May 2024 Hailstorm: Time is Running Out for Homeowners to File Insurance Claims

The May 2024 hailstorm was one of the most damaging weather events to hit the south suburbs of Chicago in recent years. Cities like Orland Park, Homer Glen, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Crestwood, and surrounding areas experienced significant hail and wind damage, leaving many homeowners with compromised roofs, siding, gutters, and windows.

If your home was in the path of this storm, you have until May 2025 to file an insurance claim—and failing to act before the deadline could mean paying for repairs and replacements out of pocket! At Extreme Storm Solutions, we specialize in assessing storm damage and helping homeowners restore their properties to pre-storm conditions.

The May 2024 Hailstorm: What Areas Were Hit the Hardest?

Orland Park

On May 7, 2024, Orland Park experienced intense hail and severe thunderstorms. According to weather reports, hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter pounded the area, damaging thousands of properties. Streets flooded as the storm dumped heavy rainfall, further exacerbating the damage. (CBS News)

Homer Glen

Homer Glen was one of the hardest-hit areas, with reports of golf ball to egg-sized hail (1.5 to 2 inches in diameter). Roofs, siding, and windows bore the brunt of the storm, with many homes suffering from cracked shingles, dented gutters, and broken skylights. (Weather.gov)

Tinley Park

In Tinley Park, hail the size of golf balls pelted neighborhoods, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Many homeowners initially overlooked damage, only to notice leaks and structural issues months later. Roof damage from hail is often subtle at first but worsens over time, leading to costly repairs. (CBS News)

Palos Heights & Crestwood

Residents in Palos Heights witnessed hail so heavy that it resembled snowfall, covering lawns, driveways, and rooftops. Crestwood was also impacted, though slightly less than neighboring towns. However, even moderate hail can cause unseen damage, particularly to shingles, vents, and soft metals. (Instagram - ABC7)

Other Affected Areas

Additional communities that reported significant hail and storm damage include:

• Oak Forest

• Mokena

• New Lenox

• Frankfort

• Lockport

• Blue Island

• Midlothian

• Chicago Heights

If you live in any of these areas and have not yet had a professional inspection, now is the time to act.

Why You Need to Act Before May 2025

Most homeowners’ insurance policies include a one-year deadline for filing storm damage claims. This means that if you do not file by May 2025, your insurance provider may deny your claim entirely.

Why Homeowners Miss the Deadline

Many homeowners fail to file a claim because:

• They don’t see visible damage and assume their home is fine.

• They delay getting an inspection until it’s too late.

• They are unsure of the claims process and feel overwhelmed.

The truth is that hail damage is often hidden at first but worsens over time. Shingles can lose granules, developing weak spots that eventually lead to leaks. Gutters and siding may be dented but still function—until the next storm causes catastrophic failure.

Signs Your Home May Have Storm Damage

Even if your roof looks fine from the ground, it could still have damage that only a trained professional can identify. Look for:

✔ Dented gutters, downspouts, and fascia

✔ Loose or missing shingles

✔ Granules accumulating in gutters

✔ Cracked or broken windows and skylights

✔ Soft spots on your roof when walking on it

If you notice any of these signs—or simply want peace of mind—schedule a free inspection today.

How Extreme Storm Solutions Can Help

At Extreme Storm Solutions, we specialize in storm damage restoration, working directly with homeowners to:

✔ Conduct a free, thorough inspection to identify damage

✔ Provide detailed documentation and photos for your insurance claim

✔  Give you expert guidance on navigating the claims process

✔ Restore your home with top-quality materials and expert craftsmanship

As a general contractor, we don’t work with insurance companies—we work for you. Our goal is to help you identify damages and restore your home to its highest condition.

Don’t Wait – Schedule Your Free Inspection Today

With the insurance deadline approaching in May 2025, now is the time to take action. If your home was in the path of the May 2024 hailstorm, you owe it to yourself to get a professional inspection before it’s too late.📞 Call us today at 708-371-9000 📩 Schedule online at www.extremestormsolutions.com

Time is running out—act now to protect your home and your investment!