insurance company directly to ask. We can provide a detailed written estimate and scope of work for the repairs you can submit to them.

Claim filing timelines are set by your specific insurance policy — contact your insurance company to confirm the deadline that applies to you. Separately, we recommend getting a damage inspection soon after any significant hail or wind event, because hidden damage can worsen over time.

Storm restoration contractors specialize in the kinds of damage hail and wind cause — dented metal, cracked shingles, compromised seals, water intrusion — and know how to document it thoroughly. We prepare detailed written estimates and scope documents with photos, which homeowners often submit to their insurance company as part of their own claim.

Once you've authorized the work and any insurance process is complete on your side, we typically begin repairs within 1-3 weeks depending on storm severity and our schedule. Major storms create backlogs — we prioritize jobs with active leaks or safety concerns. We keep you updated throughout the process.

Yes. We can be present when your insurance adjuster inspects the damage and answer their questions about our estimate. We do not negotiate with, advocate to, or speak on behalf of you with your insurance company. Smart Home Exteriors is a licensed Iowa contractor (#C132543), not a public adjuster.

Yes, high winds can lift shingle edges and break seals without obvious visual damage. This compromises your roof's water resistance even if shingles look intact. After straight-line winds or severe thunderstorms in the Des Moines area, an inspection can reveal hidden issues before leaks develop.

We provide temporary protective measures including roof tarping for active leaks, boarding damaged windows, and securing loose siding. These protect against further damage while repairs are scheduled.

Roofs take the most hail damage. Siding—especially vinyl—can crack or dent. Gutters and downspouts dent easily. Windows may crack from large hail. Decks and fences also suffer. We inspect all exterior components after storms to give you a complete damage picture.