Storm Damage / Insurance Claims

In Northeast Ohio, storms are unpredictable, and waiting too long to file a claim can cost you coverage. Hail, high winds, ice dams, and heavy rain can all cause damage that isn’t always visible from the ground. Insurance companies often enforce strict timelines — sometimes as short as 6–12 months from the storm date.

What to look for after a major storm:

• Missing, lifted, or creased shingles
• Granules washing into gutters or downspouts
• Water stains in your attic or ceilings
• Dents on gutters, siding, or soft metal
• Sudden spikes in energy bills

Pro Tip: Even small leaks or minor shingle damage can be enough for a valid claim if properly documented.

Next step: If your home was hit by a recent storm, schedule a free inspection with Canton Roofing Company. We’ll document the damage, handle the claim process, and make sure your roof is restored to code at no cost beyond your deductible.

(Sources: Ohio Department of Insurance – Consumer Claim Guidance, National Weather Service – Ohio Storm Data, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety – Roof Damage Indicators)

In Ohio, insurance companies are required to respond to your claim quickly — but the full process can still vary. By law, carriers must acknowledge your claim within 15 days, begin investigating within 21 days, and issue an approval or denial within 21 days after receiving proof of loss. If they need more time, they must provide written updates at least every 45 days.

In practice, most straightforward storm claims in Northeast Ohio take 2–6 weeks from filing to approval, depending on how quickly inspections, adjuster meetings, and scope reviews happen. More complex cases involving supplements, code upgrades, or disputes can extend into several months.

Next step: Canton Roofing streamlines the process by documenting damage, meeting your adjuster, and pushing for timely resolution so you aren’t left waiting while your home is exposed.

(Sources: Ohio Administrative Code 3901-1-54 – Unfair Property/Casualty Claims Settlement Practices, Ohio Department of Insurance – Consumer Claims Guidance)

Most Ohio homeowners insurance policies cover sudden, accidental damage caused by storms. This includes hail strikes, wind tearing off shingles, fallen trees, and interior leaks caused by storm openings. What’s not covered is long-term wear, neglect, or age-related deterioration.

Covered storm damage examples:

• Hail bruising or puncturing shingles
• Wind tearing or creasing shingles
• Tree limbs or debris striking the roof
• Water intrusion after storm-created openings
• Damaged flashing, vents, or ridge caps caused by high winds

Important: Cosmetic-only damage (like light shingle scuffs) may not qualify unless it impacts performance.

Next step: Canton Roofing performs a full inspection, takes photos, and builds a claim file showing not just the visible damage, but why it impacts the roof’s function.

(Sources: Insurance Information Institute – Covered Perils in Homeowners Policies, Ohio Department of Insurance – Storm Damage FAQs, NAIC – Consumer Alert on Storm Damage Coverage)

Yes — if your policy includes Ordinance or Law coverage, which most modern Ohio policies do. When replacing a storm-damaged roof, carriers must pay to bring the roof up to current building code. That often includes ice & water shield along eaves and valleys, drip edge at rakes and eaves, and proper ventilation.

Why this matters: Many older Ohio roofs lack these features. Without coverage, homeowners would pay out-of-pocket for required upgrades. With Ordinance or Law coverage, insurance pays for the work so your new roof is safer and fully compliant.

Next step: Canton Roofing verifies your code requirements by county and cites them in supplements, ensuring insurance covers the upgrades your home legally requires.

(Sources: Ohio Building Code – Residential Roofing Standards, FEMA – Building Code Upgrade Guidance, Ohio Department of Insurance – Policy Coverage Explanations)

In most cases, your only out-of-pocket cost for a storm damage roof replacement is your policy deductible. Insurance pays for labor, materials, and code upgrades required by law if you have Ordinance or Law coverage.

Possible out-of-pocket costs include:

• Your deductible (varies by policy, often $500–$2,500)
• Optional upgrades beyond insurance scope (designer shingles, metal roofing, skylights)
• Repairs not related to the storm (aged gutters, old siding, prior leaks)

Pro Tip: By law, contractors cannot waive or absorb deductibles in Ohio. Be cautious of “free roof” offers — they can void your coverage.

Next step: Canton Roofing provides a transparent scope so you know exactly what insurance covers and what, if anything, is your responsibility.

(Sources: Ohio Department of Insurance – Deductible Guidelines, NAIC – Consumer Alert: Beware of Free Roof Scams, Insurance Information Institute – Deductibles and Coverage Basics)