Wind Damaged Your Roof in Post Falls? What to Do First, and How Fast It Gets Fixed
A windstorm can lift shingles, tear off ridge caps, and drop branches on your roof in a few minutes. If your Post Falls roof just took a hit, here's what to do right away, when you need an emergency tarp, and what to expect for repairs and insurance.
- Stay off the roof and at least 50 feet from any downed power line. Check for damage from the ground and inside, and photograph everything.
- If shingles are missing, underlayment is exposed, or water is getting in, get an emergency tarp on the roof and keep the receipt.
- Lakeview typically responds to storm damage the same day, within 24 hours.
- Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Homeowners policies in most states cover windstorm damage.
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What Should You Do Right After Wind Damages Your Roof?
Stay safe, check from the ground, photograph the damage, protect the inside of your home, then call a roofer for an emergency tarp and report the damage to your insurance company.
- Stay safe
Check your roof from the ground only. Don't climb a ladder or walk on a wind damaged roof, and treat any downed power line as live.
- Look from the ground
Look for missing or lifted shingles, exposed underlayment, torn ridge caps, shingles in your yard, and damaged gutters or flashing.
- Check inside
Look for water stains on ceilings and walls, and check the attic if you can do it safely.
- Photograph everything
Take photos outside and inside before anything is cleaned up or repaired.
- Protect your belongings
Move valuables away from leaks and put buckets under drips.
- Call a roofer and your insurer
Get an emergency tarp and a full damage assessment, and report the damage to your insurance company.
Downed power line?Avista says to assume a downed line is still live, stay back at least 50 feet, never try to move it, even with a branch, and call Avista at (800) 227-9187 right away. If the line is touching a car, fence, or other metal, call 911 as well. If another utility serves your home, call that utility.
Do You Need an Emergency Roof Tarp?
If shingles are missing, underlayment is exposed, or water is getting inside, yes. A tarp keeps rain and snow out until the roof can be properly repaired.
Even small openings let water reach the roof decking, insulation, and ceilings below. The Idaho Department of Insurance tells homeowners to prevent further damage by covering a damaged roof with a tarp or other waterproof material, to keep all receipts for emergency repairs, and not to make permanent repairs before talking with the insurance company.
Tarping should be done by a roofing crew, not from a ladder in the wind. Lakeview provides emergency roof tarping across North Idaho.
How Fast Can a Roofer Fix Storm Damage in Post Falls?
In two stages. Lakeview typically responds to storm damage the same day, within 24 hours, to tarp the roof. The permanent repair depends on how much damage there is, your insurance company's inspection, material availability, and the weather.
After a widespread storm, every roofer in the area gets busy at once, so call early. During the assessment, we'll tell you what needs to be repaired, what doesn't, and what comes next.
How Much Wind Are Post Falls Homes Built For?
The City of Post Falls designs homes for a wind speed of 115 mph in 3-second gusts, under the 2018 International Residential Code. That's the standard for new construction; it doesn't mean an older or worn roof will hold up to it.
If the damage means a new roof, plan for a permit. The city's fee schedule (revised October 1, 2026) lists a $155 flat fee for a residential re-roof permit, and its design criteria require ice shield underlayment. See roofing permits in Kootenai County for how permits work across the area.
Who Repairs Wind Damaged Roofs in Post Falls?
Lakeview Roofing & Restoration, a family-owned roofer based in Rathdrum, provides emergency tarping and wind damage roof repair in Post Falls and across North Idaho.
We repair lifted, torn, and missing shingles, replace damaged flashing and ridge caps, and check for hidden damage underneath. Storm damage assessments are done by a HAAG certified inspector, who documents storm damage separately from normal wear for your claim.
Before you hire anyone after a storm, ask for their Idaho contractor registration number. Idaho law requires contractors working in the state to be registered.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wind Damage to a Roof?
Usually. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners says homeowners policies in most states cover damage caused by windstorm and hail. Coverage depends on your policy, so document the damage and report it to your insurance company as soon as possible.
Ask whether your policy has a separate deductible for wind or hail. We work directly with your insurance adjuster, documenting the damage and meeting on-site. For the full process, read how to file a roof insurance claim in Idaho.
Not sure whether the storm damaged your roof? We'll inspect it for free and tell you, including when everything checks out. See our storm damage restoration service.
Storm Damage in Post Falls? Get Help Right Now.
We answer the phone, prioritize storm damage calls, and typically respond the same day, within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after wind damages my roof?
Stay off the roof and at least 50 feet from any downed power line. Check for damage from the ground and inside, take photos of everything, protect valuables from leaks, then call a roofer for an emergency tarp and report the damage to your insurance company.
How fast can a roofer fix storm damage in North Idaho?
Lakeview typically responds to storm damage the same day, within 24 hours, to tarp the roof. The permanent repair depends on the extent of the damage, your insurance company's inspection, material availability, and the weather.
Do I need an emergency roof tarp?
If shingles are missing, underlayment is exposed, or water is getting inside, yes. A tarp keeps rain and snow out until the roof can be properly repaired. Keep the receipt for your insurance company.
Who repairs wind damaged roofs in Post Falls?
Lakeview Roofing & Restoration, based in Rathdrum, provides emergency tarping and wind damage roof repair in Post Falls and across North Idaho.
Does homeowners insurance cover wind damage to a roof?
Usually. Homeowners policies in most states cover windstorm and hail damage, but coverage depends on your policy. Document the damage and report it to your insurance company as soon as possible.
What wind speed are Post Falls homes designed for?
The City of Post Falls lists a design wind speed of 115 mph in 3-second gusts for residential construction, under the 2018 International Residential Code.
About this guide. Written by Lakeview Roofing & Restoration, a family-owned roofing company in Rathdrum, Idaho, and an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor with HAAG certified inspectors. Facts in this guide were checked against the sources listed below.
Sources
- Idaho Department of Insurance, Post-Disaster Claims Guide
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, A Consumer's Guide to Home Insurance (2022)
- City of Post Falls Building Division, Current Adopted Codes and Design Criteria (rev. 02.16.25)
- City of Post Falls, Fee Schedule (revised 10-1-2026)
- Avista, Downed Power Lines (January 2026)
- Idaho Code 54-5204, Contractor Registration Required