What Delaware Homeowners Need to Know in the Hours and Days After Major Storm Damage
Delaware gets hit. Nor'easters, summer thunderstorms, hail events, and the occasional tropical remnant — our state sees the full spectrum of severe weather. And every time a major storm rolls through, thousands of homeowners are left wondering the same thing: did my roof take a hit, and what do I do now?
This guide walks you through exactly what to do — step by step — so you protect your home, your finances, and your insurance claim from the moment the storm passes.
Before you do anything else, make sure it's safe. Don't go on your roof immediately after a storm — wet surfaces, downed power lines, and unstable debris create real hazards. Do a visual inspection from the ground and from inside your attic if accessible. Note anything obvious: missing shingles, visible holes, water stains on ceilings, or dented gutters.
Time-stamped photos and videos are your best friend in an insurance claim. Start documenting as soon as it's safe to do so:
The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim. Insurance companies love to see evidence gathered immediately after the event — it proves the damage is storm-related and not pre-existing.
This is the step most homeowners get backwards. The instinct is to call insurance first — but we recommend calling a professional roofer first to get an honest, independent assessment of what's actually damaged.
Here's why that matters: your insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. Their job is to accurately — but efficiently — assess claims. Having a contractor who knows what legitimate storm damage looks like, who can identify issues the adjuster might miss, and who can document everything properly is a major advantage when it comes to getting a fair settlement.
At Home Fortress, we come out, inspect your roof thoroughly, and give you an honest report of what we find. If it's legitimate storm damage, we help you file and we meet the adjuster on-site. If it's wear and tear rather than storm damage, we'll tell you that too — because filing a claim for non-covered damage isn't just a waste of time, it can actually hurt your policy.
Most insurance policies have time limits on filing storm damage claims — typically anywhere from one to three years after the event, though some policies are stricter. Don't wait. Once you've had a contractor assess the damage, file your claim promptly. Have the following ready:
After a major storm, you'll often see contractors going door to door offering quick inspections and asking you to sign an Assignment of Benefits or similar documents. Be cautious. Some of these are legitimate — many are not. Never sign over your insurance benefits to any contractor before you fully understand what you're agreeing to and before you've confirmed they're licensed, insured, and reputable.
A trustworthy contractor will never pressure you to sign immediately. They'll inspect the damage, give you a written report, answer your questions, and let you make an informed decision.
Not all storm damage is obvious. Here's what a professional inspection looks for:
Storms are stressful. The aftermath shouldn't be. Having a trusted local contractor — someone who knows Delaware homes, knows how to document storm damage, and knows how to work with insurance companies — makes the entire process significantly easier and often results in a better outcome for you as the homeowner.
If your home was recently hit by a storm, call Home Fortress. We'll come out, assess the damage honestly, and walk you through your options — at no cost to you.
Storm Damage? We're Ready.