What to Do After Storm Damage to Your Roof in Knoxville

A severe storm just hit Knoxville, and you’re wondering if your roof was damaged. You may see obvious signs like missing shingles in the yard, or you may see nothing at all from ground level. Either way, the steps you take in the first few days after a storm can make the difference between a smooth insurance claim and a frustrating, costly experience. Here’s exactly what to do.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety

Before you inspect anything, make sure it’s safe. Stay away from downed power lines, fallen trees, and standing water. Do not climb on your roof — leave that to professionals with proper equipment. If you have structural damage (a tree through the roof, sagging ceiling, or active water intrusion), call for emergency help immediately.

Step 2: Document the Damage

Documentation is the foundation of a successful insurance claim. Use your phone to take photos and videos of:

• Damaged shingles, dents in gutters or flashing, and any debris on the roof (photograph from the ground or upper windows)
• Any shingles or roofing material that fell into the yard
• Damage to siding, windows, fences, and outdoor structures
• Interior damage — water stains on ceilings, wet insulation in the attic, water drips
• The overall scene showing the storm’s impact on your property

Take these photos as soon as it’s safe to go outside. Timestamp them. Save them in a dedicated folder. This documentation supports your insurance claim and establishes when the damage occurred.

Step 3: Prevent Further Damage

Your homeowner’s insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. This means:

• Place a tarp over areas of obvious damage if you can safely access them (or call a contractor for emergency tarping)
• Use buckets to catch water from active leaks inside
• Move furniture and valuables away from leak areas
• Board up broken windows

Keep all receipts for emergency supplies and repairs. Your insurance should reimburse these reasonable mitigation costs.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

File your claim promptly. Most Tennessee homeowner’s policies expect timely notification. When you call:

• Have your policy number ready
• Describe the damage you’ve observed
• Ask about the timeline for an adjuster visit
• Ask about coverage for emergency repairs or temporary measures
• Get a claim number and your adjuster’s contact information

Keep notes of every conversation with your insurance company, including names, dates, and what was discussed.

Step 5: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

This is one of the most important steps, and the order matters. Get a professional inspection before the adjuster visit if possible, or at minimum, have your contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection.

A qualified roofing contractor knows where to look for hidden damage that adjusters sometimes miss. Hail damage on ridge caps, compromised pipe boot seals, loosened flashing, and granule loss patterns all require trained eyes to identify properly.

At A.T.C. Contractors, we provide free storm damage inspections. We document every finding with photos and detailed notes, and we provide a written damage assessment you can share with your insurance company.

Step 6: Be Present for the Adjuster’s Inspection

When your insurance adjuster comes to inspect, we recommend being present (and having your contractor present if possible). Your contractor can point out damage the adjuster might overlook and ensure the scope of work is complete and accurate. This isn’t adversarial — it’s simply making sure the assessment is thorough.

Step 7: Review Your Claim and Don’t Rush to Sign

After the adjuster files their report, you’ll receive a claims determination with a scope of work and payment amount. Review this carefully:

• Does it include all the damage your contractor identified?
• Are the line items reasonable for your area?
• Does it include full tear-off or just a patch?
• Are code upgrades included where required?

If the determination seems low or incomplete, your contractor can file a supplement with additional documentation. This is a normal, common part of the process — not a conflict with your insurance company.

What to Watch Out For

Storm Chasers

After every major storm in Knoxville, out-of-town roofing companies flood the area with door-to-door salespeople. Be cautious. These “storm chasers” often provide poor quality work, may not be properly licensed or insured in Tennessee, and will be long gone if problems arise later. Choose a local contractor with an established reputation, verifiable credentials, and a physical office in the area.

Upfront Payment Demands

No reputable contractor requires full payment before starting work, especially on an insurance claim. For insurance work, you should only need to pay your deductible. Be wary of anyone demanding large upfront payments or pressuring you to sign a contract immediately after a storm.

Signing Over Your Insurance Check

Some contractors ask you to sign over your insurance payment directly to them. While having your contractor as a named payee is normal on the completion check, be cautious about signing over the entire claim. You should maintain control of the funds and make payments as work is completed.

Common Types of Storm Damage in Knoxville

East Tennessee experiences several types of storm damage throughout the year:

• Hail damage — bruised shingles with granule loss, dented gutters and flashing. Often invisible from the ground.
• Wind damage — lifted, creased, or missing shingles, particularly along ridges, eaves, and corners.
• Fallen tree damage — punctured roofing, structural damage, and displaced materials.
• Tornado damage — partial to complete roof failure requiring emergency response and full replacement.