When tornadoes move through St. Louis, the damage they leave behind can be unpredictable. Some buildings show major issues right away while others reveal the full extent of their problems only after the weather settles. One commercial property owner reached out to us after noticing water getting into the building and debris scattered across sections of the roof. They suspected the storm had caused damage but did not know how severe it was.
Once we arrived, it became clear that the tornado winds had created more than surface-level issues.
What We Saw During the Inspection
The first thing we noticed was that part of the roof had been lifted by the wind. Tornado-force gusts can create upward pressure that pulls roofing materials away from the structure, and that is exactly what happened here. With sections of the roof peeled back, rain, debris, and wind had easy access to the interior layers of the roofing system.
The building’s chimney also showed significant damage. Part of the masonry had collapsed, and the remaining structure was no longer stable enough to rely on. When heavy winds hit rigid structures like chimneys, even small weaknesses can turn into major safety concerns.
Our goal in situations like this is not only to identify the damage but to help property owners understand what it means for the integrity of their building.
Helping the Property Owner Navigate Their Next Step
Once we documented everything, the property owner asked if this was something their insurance might address. We explained that while we cannot tell anyone to file a claim, we can provide clear reports and storm data so they can have an informed conversation with their insurance company.
We prepared:
- A full inspection summary
- Photos that clearly showed the structural issues
- A storm activity report for the area
That information helped the owner explain the situation accurately and efficiently.
Meeting the Insurance Adjuster at the Property
When the adjuster arrived for their onsite review, the owner asked if we could be there as well. We walked the property together and highlighted the areas where the tornado had impacted the structure. These visits are often unfamiliar for commercial property owners, so having our team there helped to ensure clarity and prevent important details from being overlooked.
After the assessment was complete, the insurance company approved the full scope of the needed repairs.
Storm Damage Repair That Protected the Building
Once everything was approved, we got to work. The first priority was addressing the chimney. Our team stabilized the remaining structure, removed compromised materials, and rebuilt the chimney to ensure it was secure and safe.
With the chimney repaired, we moved on to the flat roof. Because tornado activity increases the risk of future severe weather exposure, we installed a durable, weather-resistant roofing system designed to hold up against strong winds and heavy rain. This helped ensure the building would not face the same issues during future storms.
By the time the work was finished, the property owner had a restored roof and a structurally sound chimney, giving them confidence that their building was protected again.
What Other Property Owners Should Keep In Mind
This project was a strong reminder of how unpredictable tornado property damage can be. The roof showed clear uplift, the chimney was compromised, and the full extent of the issues became more apparent once we inspected everything closely. Tornado level winds can create pressure points across different parts of a building, and it often takes a thorough assessment to understand how far the impact reaches.
Here are a few things worth keeping in mind after a storm like this:
- Severe weather rarely affects only one part of a building, especially when strong winds are involved.
- An inspection helps identify deeper issues that may not be immediately obvious.
- Clear documentation, including inspection notes and storm reports, makes the insurance process far easier.
- Having a team involved throughout the process helps ensure important details are not missed.
If your commercial property has gone through a tornado or strong wind event and you are unsure what you are dealing with, getting a professional inspection can bring clarity and prevent further issues. Our team is here to help you understand your options, navigate the process, and restore your building safely.