Recent severe storms have swept across Northwest Indiana and parts of Illinois, leaving behind significant damage in several communities. Areas including Kankakee and Lake Village were among the hardest hit, but homeowners throughout the region experienced strong winds, heavy rainfall, and unusually large hail.
In some parts of Illinois, hailstones reportedly reached 5 to 6 inches in diameter—large enough to cause serious damage to roofs, siding, windows, and gutters in a matter of minutes.
How Large Hail Damages Your Roof and Exterior
Hail of this size can significantly impact a home’s exterior, even if the damage isn’t immediately visible from the ground.
When hail strikes a roof, it can:
- Crack or fracture shingles
- Knock protective granules loose, exposing underlying materials
- Weaken the structural integrity of the roofing system
- Damage flashing, vents, and other critical components
Siding and gutters are also highly vulnerable. Large hailstones can dent aluminum gutters, crack vinyl siding, and in severe cases, break windows.
“After a storm with hail this large, it’s very common for homes to have damage that homeowners don’t notice right away,” industry professionals note. “What looks like minor wear can actually lead to leaks and long-term issues.”
The Impact of High Winds and Tornadic Activity
In addition to hail, high winds and reported tornado activity contributed to widespread damage across the region.
Strong winds can:
- Lift or completely remove shingles
- Tear siding away from the home
- Loosen soffit and fascia components
- Cause gutters to detach or sag
- Drive rainwater into vulnerable areas of the home
Even without visible missing shingles, wind can break the seal that holds roofing materials in place—making the roof more susceptible to future leaks.
Why Storm Damage Often Goes Undetected
One of the biggest challenges following severe weather is that storm damage isn’t always obvious.
Many homeowners assume their home is fine if they don’t see immediate issues. However, hail and wind damage can compromise roofing systems in ways that only become apparent over time.
Common signs to look for include:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Debris or shingle granules near downspouts
- Loose or visibly damaged siding
- Bent or dented gutters
- Drafts or moisture in attic spaces
Storm Damage Repair and Insurance Claims
Homeowners may not realize that storm damage repair is often covered by insurance, especially when caused by hail or high winds.
However, properly identifying and documenting damage is critical to filing a successful claim.
Experienced contractors typically assist with:
- Detailed storm damage inspections
- Photo documentation for insurance providers
- Guidance through the claims process
- Completing repairs once claims are approved
Avoiding Storm Chasers After Severe Weather
Following major storms, many communities see an influx of out-of-town contractors offering quick repairs. While some may be legitimate, others—often referred to as “storm chasers”—leave the area shortly after completing work.
This can create issues if problems arise later and homeowners are unable to reach the contractor.
That’s why many homeowners choose to work with established, local companies with a long-standing presence in the region.
A Local Company Serving the Region for 50 Years
For nearly five decades, M&M Home Remodeling Services has helped homeowners across Northwest Indiana and Illinois recover from storm damage.
Since 1976, the company has specialized in:
- Roof replacement and repair
- Siding installation
- Gutter systems
- Full exterior restoration following storms
With extensive experience handling both hail damage and wind-related repairs, their team understands how to identify hidden issues and restore homes properly.
Take Action After the Storm
With storms producing record-size hail and damaging winds, homeowners in affected areas should take a proactive approach.
Even if your home appears undamaged, a professional inspection can help identify issues early—before they lead to costly repairs.
📞 Homeowners in Northwest Indiana and Illinois can schedule a free storm damage inspection by contacting M&M Home Remodeling Services at 866-371-4001 or visiting m-mcorp.com.
