What Parts of Your Home Are Most Susceptible to Storm Damage?

Few words strike fear into a Midwestern homeowner’s heart quite like “storm damage.” Whether it’s the sudden roar of hail, the howling winds of a spring thunderstorm, or the slow, steady onslaught of ice and snow, our region—spanning Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota—knows weather. While those dramatic skies are a fact of life here, protecting your home is something you absolutely can control.

At Wolf River Construction, our mission is simple: be the calm after the storm. If you’re worried about your roof, siding, or foundation after severe weather, or if you want to know what parts of your home are at risk, this guide is for you. We’ll break down what to watch for, how we respond, and why acting quickly can mean the difference between a simple repair and a large-scale restoration.

Storms in the Midwest don’t discriminate—they can pummel every part of your property. But through years of serving communities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota, we see certain vulnerabilities emerge again and again. Knowing where to look can help you spot issues quickly and minimize further damage.

1. Your Roof—the First Line of Defense

Most storm claims start at the roof. Shingles can be ripped by winds or punctured by hail. Flashing—those metal strips sealing valleys and joints—can pull loose, letting water seep in where you can’t see. Gutters and downspouts may clog or detach entirely, leaving your foundation vulnerable to water. And vent systems—especially on older or improperly maintained homes—are easy entry points for rain and debris.

Common Roof Damages:

  • Missing, cracked, or curled shingles
  • Dented or torn flashing
  • Granule loss after hail (look for pebbles in your gutters)
  • Leaks, water stains, or sagging on inside ceilings

2. Siding & Exterior Trim—Storms Don’t Stop at the Roof

Strong winds and flying debris can strip or crack siding, break off trim, or leave your home exposed. Hail can puncture even high-quality vinyl or fiber cement. In addition to visual damage, compromised siding can let water into wall cavities, leading to rot and hidden mold.

3. Windows & Doors—Points of Water and Wind Entry

Windows and doors take a beating, especially on the storm-facing sides of a house. Look for:

  • Broken or shattered glass (from hail or tree limbs)
  • Bent or broken frames and hardware
  • Seals and caulking pulled loose
  • Fogging or drip marks between panes

Even a small breach can let water in, freeze into the frame, or create costly energy loss.

4. Foundations & Basements—The “Hidden” Storm Risk

When gutters fail or the ground is saturated (common in Iowa’s wet spring or the Red River Valley’s floods), water seeks the lowest level. Foundations and basements are particularly at risk from:

  • Flooding due to overland water flow
  • Foundation cracks from freeze/thaw cycles or intense rain
  • Sump pump failures during power outages

Other At-Risk Areas:

  • Garages and outbuildings (often overlooked)
  • Decks and porches (can rot or loosen fasteners)
  • Chimneys and skylights (leak-prone)
  • Landscaping, fences, and retaining walls

No two storms—or homes—are identical. That’s why a holistic, room-to-roof inspection is crucial after any major event.

What Should You Do After a Storm?

  1. Stay Safe First. If you see downed lines, broken glass, or severe structural damage, keep out of the area and call emergency services along with your utility provider.
  2. Do A Quick Visual Inspection. From a safe distance, check your roof, siding, windows, and yard for obvious damage. Don’t climb on the roof yourself—leave this to professionals.
  3. Document Everything. Snap photos, jot notes (time, severity, what you notice), and save receipts for emergency supplies. This paperwork will help your insurance claim and our damage assessment.
  4. Call Wolf River Construction Immediately. Whether it’s our 24/7 emergency line or our online form, the sooner you reach out, the sooner we’ll get your home secure and protected.

Wolf River’s Storm Response: Timeline and What to Expect

We know that when the storm passes, you want answers—and help—now, not “sometime next week.” That’s why our rapid-response process is designed for Midwestern unpredictability. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Emergency Call or Online Request

We monitor both around the clock, 365 days a year. When a storm rolls through MN, WI, IA, ND, or SD, our response team is immediately mobilized.

Step 2: How Fast Will We Be There?

In most cases, Wolf River Construction is on site within hours of your call—often the same day, and always within 24 hours (sometimes even faster, depending on the regional storm impact and travel safety). During large-scale events with widespread damage, we prioritize:

  • Immediate life/safety risks (open roofs, breached windows, exposed electrical)
  • Vulnerable clients (elderly, families with young children)
  • Then address all remaining inquiries in order of contact time

We are proud of our ability to mobilize teams quickly from several base locations across our five-state region. You’re always kept in the loop regarding ETA, and our real-time scheduling system means no one is left wondering “when will they get here?”

Step 3: On-Site Triage and TEMPORARY Safety

  • Comprehensive Assessment: Our team walks the property, inside and out, identifying hazards (loose shingles, downed gutters, exposed wiring, broken windows) and photographing losses for your records.
  • Temporary Stabilization: Emergency tarping, boarding up windows/doors, or securing unstable structures. The goal: keep further weather out and make your home safe immediately.
  • Detailed Documentation: We create a written and photo record, which we’ll share with you and support in your insurance claim.

Step 4: Transparent Communication

You’ll get clear next steps: what needs to be fixed now versus what can wait, what’s covered by insurance (we assist here, too), and what timelines to expect for permanent repairs.

How We Repair Storm Damage: Our Turnkey Process

Fixing storm damage is more than nailing on a few shingles. Here’s how Wolf River guides you from “storm struck” to “like new”:

  1. Full Inspection & Honest Reporting:
    After initial triage, we provide a comprehensive, room-by-room report that’s easy to understand—even for insurance adjusters!
  2. Emergency Repairs vs. Permanent Solutions:
    We distinguish between urgent fixes (tarp, board-up, water removal) and the longer, permanent work (replacing roofing, siding, windows, or rebuilding structural elements).
  3. Collaboration with Your Insurance Company:
    Too often, insurance paperwork is the scariest part for homeowners. We document damage, meet with your adjuster, advocate for your claim, and make sure estimates are accurate and fair. Our team has worked with all major providers across MN, WI, IA, ND, and SD.
  4. Project Management from Start to Finish:
    Scheduling, materials, permits, and coordinating reliable subcontractors—all handled by us. You get a single point of contact and clear updates, never left guessing about the status of your home.
  5. Satisfaction and Follow-Through:
    We don’t leave until the job is finished—and you’re happy. Many clients say we’re the only contractor who ever over-communicated during a repair project.

Why Choose Wolf River Construction for Storm Repairs?

  • Regional Expertise: We’re not just contractors; we’re your neighbors. Our teams live and work across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. We know local weather, codes, and insurance practices.
  • Licensed, Bonded, and Insured: Your repairs are in hands you can trust. See our full list of certifications on our website.
  • Rapid Response Commitment: Our ability to mobilize quickly has helped hundreds sleep easier after storms upend their lives.
  • Full-Service Solutions: From roof to basement, windows to foundation, emergency tarping to permanent rebuild, we handle it all—no juggling multiple vendors.
  • Customer-First Communication: Real references, local testimonials, and a transparent project process that means you’re informed every step of the way.
  • “We Nail It Every Time”: It’s our promise and our company culture.

Take the Next Step: Protect Your Home and Peace of Mind

The hours and days after a Midwest storm are stressful—but you don’t have to manage it alone. Wolf River Construction is your partner in every season, from 24/7 triage to complete restoration and insurance support.

Don’t wait for small issues to become bigger problems. With Wolf River Construction, you’ve got a team ready to answer the call—day or night, rain or shine. We’re committed to our Midwest communities and to you. Now, let’s get you back to peace of mind.