Storm Damage Roof Repair & Insurance Claims

When a severe storm rolls through Knoxville and East Tennessee, it can leave behind more damage than you realize. High winds, hail, and flying debris can compromise your roof’s integrity in ways that aren’t always visible from the ground. At A.T.C. Contractors, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners navigate the aftermath of storm damage — from the initial inspection through the final insurance payment.

What to Do Immediately After Storm Damage

The first 48 hours after a storm are critical. Here’s what you should do to protect your home and your insurance claim:

• Document everything. Take photos and videos of any visible damage to your roof, gutters, siding, and property. Capture wide shots and close-ups.
• Prevent further damage. If water is entering your home, place tarps or buckets to minimize interior damage. Keep receipts for any emergency materials — your insurance may reimburse these costs.
• Do not make permanent repairs yet. Making repairs before your insurance adjuster inspects the damage can jeopardize your claim.
• Contact your insurance company. File a claim as soon as possible. Most Tennessee policies require prompt notification.
• Schedule a professional roof inspection. A qualified roofing contractor can identify hidden damage that you and even some adjusters might miss.

Signs of Storm Damage on Your Roof

Not all storm damage is obvious. Here are the most common signs that your roof may have been compromised:

Hail Damage

Hail is one of the most common causes of roof damage in East Tennessee. On asphalt shingles, hail strikes create dark spots where the protective granules have been knocked loose, exposing the underlying asphalt. You may also notice dents in metal flashing, gutters, or vents. Even small hail (1 inch diameter) can cause significant granule loss that shortens your roof’s lifespan by years.

Wind Damage

High winds lift shingles from the edges, breaking the seal strip that holds them flat. Look for shingles that are curled, lifted, or missing entirely. Wind damage often concentrates along ridges, eaves, and corners where wind forces are strongest. Even if shingles aren’t missing, a broken seal means water can penetrate beneath them during the next rain.

Debris Impact

Fallen tree branches and airborne debris can crack, puncture, or dislodge roofing materials. Check for broken shingles, cracked tiles, or punctures in flat roofing membranes. Also inspect the areas around chimneys and skylights where debris tends to accumulate.

Water Intrusion Signs

Inside your home, check attics, ceilings, and walls for water stains, bubbling paint, or damp insulation. These signs often appear within days of a storm and indicate that water is getting past your roof’s defenses.

How the Insurance Claims Process Works

Filing a roof damage insurance claim in Tennessee follows a specific process. Understanding each step helps ensure you receive fair compensation:

1. File your claim promptly. Contact your insurance company within 24-48 hours of the storm. Provide your documentation and describe the damage.
2. Insurance adjuster inspection. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage. This typically happens within 1-2 weeks of filing.
3. Get an independent contractor estimate. Having a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof independently ensures nothing is missed. At A.T.C. Contractors, we provide detailed damage assessments at no charge.
4. Review your claim determination. Your insurer will provide a scope of work and payment amount. Review this carefully against your contractor’s assessment.
5. Supplemental claims if needed. If the adjuster’s assessment missed damage that your contractor identified, a supplement can be filed. This is extremely common and is a normal part of the process.
6. Repairs completed. Once the claim is approved, repairs can begin. Your insurance company typically issues payment in two checks — one upfront and one upon completion.

How A.T.C. Contractors Helps with Insurance Claims

We’ve worked with every major insurance carrier in Tennessee and understand the claims process inside and out. Here’s what we do for you:

• Free storm damage inspection — We thoroughly document all damage with photos and detailed reports.
• Meet with your adjuster — We’ll be on-site during the insurance adjuster’s inspection to ensure all damage is properly identified and documented.
• Handle supplemental claims — If your initial claim doesn’t cover the full scope of necessary repairs, we file supplements on your behalf with detailed documentation.
• No out-of-pocket costs beyond your deductible — For approved insurance claims, we work directly with your insurance company. You pay only your deductible.

As a GAF Master Elite contractor — a designation held by only 2% of roofing contractors nationwide — our repairs are backed by the industry’s strongest warranties, including GAF’s WeatherStopper® system, which is specifically designed to withstand severe weather conditions.

Why Choose A.T.C. Contractors for Storm Damage Repair

With over 25 years serving Knoxville and surrounding communities, we’ve built our reputation on honest assessments and quality workmanship. We won’t recommend a full roof replacement if a repair will do. We won’t inflate claims or cut corners. What we will do is make sure your home is properly protected and your insurance claim is handled fairly.