Introduction
Central Kentucky gets its fair share of severe weather. When a bad storm rolls through Lexington, Richmond, or anywhere in the Bluegrass, one of the first things homeowners worry about is their roof. If you’re dealing with storm damage right now, here’s exactly what to do — and what to avoid.
First: Stay Safe
Do not climb on your roof. Even if you can see missing shingles or debris, a storm-damaged roof can be structurally compromised. If there’s active water coming in, place buckets to catch the water and move valuables away from the affected area. If the damage is severe, consider whether it’s safe to remain in the home.
Document Everything from the Ground
Walk around the outside of your home and photograph any damage you can see: missing or displaced shingles, dented gutters, broken siding, fallen tree limbs on or near the roof, and any debris in the yard. Also photograph any interior damage like water stains, dripping water, or wet insulation. Include timestamps and wide-angle shots that show the damage in context.
Call a Local Roofing Contractor — Not a Storm Chaser
After major storms, you’ll see out-of-state roofing trucks and door-to-door salespeople appear almost overnight. These “storm chasers” typically do lower-quality work and disappear when warranty issues arise.
Instead, call a local, established roofing company. At Black Ridge Roofing, we’re based right here in Central Kentucky and we’ll be here long after the storm chasers have moved on. We offer free storm damage inspections and can be at your home quickly.
Temporary Repairs Are OK — Permanent Fixes Should Wait
If rain is coming in, it’s reasonable to have a tarp placed over the damaged area as a temporary measure. Most insurance policies cover the cost of emergency tarping. However, don’t rush into a full repair or replacement before your insurance claim is filed and an adjuster has inspected the damage.
File Your Insurance Claim Promptly
Contact your homeowner’s insurance company to open a claim as soon as possible after the storm. Provide them with the photos you took and the date of the storm. Your contractor’s inspection report will strengthen your claim.
At Black Ridge, we handle the insurance process for our customers — from documentation to adjuster meetings to final payment. We know what insurance companies look for, and we make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Don’t Wait to Act
The biggest mistake we see homeowners make is waiting too long after a storm. Small damage can become major damage quickly, especially with Kentucky’s frequent rain. A missing shingle can lead to water infiltration, which leads to rotting decking, mold growth, and damaged insulation — turning a $500 repair into a $15,000 problem.
If you’re unsure whether your roof was damaged, a free inspection takes the guesswork out of it. Call Black Ridge Roofing at 859-762-2255, and we’ll take a look.