• Learn the top 7 ways to storm-proof your roof and exterior
• Discover which signs to look for before a storm strikes
• Understand how professional inspections can prevent costly repairs
• Get expert tips for gutters, siding, and attic prep
• Access a ready-to-use storm prep checklist
• Learn how M&M’s emergency response supports Midwest homeowners

When Midwest storms roll in, your roof is the first line of defense against severe weather, protecting your home, while your exterior also plays a crucial role. At M&M Home Remodeling Services, we’ve helped homeowners across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin protect their properties with proactive storm readiness. Whether it’s hail in Crown Point or high winds in Naperville, the key is preparation.

In this post, we’ll cover seven essential tips to prepare your roofing, siding, gutters, and attic before the next big storm.

1. Inspect Your Roof for Vulnerabilities

Before any storm, your first move should be a roof inspection. Look for loose or missing shingles, loose tiles, cracked flashing, or exposed fasteners. These small issues can become big problems during a storm.

Pro tip: Schedule a professional roof inspection through our roof inspection services to ensure nothing is missed.

2. Clean and Secure Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters clogged with debris can cause overflow, leading to fascia damage, roof leaks, and foundation issues. Clear out leaves, twigs, nests, and other debris. Ensure downspouts extend away from the home.

Need help? Learn about our gutter solutions for homes in storm-prone regions.

3. Reinforce Siding and Soffit

Loose siding, soffit, and fascia panels are especially vulnerable in high winds. Make sure these elements are secure and intact. Any warping or gaps should be addressed immediately.

We recommend James Hardie siding for its storm-resistant design.

4. Seal Entry Points and Attic Vents

Water can enter through attic vents, damaged trim, or unsealed eaves. Ensure attic insulation is dry and intact, and check all openings for signs of wear.

Visit our attic insulation page to learn how proper insulation supports storm protection.

5. Trim Nearby Trees and Shrubs

Overhanging limbs can crash into your roof or siding during a storm. Remove dead branches and dead limbs, and cut back trees near your home to prevent impact damage.

6. Prevent Ice Dams Before They Start

Ice dams can wreak havoc on your roof during storm season, especially when heavy rains, high winds, or sudden temperature drops hit your area. When warm air from your attic melts snow on your roof, the water can refreeze at the edges, creating a dam that traps water and leads to leaks, water pooling, and even damaged shingles. Left unchecked, ice dams can cause significant storm damage, requiring costly repairs or even a full roof replacement.

To protect your roof from this risk, start with a thorough roof inspection before severe weather arrives. Look for loose or damaged shingles, damaged flashing, and clogged gutters—these are all vulnerable areas where water can seep in and cause further damage. Regular inspections help spot problems early, minimizing damage and reducing the risk of leaks.

Proper attic ventilation is key to preventing ice dams. Make sure your attic is well-insulated and ventilated to keep temperatures consistent and prevent snow from melting unevenly. Installing a waterproofing membrane on your roof deck adds an extra layer of protection, helping to keep water out even if ice dams form.

During hurricane season or when storms with high winds are in the forecast, consider upgrading to impact resistant shingles and securing your roof with hurricane straps. These measures help protect against flying debris and falling branches, which can make your roof vulnerable to leaks and other storm damage.

Don’t forget to keep your gutters clear of debris—clogged gutters can cause water to back up and pool on your roof, increasing the risk of ice dams and water damage. Trim overhanging branches and secure loose items like satellite dishes to prevent falling debris from causing further damage during a storm.

By prioritizing regular maintenance, timely repairs, and professional roof inspections, you can minimize the risk of ice dams and protect your roof from the next storm. If you notice signs of water pooling, leaks, or loose shingles, contact a roofing expert right away to ensure your home stays safe and secure all season long.

7. Document Conditions for Insurance

Take photos of your roofing and exterior before storm season begins. This documentation is critical when filing an insurance claim for storm damage.

Check out our storm and insurance page for claim support services.

8. Establish a Response Plan

Know who to call after a storm. M&M offers fast response for emergency repairs, temporary repairs, assessments, and insurance support across Chicagoland and beyond.

Explore our full Peace of Mind Proven Process to understand how we protect your property.

FAQ

Q: What should I do if I see missing shingles after a storm?
A: Contact M&M immediately. We’ll provide a thorough inspection and guide you through your repair or replacement options. Missing or damaged shingles should be repaired or replaced promptly to minimize damage and prevent potential roof damage. Roofs are the first line of defense against storms, and protecting your roof and walls from wind, rain, and even hail is essential to prevent your home from sustaining damage when a storm hits. It’s also important to ensure all roofing materials are properly secured before a storm arrives to minimize potential damage caused by flying debris or strong winds.

Q: Does homeowner’s insurance cover roof storm damage?
A: In most cases, yes. Especially if you’ve documented your roof’s pre-storm condition. We help navigate the claim process. Insurance policies may cover various types of roof damage, including hail damage, wind damage, and damage caused by heavy rain or strong winds.

Q: How fast can M&M respond after a storm?
A: Typically within 24 hours in our service areas. Our local crews are equipped for rapid deployment. M&M can provide temporary repairs to protect your home from further damage until permanent repairs can be made. Prompt action after a storm arrives can help prevent further damage caused by water infiltration, wind, or other factors causing damage to the roof and structure.

Ready to Weather the Next Storm?

Don’t leave your roof and home exposed. Schedule your inspection or call (708) 756-7800 to speak with an expert today.

Prepare now, protect always—trust M&M Home Remodeling Services.

The post How to Protect Your Roof Before a Storm appeared first on M&M Home Remodeling Services.

Once disaster strikes, most people tend to call their insurance company right away, hoping that they’ll get full coverage for the roof damage. However, this may not be the best idea. 

Instead, we suggest that you contact your local roofers first, as they can make the whole process not only much easier but also less stressful. Here are some of the benefits of calling a roofing company before filing an insurance claim.

Why You Should Get a Roof Inspection First

Expert Opinion

Sometimes, the problem is not that easy to identify. For instance, the roof damage may not be noticeable at first glance. What’s more, once you inspect the roof thoroughly, you might discover plenty of other, less evident problems. If the damage doesn’t appear too bad, the insurance company may try to downplay it and offer you less money. 

In contrast, when you get a roofing expert to assess the damage, they will give you an accurate estimate and make sure that you get what you deserve. It’s always better to get an expert’s opinion before making any sudden decisions.

Saves You Time and Effort

Anyone who has ever had to deal with insurance claims knows what a hassle they can be. For instance, there’s a bunch of paperwork that you need to fill out. Also, you always have to “haggle” with the insurance agent to get what essentially belongs to you. 

If you call a roofing contractor first, however, you may be able to avoid all of that confusion. 

Fortunately, many roofers have already teamed up with insurance companies. So, when you hire a roofing contractor, they might be able to help you file an insurance claim and negotiate too, saving you plenty of time and effort along the way.

Helps You Avoid Traps

In addition to always trying to lower your payout, insurance companies will also investigate every possible cause for the reported damage. For example, in case of a disastrous storm, they’ll need to make sure that the storm was the actual cause of the damage and not some other underlying issue. 

On top of that, they’ll try to find any reason to invalidate your claim. If they find traces of damage that wasn’t directly caused by the storm, they might decide that improper maintenance was the main problem.

However, if you call an independent roofing contractor before the insurance company, you can get a firsthand damage assessment. That way, you’ll know if calling the insurance agent is a good idea or not. In addition, you’ll get an accurate repair estimate, which should help you when negotiating a payout with the insurance company.

Call M&M Home Remodeling Services 

If your roof was damaged recently, feel free to contact M&M Home Remodeling Services for an independent assessment. Our experts will perform a detailed inspection of the roof, including the flashing and gutters, and provide you with an estimate. In addition, we’ll go over your insurance plan and advise you on what to do next. 

Want to get an idea of what a roof replacement will cost? Check out our most recent article: How Much does  Roof Replacement Cost?

The post Call a Roofer Before Your Insurance Company appeared first on M&M Home Remodeling Services.

Get Regular Inspections

It’s always better to catch a small problem before it becomes a much larger problem. An inspection of your roof will uncover any issues that may have become an emergency later down the road. Consider scheduling roof inspections once or twice per year to regularly check the condition of your roof, as it could end up saving you lots of money in repair bills when storms strike.

Check for Leaks

Leaking roofs can cause havoc on your home. Heavy rain and increased water flow can quickly turn a small leak into a much bigger leak with the potential to damage walls, insulation, electrical wiring, and even your home’s foundation. It’s important to identify any leaks and have them repaired before they cause interior damage to your home.  See our tips on stopping a leaky roof.

Replace Damaged Shingles

High winds can loosen or dislodge shingles, leaving your roof vulnerable to the elements and exposing holes and/or gaps in the roofing system. This allows high winds to do further damage and can lead to water damage in your home. Replacing damaged or missing shingles is a lot more cost effective than replacing an entire roof so it’s best to get it taken care of immediately.

Trim Surrounding Trees

Falling trees and branches are very common during heavy storms and especially with the presence of tornadoes. While a falling tree can obviously deal major damage to your home, small branches can also damage the surface of your shingles leading to granular loss and damage to the protective coating. It’s important to maintain any trees on your property by removing dead or weak branches and trimming trees that are close enough to fall on the roof. Generally, you’re aiming for 6 feet of clearance.

Clean Your Gutters

Clean gutters are necessary to keep water flowing off of your roof properly and to prevent the pooling of rainwater. Standing water can seep into the shingles, soffit, and fascia and add weight that could cause them to tear away from your home. Blocked gutters also cause water to fall away from the downspouts and spill down the exterior wall. This may deteriorate wood framing, saturate wallboards and spur mold growth inside the walls. An overflowing gutter will also saturate the ground directly below, making it more likely to penetrate cracks and pores in a concrete foundation.

Understand Your Insurance Policy

What kind of damage does your insurance policy cover? Make sure your policy is up to date and doesn’t have any gaps in coverage that may cause headaches if any damage does occur during the storm season. Take photos and an inventory of your home to prepare for any claims you may have to make in the coming months.

Address Damage Quickly

Don’t hesitate. Fixing a small leak quickly will save you time and money down the road. Our roofing experts are ready to help you secure your home for the storm season and can get an appointment set within 24 hours in most cases. Request your free estimate online or by giving us a call at (855) 644-6655.

Summer storm season has begun. Don’t let it get the best of your roof by following this guide to ensure your roof can withstand the elements.

The post Prepare Your Roof for Summer Storms appeared first on M&M Home Remodeling Services.

Luckily, there are a few simple measures you can take right now to prevent further damage and more costly repairs until one of our roofing experts is able to assess the damage:

• First, you’ll want to prevent any further damage to the interior of the home by consolidating furniture and fabrics away from any affected areas. If the leak is causing a bulging spot in the ceiling, use a screwdriver or awl to poke a small hole near the center of the bulge, allowing the water to drain.
• Next, you’ll need to identify the source of the leak:

(Note: If the water spots dry between storms, you are very likely facing a leaking roof whereas the presence of water regardless of weather conditions could be caused by a plumbing leak).

Equipped with a flashlight, bucket and any necessary protective gear, carefully enter the attic. You’ll now need to locate the spot where the ceiling is saturated by observing visible wet spots or areas of water-compacted insulation between roof joists.

• Now you’ll need to trace the path back to the source of the leak — Remember that water will follow the easiest path, typically following rafters or structural beams.
• Once you’ve identified the entry point of the water, you can use a small piece of plywood or scrap wood laid across multiple ceiling joists to place a bucket or small garbage can to catch the incoming water. Do not place the bucket directly on ceiling tiles or drywall as the added weight of the bucket as it fills could cause it to break through the already-saturated ceiling.
• Additionally, look for any spots in the roof where daylight is shining through and insert a small dowel or straw in the hole to help easily spot the source of the leak from the exterior.
• Once the bucket is placed, you can choose to temporarily patch the hole with a bit of roofing tar and some scrap materials. To do this, use a putty knife to fill the hole or crack thoroughly with roofing tar. Next, press a spare shingle or small piece of plywood firmly against the tar-filled hole to create a seal, applying more roofing tar around the outsides of the shingle or plywood to further seal the patch from incoming water.
• When the storm subsides and the roof is dry, you can also apply additional roofing tar underneath the exterior shingles in the affected spot using the dowels or straws you placed earlier to easily locate the affected spots.
• If you aren’t able to find any visible holes or cracks in the roof, the water could be getting thru the roof’s flushing and can be addressed by covering a section of the roof with a tarp.
• To properly cover damaged spots with a tarp, measure the distance between the source of the leak (using the previously placed dowels) from the roof’s ridge. Now cut the tarp using a utility knife to the measured size, adding a couple extra feet on each end to ensure adequate coverage. In order to keep the tarp secured in place on the roof, use sandbags atop or attach 2x4s to opposite ends of the tarp using small nails or staples. (Note: Make sure the tarp is covering the ridge of the roof or water will continue to enter the roof).

As always, you can contact us here or give us a call at (855) 644-6655 to receive a free in-home consultation or to discuss preventative maintenance with one of our roofing experts.

The post How to Stop a Leaking Roof During a Storm appeared first on M&M Home Remodeling Services.