Recent Minnesota Storms: What Every Homeowner Should Check Before Damage Gets Worse

Minnesota has seen multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms this June, bringing large hail, damaging winds, heavy rain, and localized power outages across much of the state. Some areas experienced hail over 2 inches in diameter, while wind gusts strong enough to down trees and power lines left thousands without electricity. Even if your home looks fine from the ground, storm damage isn’t always immediately visible. (National Weather Service⁠)

At Weatherguard Construction, we’ve already begun responding to homeowners concerned about hidden roof and exterior damage. Here’s what you should know after the recent storms.

Not All Storm Damage Is Easy to See

One of the biggest misconceptions after a storm is that no leaks means no damage.

In reality, hail can bruise asphalt shingles, loosen protective granules, dent metal components, and shorten the life of your roof without causing an immediate leak. Strong winds can lift shingles just enough to break the seal, allowing water to work its way underneath over time.

The sooner damage is identified, the easier it is to prevent more expensive repairs down the road.

Signs Your Home May Have Been Damaged

After a storm, walk around your property and look for:

  • Missing or lifted shingles
  • Granules collecting in gutters or at downspouts
  • Dents in gutters, downspouts, or roof vents
  • Cracked or damaged siding
  • Broken or hanging tree branches
  • Shredded leaves or landscaping damage
  • Water stains in your attic or ceilings

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional inspection.

Your Roof Isn’t the Only Thing at Risk

While roofing often receives the most attention, storms can also damage:

  • Siding
  • Windows
  • Gutters
  • Fascia and soffit
  • Exterior paint
  • Deck and railings
  • Air conditioning units

A comprehensive exterior inspection ensures nothing is overlooked.

How Hail and Wind Damage Your Roof

Not every storm leaves obvious signs of damage, but that doesn't mean your roof escaped unharmed. Hail and high winds affect roofing materials in different ways, and both can shorten the lifespan of your roof if left unaddressed.

Hail impacts can bruise asphalt shingles by knocking away the protective granules that shield them from UV rays and weather. In some cases, the force of the hail can fracture the fiberglass mat beneath the shingle. While this type of damage may not be visible from the ground, it weakens the roofing system and can eventually lead to leaks.

High winds create a different type of problem. Strong gusts can lift shingles just enough to break the adhesive seal that keeps them in place. Once that seal is broken, future storms are much more likely to tear shingles completely off the roof. Wind can also loosen flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights, creating additional areas where water can enter your home.

Because much of this damage requires a close inspection to identify, homeowners often don't realize there's a problem until months after the storm has passed. A professional inspection helps catch these issues early while they're still easier and less expensive to address.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Storm damage rarely improves with time.

Small areas of damage can allow moisture into your roofing system, eventually leading to leaks, wood rot, mold, or interior damage. Insurance policies also have deadlines for reporting storm-related claims, so delaying an inspection could complicate the claims process later.

Recent reports also show that roofing and siding replacement costs have increased significantly over the past several years, making it even more important to catch problems early. (CBS News⁠)

What Happens During a Weatherguard Inspection?

Our inspections are completely free and include a thorough evaluation of your home’s exterior.

We inspect:

  • Roofing
  • Siding
  • Windows
  • Gutters
  • Flashing
  • Roof vents
  • Additional exterior components

If we find storm damage, we’ll document everything with photos and explain exactly what we found. If an insurance claim is appropriate, we can help guide you through the process and meet with your adjuster if needed.

Our goal is simple: give you honest information so you can make the best decision for your home.

Serving Minnesota Homeowners Since 2001

For more than two decades, Weatherguard Construction has helped homeowners throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding communities recover after severe weather. As a family-owned company, we understand how stressful storm damage can be, which is why we focus on clear communication, quality workmanship, and making the process as straightforward as possible.

Schedule Your Free Storm Damage Inspection

If your neighborhood experienced hail, high winds, or heavy rain during the recent Minnesota storms, don’t assume everything is okay just because you can’t see damage from the ground.

A free professional inspection can identify hidden issues before they become costly repairs.

Call Weatherguard Construction today to schedule your free storm damage inspection and gain peace of mind knowing your home is protected.