What Is Storm Damage?
Storm damage encompasses any property damage caused by severe weather — high winds, heavy rain, hail, lightning, and falling trees. In Western Washington, our storms are characterized by sustained high winds (often 40-60+ mph), atmospheric rivers that dump inches of rain in hours, and saturated soil that destabilizes tree root systems.
Storm damage often creates a cascade of problems: wind removes roofing material, rain enters through the opening, water saturates the structure, and mold begins growing within 48 hours. Fast, comprehensive restoration is essential to prevent a bad situation from getting much worse.
Common Storm Damage in Western Washington
Wind Damage
- Roof damage — missing shingles, lifted flashing, damaged ridge caps
- Siding damage — torn or displaced siding panels exposing sheathing
- Broken windows — from flying debris or extreme wind pressure
- Fence and outbuilding damage — structural failure from sustained winds
Tree Damage
Trees are the number one cause of storm damage to homes in our region. Western Washington's tall Douglas firs, Western red cedars, and big-leaf maples can weigh several tons. When saturated soil loosens their root systems and wind provides the force, the results can be catastrophic:
- Trees falling on roofs, causing structural collapse
- Large branches puncturing roofing or siding
- Root balls lifting and damaging foundations
- Trees falling on vehicles, fences, and outbuildings
Water Damage From Storms
- Rain intrusion through damaged roofing or siding
- Flooding from overwhelmed drainage systems
- Sewer backup when municipal systems overflow during heavy rain
- Foundation flooding from rising water tables and saturated soil
Our Storm Damage Restoration Process
1. Emergency Response & Tarping
Our crews respond 24/7 to secure your property. We provide emergency roof tarping, window boarding, and structural bracing to prevent additional weather damage while repairs are planned and insurance claims are processed.
2. Tree Removal Coordination
We coordinate with certified arborists for safe tree removal from structures. This is specialized work — a tree resting on a compromised roof must be removed carefully to prevent further collapse. We manage this process as part of your complete restoration.
3. Water Extraction & Drying
Any water that has entered the structure is extracted immediately using professional equipment, followed by industrial drying and dehumidification. Early intervention prevents the mold growth that commonly follows storm damage in our humid climate.
4. Damage Assessment & Insurance Documentation
We thoroughly document all storm damage with photos, moisture readings, and detailed reports. After major regional storms, insurance adjusters are backlogged for weeks — having comprehensive documentation ready accelerates your claim.
5. Complete Repair & Reconstruction
From roofing and siding replacement to interior drywall and flooring, we handle the full repair. Everything is restored to pre-storm condition, with materials that meet or exceed current building codes.
Storm Season Preparation
The best storm damage is the damage that never happens. Before storm season, we recommend:
- Professional roof inspection and maintenance
- Gutter cleaning and downspout extension
- Hazard tree assessment by a certified arborist
- Sump pump testing and battery backup installation
- Foundation drainage evaluation
Read our complete Storm Preparation Guide for Western Washington for detailed prevention steps.
Storm Damage FAQs
A tree fell on my house in Tacoma — what do I do?
Get everyone out of the rooms beneath the damage and call our 24/7 emergency line. We respond around the clock with emergency roof tarping, window boarding, and structural bracing, and we coordinate with certified arborists for safe removal — a tree resting on a compromised roof must come off carefully to prevent further collapse.
Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage?
Wind and falling-tree damage are covered by most homeowner policies, though every policy differs — and flooding from rising water typically requires separate flood coverage. After major regional storms, insurance adjusters are backlogged for weeks, so we document all damage with photos, moisture readings, and detailed reports so your claim is ready the moment an adjuster is.
How fast can you respond after a storm?
Our crews respond 24/7, and we average a 60-minute on-site response across the Tacoma and Pierce County area. During widespread storm events we prioritize by severity — active water intrusion and trees on structures come first — and emergency tarping stops damage from progressing while full repairs are planned.
How much does storm damage repair cost?
It depends on what the storm hit — an emergency tarp job, replacing a section of roofing and siding, or interior water extraction and reconstruction are very different scopes. We assess in person, document the full extent of the damage for your insurance claim, and restore with materials that meet or exceed current building codes.
Need Storm Damage Restoration?
Skoolie Restoration is available 24/7 for emergency response across Western Washington's Puget Sound area.