Key Takeaways
- Hail and wind are the most common types of storm-related roof damage in the Quad Cities.
- Hail damage often cannot be seen clearly from the ground.
- Wind damage may happen when shingles are improperly installed or already weakened.
- Ice dams can cause winter roof leaks when ventilation or ice protection is inadequate.
- Homeowners should avoid getting on the roof after a storm.
- Accurate photos, dates, and notes can make insurance claims easier.
- Emergency tarping stops immediate leaks, while permanent repairs address the long-term fix.
- Working with a trusted local roofing contractor helps homeowners avoid storm-chaser pressure tactics.
When severe weather hits the Quad Cities, many homeowners are left wondering what to check first, who to call, and how serious the damage might be. In a recent Roots to Renovation with Peterson Roofing conversation, Mike Downer spoke with Jody and Ryan Peterson of Peterson Roofing about what to do after storm damage Davenport Iowa, especially when hail, wind, ice, or hidden roof issues may be involved.
Storm damage is not always obvious from the street. A roof can look fine from the ground while still having hail bruising, lifted shingles, weakened decking, or leak risks that only show up during a professional inspection. For homeowners in Davenport, Bettendorf, and the greater Quad Cities area, knowing what to look for after a storm can help prevent small problems from becoming major repairs.
The Most Common Types of Storm Damage
According to Jody Peterson, the founder and CEO of Peterson Roofing, hail and wind are the two most common storm-related roof issues in the area. Hail is often the first thing homeowners think about because it physically impacts shingles, knocking away protective granules and exposing the asphalt underneath. Over time, that exposed area can deteriorate in the sun and shorten the life of the roof.
Wind damage is another major concern. Strong gusts can lift shingles, especially if they were installed incorrectly or nailed too high. Once shingles are loosened or missing, water has a much easier path into the roof system and eventually into the home.
Winter weather can also create problems. Ryan Peterson, the COO of Peterson Roofing, noted that ice dams may form after heavy snow if a home is not properly ventilated. Without proper ice guard or ice and water shield, melted snow can back up under the shingles and leak into the home.
Why Hail Damage Is Hard to Spot
Hail damage can be surprisingly difficult to see from the ground. Ryan shared an example from a home in Thompson, Illinois, where the siding and shutters showed obvious damage, but the roof damage was not visible from the driveway.
On the roof, however, the signs became clear. Hail can leave C-shaped bruising marks, break through granules, and damage the shingle mat underneath. These marks may be subtle, especially depending on the shingle color, which is why a trained roof inspection matters after a major hailstorm.
How Wind Damages a Roof
Modern shingles are built to withstand significant wind speeds, and Jody explained that the products Peterson Roofing uses are rated up to 130 miles per hour. When shingles blow off in lower wind events, it may point to an installation problem rather than a product failure.
Improper nail placement is one example. If nails are placed too high, shingles are not secured where they should be. Over time, wind can cause them to flap, loosen, and eventually blow off. Once that happens, water can quickly find its way underneath surrounding shingles.
Hidden Roof Damage: Why Street-Level Checks Are Not Enough
A roof may appear perfectly fine from the street and still have serious damage. Some roof problems only become obvious once someone is walking the roof and knows what to look for.
Ryan explained that hidden issues can include hail bruising, compromised shingles, and even soft spots caused by weak decking or multiple layers of old roofing. These are problems a homeowner typically will not notice from the ground.
What Homeowners Should Do in the First 24 Hours After a Storm
After a major storm, the first step is to avoid climbing on the roof yourself. Storm-damaged roofs can be unsafe, and damage is easy to miss without experience.
Instead, homeowners should call a trusted local roofing company for a professional inspection. Peterson Roofing emphasized that homeowners often contact them after a storm simply to find out whether the damage is real. A reputable contractor should be able to tell you honestly whether your roof needs repair, replacement, or no action at all.
It is also important to be cautious of door knockers after storms. Ryan noted that Peterson Roofing does not operate by aggressively knocking on doors after severe weather. Choosing an established local company can help homeowners avoid pressure tactics and fly-by-night contractors.
Why Documentation Matters for Insurance Claims
Storm documentation is becoming more important as insurance companies tighten claim requirements. Ryan explained that even giving the wrong storm date can create problems. If the date does not match a recorded storm event, an insurance company may deny the claim.
Homeowners should document storm damage with photos, dates, and notes as soon as it is safe to do so. This may include pictures of visible exterior damage, missing shingles, damaged siding, hail marks on outdoor surfaces, or interior leaks. Accurate documentation gives your contractor and insurance company better information to work with.
Emergency Tarping vs. Permanent Roof Repair
Emergency tarping is a temporary solution used when there is active water intrusion or a major opening in the roof. This is most common after severe wind events, tornadoes, or storms that remove shingles or sections of roofing. The purpose of tarping is simple: stop water from entering the home right away.
Permanent repair comes later. Depending on the age and condition of the roof, a contractor may be able to repair one section, replace damaged shingles, or recommend a larger replacement. If the roof is newer, repairs can often be blended in effectively.
How Peterson Roofing Responds After Storms
Peterson Roofing has served homeowners in Davenport, Bettendorf, and the Quad Cities area for more than 45 years. After a storm, their process starts with an inspection. If there is an active leak, they prioritize immediate response. Otherwise, they typically schedule inspections as quickly as possible based on storm volume.
The goal is to assess the roof, identify legitimate damage, provide an honest recommendation, and prepare a complete estimate that can be used with the homeowner’s insurance company.
Protect Your Home After the Storm
Storm damage can be stressful, especially when the signs are hard to see or insurance questions come up quickly. The most important steps are to stay safe, document what you can, and bring in a trusted local professional who can inspect the roof properly and explain your options. For homeowners searching for what to do after storm damage Davenport Iowa, the best place to start is with a safe inspection, accurate documentation, and a contractor who understands the local weather, roofing systems, and insurance process.
FAQs
What does hail damage look like on shingles?
Hail damage often appears as bruised spots, missing granules, or C-shaped marks where the hail struck the shingle. The damage may expose the asphalt layer beneath the granules and weaken the shingle over time.
Can I see roof storm damage from the ground?
Sometimes, but not always. Missing shingles or large debris may be visible from the yard, but hail bruising, lifted shingles, and soft decking usually require a closer inspection by a professional.
What should I do immediately after a storm?
Stay safe, avoid climbing on the roof, document visible damage with photos and dates, and call a reputable local roofing contractor for an inspection.
Why is the storm date important for insurance?
Insurance companies may compare your claim to recorded weather events. If the storm date is inaccurate, the claim may be delayed or denied, even if the damage is real.
When is emergency tarping needed?
Emergency tarping is needed when storm damage creates an active leak or leaves part of the roof exposed. It is a temporary measure to prevent more water from entering the home until permanent repairs can be completed.
Does every storm-damaged roof need to be replaced?
No. Some roofs only need localized repairs, especially if the roof is newer and the damage is limited. A professional inspection can determine whether repair or replacement is the better option.
MIKE DOWNER:
Hi everybody, I’m your host, Mike Downer, on Roots to Renovation with Peterson Roofing. I am here today with Jody Peterson, founder and CEO, as well as his son Ryan Peterson, COO of Peterson Roofing. How are we doing today, guys?
JODY PETERSON:
Doing great. Thanks, Mike.
RYAN PETERSON:
Doing great.
MIKE DOWNER:
Good deal. So today, I know what we’re talking about—hopefully you guys do too. We’re talking about how to choose the right roofing contractor. I don’t care who takes which question; you guys can just go back and forth.
The core question I have is: what should a homeowner look for, ask, and verify when selecting a roofing contractor, and how do they tell the great ones from the risky ones?
JODY PETERSON:
I’ll start, Ryan, and you can chime in. Number one, they should look for longevity. How long has the company been in business in their area? We’ve been around in the Davenport–Bettendorf Quad Cities area for forty-five years under the same name.
That’s important because some companies reorganize every few years—they wear out their welcome and change names. We’ve stayed consistent, and that says a lot.
Risky contractors are often people who just jump into business. Maybe they worked for a bigger company and think, “I can do this myself.” They lack financial stability and real installation expertise. They might be good at sales, but the most important thing is doing the job right after the sale.
Ryan and I have both done the work ourselves—we’re not just salespeople.
RYAN PETERSON:
I’ll share a quick story. A friend of mine had storm damage and hired a large regional chain. Years went by, and they still hadn’t replaced his gutters. They had done the roof, but there was confusion—even billing issues.
Eventually, years later, they came back wanting to finish the job but charge more. That wouldn’t happen with us. When you work with us, you deal directly with the owners. You don’t get lost in a big system.
People appreciate knowing who they’re dealing with and that we’ll be here after the job is done.
MIKE DOWNER:
That’s definitely peace of mind. So when picking a contractor, what should homeowners know about licensing requirements in Iowa, and what should they verify before signing any contract?
JODY PETERSON:
In Iowa, you need to be licensed with the state and the local municipality where you’re working. That usually requires bonding and proper insurance.
Some smaller contractors skip this—they’re cheaper because they don’t have overhead. But if something goes wrong, you won’t be able to reach them.
You might save money upfront, but you’ll pay for it later.
MIKE DOWNER:
You get what you pay for, right?
JODY PETERSON:
Exactly.
MIKE DOWNER:
Why does hiring a local contractor with decades of experience matter compared to working with a storm chaser?
RYAN PETERSON:
We see this a lot. Storm chasers come in, do the work, and then disappear. Homeowners later notice leaks or damage and can’t reach anyone.
Now they have to hire someone else to fix it, which costs more in the long run. That could’ve been avoided by choosing a local company from the start.
JODY PETERSON:
I actually have an appointment today for that exact situation. A storm chaser did the work, and the homeowner hasn’t heard from them since 2022.
Storm chasers move on to the next town. We stay here, and our reputation is on the line.
MIKE DOWNER:
That makes sense. What questions should homeowners ask when checking references, and what answers are red flags?
JODY PETERSON:
First, ask where their main office is. Some companies have one main office and many satellite locations. Do you want to deal with someone far away?
With us, you get direct contact—we’ll return your calls quickly.
Also, look at license plates. If they’re from out of state, that’s a red flag.
Ask for local references, especially older projects. A job done last week might look fine, but you need to see how it holds up over time.
You can also call suppliers or local building inspectors for insight.
RYAN PETERSON:
Some companies have even lost the ability to get permits because of how they operate—that’s a major red flag.
MIKE DOWNER:
Let’s switch gears. What do manufacturer certifications mean, and why do they matter?
JODY PETERSON:
We’re certified by Owens Corning. That allows homeowners to get extended warranties—up to fifty years for labor and materials.
We recently replaced a roof we installed seventeen years ago due to discoloration. Owens Corning covered the material, and we handled the labor.
That’s why certification matters—you get real support when issues arise.
MIKE DOWNER:
When reviewing estimates, what should homeowners compare beyond price?
JODY PETERSON:
First, is the estimate thorough? Many salespeople don’t truly understand roofing—they just measure and sell.
RYAN PETERSON:
I saw a case where solar panels were installed on a roof with failing skylights. The roof should’ve been fixed first.
Now the homeowner has a major issue because the skylights need replacing, and the solar panels must be removed first.
A good contractor would’ve explained everything upfront.
So ask: Is the estimate thorough? Were all your questions answered? Can they complete the job properly and on time?
MIKE DOWNER:
How can a contractor’s communication style before the job starts indicate how they’ll handle the project?
RYAN PETERSON:
If they can’t clearly explain the work, that’s a problem.
Also, watch out for pushy sales tactics—trying to rush you into signing or offering sudden discounts. That’s a red flag.
A good contractor focuses on doing the job right, not just closing the sale.
MIKE DOWNER:
What’s the difference between written warranties and verbal promises, and what actually protects the homeowner?
JODY PETERSON:
Written warranties from manufacturers are very important. They show what’s covered and for how long.
But even a written guarantee is only as good as the person behind it. Someone unreliable can promise anything and disappear.
That’s why both a solid warranty and a trustworthy contractor matter.
MIKE DOWNER:
Finally, what sets Peterson Roofing apart in terms of being family-owned, no-pressure, and offering honest pricing?
RYAN PETERSON:
We live in this community and treat customers the way we want to be treated.
Sometimes that means telling people they don’t need a new roof. That honesty builds trust.
JODY PETERSON:
We’re accountable because we live here. We see our customers every day.
Storm chasers don’t care—they move on. We’ve been here forty-five years and plan to stay.
MIKE DOWNER:
That’s great insight. Thanks again for joining me on Roots to Renovation. We’ll see you next time.
JODY PETERSON:
Thank you.
RYAN PETERSON:
Thanks, Mike.
