Severe weather in the Tennessee Valley doesn't end at the storm. The 7-day window after a major event is when smart homeowners act — and when bad actors descend on the area. Here's how to protect your home and your insurance claim.
Day 1: Document Before You Clean
Take photos before anyone touches anything. Date-stamp them. Photograph debris, fallen limbs, and damaged surfaces from multiple angles. This is the foundation of your insurance claim.
Day 1–2: Mitigate
Tarp anything actively leaking. Cover broken windows. Document the mitigation work. Save receipts — insurance reimburses reasonable mitigation costs.
Day 2–7: Inspect & File
Get a professional roof inspection from a local, licensed roofer (not a storm chaser). File your claim with your inspection report attached.
Beware Storm Chasers
Out-of-state contractors flood Alabama after major events. They typically demand insurance assignment up front, then disappear after collecting the first check. Use local, licensed, and verifiable contractors only.
Roofing After Severe Weather: Key Takeaways
- Document before you clean
- Tarp and mitigate within 24 hours
- Use a LOCAL licensed roofer
- File the claim with documentation
- Save every mitigation receipt
Roofing After Severe Weather — Questions Answered
How do I verify a contractor is local?+
Ask for their Alabama business license number, look up their physical address, and check Google reviews dating back at least 2 years.