7 things to do before the next storm rolls through!

Written By Melinda Maples

A Kansas City Homeowner’s Guide to Protecting Your Property, Insurance Claims and Peace of Mind

Every year in Kansas City, storm season rolls in fast and furious! High winds, hail, heavy rain, falling limbs and sudden temperature swings that can turn a small roofing issue into a major insurance claim overnight.

The problem with that is most homeowners don’t realize how important documentation is until after the storm hits.

At AGM Roofing and Sheet Metal we created 7 to do’s before the next storm rolls through.

1. Take Current Photos of Your Roof

Most people don’t have a photo of their roof until an insurance adjuster asks for one.

Before storm season:

  • Walk around your home and take wide-angle photos from every side

  • Capture roof lines, valleys, flashing, gutters, vents and skylights

  • If safe, use a drone or hire a professional inspection company for overhead photos

  • Save the date stamped images somewhere secure

Why????

  • Helps prove storm-related damage versus pre-existing wear

  • Creates a visual baseline for insurance

  • Can speed up claims and reduce disputes

2. Save Records of Repairs and Maintenance

Small repairs matter more than homeowners realize.

Document:

  • Roof repairs

  • Gutter cleanings

  • Flashing repairs

  • Chimney work

  • Sheet metal work

  • Vent replacements

  • Tree trimming near the home

Keep:

  • Invoices/Receipts

  • Contractor names

  • Photos of completed work

  • Warranty information

Insurance companies often look at maintenance history when reviewing claims. Organized records help show the home was properly maintained before the storm.

3. Photograph Your Siding, Windows, Gutters and Exterior

Storm damage doesn’t stop at the roof.

Take photos of:

  • Siding

  • Window trim

  • Gutters and downspouts

  • Fence lines

  • Exterior HVAC units

  • Decks and patios

  • Garage doors

Hail and wind damage can affect multiple parts of a property at once. Having “before” photos gives you leverage if damage is questioned later.

4. Create a Simple Home Inventory

Most homeowners underestimate how much personal property they own until water enters the house.

Walk room-by-room and document:

  • Electronics

  • Appliances

  • Furniture

  • Jewelry

  • Collectibles

  • Tools

  • Home office equipment

Quick tip:
A simple phone video walking through your house can be incredibly valuable after a loss.

Store receipts when possible and back up files digitally, a lot of our customers use a system like KeyTherion.

5. Know the Age of Your Roof

One of the first questions insurance companies ask is:
“How old is the roof?”

If you don’t know:

  • Find old invoices

  • Request records from previous contractors

  • Ask your realtor if you recently purchased the home

  • Have a roofing company inspect it

Knowing:

  • Roof material

  • Installation date

  • Warranty information

  • Repair history

can make the claims process run smoother.

6. Check Your Attic Before Storm Season

Your attic tells so much about your roof!

Before storms arrive:

  • Look for water stains

  • Check for mold or musty smells

  • Inspect insulation for damp areas

  • Look for daylight coming through boards

Minor leaks often start long before homeowners notice ceiling stains inside the living space.

7. Save Everything in One Place

Create a digital folder with:

  • Photos

  • Inspection reports

  • Insurance information

  • Contractor invoices

  • Warranty documents

  • Maintenance history

The easier your records are to access, the easier it becomes to navigate storm recovery. KeyTherion has been a great benefit to our customers in helping them stay organized and communicate with contractors.

Why Documentation Matters More Than Ever

Insurance may ask for the below list, having it readily available is less stress on you, the homeowner.

  • Proof of maintenance

  • Prior condition documentation

  • Repair history

  • Installation dates

Homeowners who stay organized often experience:

  • Faster claims

  • Less confusion

  • Fewer disputes

  • Better long-term property protection

Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Treating its history seriously can save thousands later.

How AGM Roofing and Sheet Metal Helps

At AGM Roofing and Sheet Metal, we don’t just inspect roofs. We help homeowners create a better record of their property.

We believe every repair, inspection and upgrade should be documented clearly so homeowners have confidence before and after storm season.

Whether you need:

  • A storm readiness inspection

  • Roof repair

  • Full replacement

  • Gutters

  • Sheet metal work

  • Damage assessment

our team is here to help homeowners across the Kansas City metro prepare before problems happen.

Schedule Your Free Storm Season Inspection

Storm season doesn’t wait until you’re ready. If you want a professional inspection and documentation of your roof before severe weather arrives, contact AGM Roofing and Sheet Metal today.

Protect your home, document your property and be ready before the next storm that hits.

AGM Roofing and Sheet Metal
Kansas City Metro Area
Residential & Commercial Roofing | Sheet Metal | Storm Damage Inspections

Melinda Maples
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