• 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.

Well, here at M&M Home Remodeling Services, we like to help keep the community informed on properly assessing roof storm damage. With that in mind, here is a handy little checklist for everything you need to examine after a storm when it comes to your roof.  

Different Types of Roof Damage

Hail

Hail is one of those types of precipitation that doesn’t last long but leaves a massive impact. Large, solid chunks of ice can leave dents in anything from concrete to metal, and the damage they can do to a roof can be quite severe. For example, hail can leave your roof covered with pockmarks and dents in your shingles. It can also knock loose shingle granules, which give your roof protection against the elements. 

Wind

Both light and heavy wind can cause damage to the shingles. For instance, sharp, sudden gusts of wind might curl the shingles and leave them “open” to rain. Heavy, hurricane winds can outright tear the shingles off, leaving everything underneath exposed. 

Debris

Often, hurricanes and strong winds bring debris with them, such as stones, branches, and even refuse. Large objects can dent or damage the shingles when hurled at high speeds. That damage can leave the roof susceptible to water intrusion. 

Standing Water

Uneven roofs or roofs without proper drainage can retain some of the water from rain storms or even melting snow. The water can slowly penetrate the underlayment of the roof deck, which can cause damage to not only the roof but also the walls and the ceilings of your home. 

Conducting a Roof Inspection

Inspect the Roof

Before contacting a roofer, it’s important to assess the damage, so naturally, the roof is the first place you need to look. Check everything, from every angle possible, and note down any damage you see. It’s also instructive to look under the roof from your window and see if there’s any additional damage. 

Inspect Ceilings and Attics

Sometimes, a roof might look good after a storm, but the water will still come through somewhere. That’s why it’s important to check your attic and your ceilings, as well as any light fixtures. If you see moisture forming anywhere, you probably have a leak.

Inspect Vents, Windows, and Gutters

Water can leak through anywhere, not just your roof. So, when assessing the damage, make sure to inspect all of your windows for cracks or tears, and see if the vents aren’t clogged. In addition, make sure that the gutters are fine and that there are no signs of bending, breaking, or tearing. 

M&M, a Roofer You Can Trust

When you assess your roof for storm damage, you will need a roofer you can trust. Here at M&M, we’ve been helping over 50,000 people with roof-related issues since 1976. So, if you need some repairs on your roofs, sidings, windows, or gutters, give us a call today. 

The post Roof Storm Damage, Do You Have Your Checklist Ready? appeared first on M&M Home Remodeling Services.

Not to worry, though; we’ve prepared the ultimate checklist for roof maintenance in the summer. Just go through these one step at a time, and your roof should stay in top-notch condition.

1. Book That Annual Inspection

Everyone knows that problems don’t solve themselves, and that’s especially true when it comes to roofing. If there are any leaks, damaged shingles, or clogged gutters, we should deal with them before they become our worst nightmare. 

That’s why we do recommend booking an annual inspection when summer rolls in. By fixing whatever is downgrading the quality of your roof now, you may save a lot of money on repair bills later on, purely because you dealt with the damage on time!

2. Check Your Insurance Policy

If you live in a particularly stormy area, don’t forget to check your insurance policy for any gaps. Since heavy rain and strong winds are rather unpredictable, your house is at a huge risk of damage. Unfortunately, if there are any gaps in the coverage, you may have a hard time covering all the costs. 

In the end, if we don’t want to go into debt because of our damaged roof, we have to think in advance. Therefore, we must take inventory of our home and photos of its condition, and meet with an insurance agent to resolve any potential issues.

3. Clean Out the Gutters

Blocked gutters are no joke, that’s for sure. Indeed, if the gutters are clogged, standing rainwater can damage our home since it’s not able to flow off the roof. 

That can lead to a variety of issues, from mold growth in the walls (if the water goes over the exterior walls) and ground oversaturation (which may cause cracks in the foundation) to shingle, fascia, and soffit damage. Luckily, we can prevent all of those if we tackle the gutters on time and clear them out!

4. Switch Out Any Damaged Shingles

And speaking of shingles, whether they are damaged or simply missing, we should deal with them quickly. If we don’t, there’s no telling what could happen to our roof since it will be exposed to the elements. 

The roof is extremely vulnerable if there are gaps or holes. In that case, strong winds could easily damage it further and even lead to water damage. Besides, it’s evident that replacing just some shingles rather than the whole roof is the more affordable solution. However, it will only work if we do the repairs timely!

5. Make Sure There Are No Leaks

Interior damage can be challenging to deal with, especially if one small leak becomes much bigger due to poor maintenance. Therefore, before summer ends, we must check the roof for any leaks. If there are some and we don’t deal with them on time, we risk wall, insulation, and foundation damage, not to mention electrical wiring issues.

6. Put Some Effort Into Tree Maintenance

Finally, you will also need to deal with any surrounding trees. They shouldn’t be too high or wide (trim them to ensure a six feet clearance). You ought to remove any dead or weak branches as soon as possible as well.

In the right conditions, a tree could fall onto the roof, which may not only be costly to fix but dangerous too. Alternatively, the branches may damage the shingles and the protective coating, as well as cause granule loss. In the end, there’s no reason to risk this kind of damage, especially if all it takes to prevent it is some tree maintenance!

Call M&M Home Remodeling 

Want to enjoy your summer without worrying that you’ll literally lose the roof over your head? This checklist will help you keep your roofing in mint condition. But even if there’s some damage, there’s no need to despair. M&M Home Remodeling has got your back. Get a free estimate now and ensure your roof stays strong through every season, rain or shine!

The post Summer Roofing Checklist: 6 Things to Do Right Now 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.