SUMMER STORM DAMAGE? WHY SEPTEMBER IS THE TIME TO ACT!

Summer is one of the most active seasons for severe weather across many states, including Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, and Illinois. Hail, high winds, heavy rain, and severe thunderstorms can cause damage to roofing systems and other exterior components, sometimes without producing immediately visible problems. For property owners who experienced severe weather earlier this summer, September is an important time to address any unresolved summer storm damage.

The reason is straightforward: there is still time to inspect the property, document damage, work through insurance requirements, develop a repair plan, and schedule necessary work before fall weather and seasonal demand make exterior projects more difficult to coordinate.

Waiting until a problem becomes an emergency can limit available options. Addressing known or suspected damage in September gives property owners an opportunity to take action while there is still time to plan.

Why September is the Critical Window for Summer Storm Damage

The days immediately following a major storm often receive the most attention. Property owners may arrange an inspection, contact their insurance provider, or look for visible signs of damage. However, identifying a potential problem is only the beginning of the restoration process.

In many cases, several steps must occur before repairs can be completed, including:

• Professional property inspection
• Documentation of existing damage
• Development of a repair or replacement scope
• Insurance coordination
• Material selection and procurement
• Contractor scheduling
• Completion of repairs

By September, property owners may already have outstanding storm-related issues that have not yet been resolved. This makes the month an important checkpoint: Was the property inspected? Was damage identified? Has the necessary work been completed? If not, what still needs to happen?

For properties affected by summer storm damage, beginning that process now can provide more time to address outstanding concerns before seasonal conditions change.

Summer Storm Damage Can be Easy to Miss

Storm damage does not always result in an immediate leak, broken window, or visibly missing roofing material. Hail and wind can affect roofing systems and exterior components in ways that may not be apparent from the ground.

Potential storm-related damage can include:

A professional inspection can help determine whether damage occurred and whether repairs or replacement are appropriate. Documentation of the property’s condition can also be useful when evaluating repair options and coordinating with an insurance provider.

Already Identified Damage? September is the Time to Act

Some property owners may have already had their property inspected following a storm but have not yet completed the recommended repairs. Delays can happen for many legitimate reasons, including insurance coordination, project costs, material availability, scheduling conflicts, or competing priorities.

However, an unresolved project should not simply remain open indefinitely.

September provides an opportunity to revisit previously identified damage and determine what still needs to be completed. Property owners should consider:

• Has the condition of the damaged area changed?
• Is the original repair scope still accurate?
• Has the insurance claim been resolved?
• Are the necessary materials available?
• Has a contractor been scheduled?
• Is additional documentation required?
• Could further weather affect the damaged area?

If conditions have changed since the original inspection, an updated assessment may also be appropriate.

RJI Professionals provides storm-damage assessment, documentation, estimates, mitigation, and restoration services and can assist property owners throughout the insurance restoration process.

Why Waiting Until Fall Can Create Additional Challenges

September is not an arbitrary deadline for addressing storm damage. It is a practical planning window before fall weather introduces additional variables.

Across several states, fall can bring cooler temperatures, precipitation, wind, and changing weather conditions. These conditions can affect the scheduling and completion of exterior projects.

Contractor schedules may also become more limited as the season progresses and property owners address projects before winter. If additional severe weather occurs, previously damaged areas may also be exposed to further weather-related stress.

Addressing known concerns in September does not necessarily mean rushing into repairs. Instead, it means starting the process while there is still time to properly evaluate the property, coordinate the necessary services, and establish an appropriate project timeline.

The goal is to prevent a manageable repair from becoming a more complicated project simply because action was delayed.

For Commercial Proprietors, Timing Matters Even More

For commercial property owners, property managers, multifamily communities, and HOAs, storm-damage repairs can involve additional considerations.

Exterior work may need to be coordinated around:

• Tenants and residents
• Employees and customers
• Building access
• Business operating hours
• Property management requirements
• Insurance documentation
• Material procurement
• Contractor scheduling

A Practical Guide to Addressing Summer Storm Damage Before Fall

September is a good time to take a closer look at any concerns related to summer storm damage that may still be unresolved.

Property owners should consider the following:

1. Review significant weather events. Identify periods of hail, high winds, heavy precipitation, or other severe weather that affected the property.
2. Review previous observations. Consider whether any roofing or exterior concerns were noticed but never professionally evaluated.
3. Review previous inspections or estimates. If damage was identified earlier in the year, determine whether the recommended work has been completed.
4. Evaluate the current condition. From a safe location, look for visible changes to roofing, siding, gutters, windows, or other exterior components.
5. Review insurance matters. If an insurance claim is involved, confirm its status and any outstanding requirements with the insurance provider.
6. Establish a project timeline. If repairs are necessary, determine what needs to be completed and when the work should be scheduled.

Property owners should not attempt to access or inspect a roof themselves. Roof evaluations should be performed by qualified professionals using appropriate safety procedures.

Don’t Let Summer Storm Damage Follow You Into Fall

Storm damage does not always create an immediate emergency. However, unresolved damage should not be allowed to remain an open issue as the seasons change.

September provides property owners with an important opportunity to take action while there is still time to evaluate damage, complete necessary documentation, coordinate insurance matters, and establish a repair schedule before fall conditions become a factor.

Whether summer storm damage was identified but repairs were delayed or a property was never inspected following a significant weather event, addressing the issue now can help prevent unnecessary complications later.

RJI Professionals, Inc. is a full-service general contractor serving residential and commercial property owners with roofing, siding, windows, gutters, painting, and property restoration services. With more than 30 years of experience, RJI is committed to providing comprehensive solutions and a professional customer experience throughout the project.

For more information about storm-damage assessment, roofing, or exterior restoration services, call RJI Professionals at 877-766-3310 or fill out our contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if storm damage was never inspected?

A professional inspection can help determine whether the property sustained damage and whether repairs are necessary. An inspection can also establish the current condition of roofing and exterior components.

What if an inspection identified damage but repairs have not been completed?

The project should be reviewed to confirm the current condition, repair scope, insurance status, materials, and scheduling requirements. If circumstances have changed since the original inspection, an updated assessment may be appropriate.

Does storm damage affect more than the roof?

Yes. Severe weather can affect siding, gutters, windows, flashing, fascia, soffits, and other exterior components. A comprehensive assessment can help identify concerns beyond the roofing system.