Storm Damage and Your Roof: What Every Minnesota Homeowner Needs to Know

by Bold North Roofing

published April 30, 2025Last updated May 12, 2025

Minnesota weather doesn’t mess around. One day it’s sunny skies—then out of nowhere, thunder booms, the wind howls, and hail starts pounding your home. When the clouds finally clear, your roof might be hiding damage you can’t see from the ground.

Storms are one of the biggest reasons roofs age faster or need major repairs. But here’s the good news: when you know what to look for (and what to do), you can catch problems early, save money, and keep your home safe through every season.

What Kind of Storms Cause Roof Damage?

In Minnesota, your roof faces a little bit of everything. Here’s how different storm types can leave their mark:

Thunderstorms & Heavy Rain

• Water can sneak under lifted shingles
• Flashing and sealants may weaken
• Gutters overflow and back up into the roofline

High Winds

• Shingles lift, crack, or fly off
• Roof edges and ridges take a beating
• Debris (like tree limbs) strikes the surface

Hailstorms

• Bruises or dents your shingles
• Granules get knocked off
• Skylights, vents, and flashing may get cracked

Snow & Ice

• Ice dams block drainage, leading to water backup
• Melting snow seeps into seams
• Weight stress on aging or damaged roofs

Different seasons bring different risks—but they all have one thing in common: your roof is always on the front lines.

Signs of Storm Damage You Can Spot From the Ground

Even without climbing a ladder, you can often tell something’s not right just by paying attention to a few warning signs.

Look for:

• Missing or curled shingles
• Bits of shingles in your yard or gutters
• Discolored spots or bruises on the roof
• Granules at the end of your downspout
• Bent or detached gutters
• Flashing that looks loose or warped
• Water stains on ceilings or in the attic
• Pieces of hail or debris piled up around downspouts

If something looks off, it probably is. It’s always safer to get it checked than to wait and hope.

What Hail Really Does to Your Roof (And Why You Might Not Notice Right Away)

Hail might not punch holes through your roof, but it does something just as sneaky: it knocks off the protective granules on your shingles. Those granules help deflect sunlight and slow down wear. Without them, your roof ages faster—and leaks show up later.

Here’s why hail damage often goes unnoticed:

• The damage isn’t always visible from the ground
• Shingles may look fine but have internal cracks
• Leaks might not happen for months—or until the next storm

Think of hail as the start of a problem, not the final straw.

What to Do Right After a Storm

The hours and days after a storm are when fast thinking can save your roof—and your wallet.

Do this as soon as it’s safe:

• Walk around your home and take photos of any visible damage
• Check inside for water stains, drips, or odd smells in the attic
• Look for pieces of shingles or flashing in the yard
• If damage seems likely, call a local roofing expert for a storm inspection

Don’t:

• Climb onto the roof yourself
• Try to patch or repair anything if you’re unsure
• Wait too long—insurance deadlines can sneak up

If in doubt, we can help assess the situation quickly and safely.

Will Insurance Cover Storm Damage to My Roof?

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do cover storm-related roof damage—but there are a few things to know:

• You typically have a limited window (often 1 year) to file a claim
• You’ll need documentation of the damage
• An expert inspection carries more weight than a DIY one
• Not all damage is covered—wear and tear is treated differently

The Bold North Roof Inspection: What You Can Expect

When you call Bold North Roofing for a storm damage inspection, here’s what we do:

• Inspect your roof, gutters, flashing, vents, and attic
• Document all visible damage with photos
• Give you a clear explanation of the findings
• Help you understand your options (repair vs. replacement)
• Assist with insurance documentation if needed

Our goal? Give you answers—not pressure. We’ll always keep it honest and straightforward.

How to Prepare Your Roof for the Next Storm

Want to minimize future damage? These small moves go a long way:

• Keep your gutters clear and flowing
• Trim back branches near your roof
• Schedule seasonal roof inspections
• Repair small issues before they become big ones
• Know who to call when the storm passes

Storms may be out of your control—but what you do after makes all the difference.

Minnesota Weather Is Tough—But So Are You (and Your Roof Can Be, Too)

Living in Minnesota means taking weather seriously. Your roof is your home’s first defense, and every storm leaves behind clues—some obvious, some hidden. Staying alert, knowing what to watch for, and acting quickly can save you from major repairs and stress.

Bold North Roofing & Contracting is here to help when things get rough. We’ve seen it all—from summer hail to winter blizzards—and we know what to look for so you’re not left guessing. Whether you need an inspection, emergency repair, or just some honest advice, we’ve got your back (and your roof).