⚠ Storm damage from May 28–29? Get a free inspection before you call your insurer. (208) 661-1781

⚡ Storm Alert — Published May 29, 2026

North Idaho Got Hit.
Is Your Roof Okay?

Severe thunderstorms — May 28–29, 2026 · Kootenai, Bonner, Boundary, Benewah & Shoshone Counties

Wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to an inch swept through North Idaho Wednesday night into Thursday. Damage doesn't always show from the ground. Here's what to look for — and how to get your roof inspected for free before filing a claim.

Call for a Free Inspection What to Check First

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60 mph

Peak wind gusts recorded

Max hail diameter (nickel-size)

Counties impacted in Idaho Panhandle

Free

Lakeview inspection & written report

What Happened

The May 28–29, 2026 Thunderstorm Event

Here are the specifics of what moved through the Idaho Panhandle — because insurance adjusters ask for exactly this.

⚡ Confirmed Storm Details — Idaho Panhandle

Date

May 28–29, 2026

Counties Affected

Kootenai, Bonner, Boundary, Benewah, Shoshone

Peak Wind Gusts

Up to 60 mph

Hail Size

Up to 1 inch (nickel-size)

Hazards

Heavy rain, frequent lightning, wind, hail

Storm Type

Severe thunderstorm — Panhandle watch issued

Severe thunderstorms moved through the Idaho Panhandle on May 28th and continued into the early hours of May 29th. The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the Panhandle of Idaho, with primary hazards including wind gusts up to 60 mph, frequent lightning, heavy rainfall, and hail up to 1 inch in diameter — the size of a nickel.

Kootenai County communities including Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, and Spirit Lake were all within the impacted area. These conditions are capable of causing significant roof damage, and in many cases that damage isn't visible from the ground until weeks or months later — when it shows up as a leak.

Why it matters now: Insurance companies use storm data to verify claims. The more time that passes, the harder it becomes to tie damage to this specific event. If you think your roof may have been hit, schedule a free inspection while the storm is still recent and well-documented. Call us at (208) 661-1781.

Affected Area

Storm Impact Zone — Idaho Panhandle

The May 28–29 severe thunderstorm watch covered these five counties. All are within Lakeview Roofing's service area.

Kootenai County Bonner County Boundary County Benewah County Shoshone County

Damage Guide

What Storm Damage Actually Looks Like

Not all damage is obvious. Here's what to look for from the ground, in your gutters, and around your property — before you call your insurer.

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Hail Bruising on Shingles

Hail impact creates soft spots in shingles that knock granules loose. You won't see bruising from the ground — but you will see dark, exposed patches and granule buildup in your gutters and downspouts. This is one of the most common signs of hail impact and a strong indicator for an insurance claim.

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Missing or Lifted Shingles

60 mph wind gusts can lift shingles at the edges and ridgeline, and rip them off entirely. Look for exposed dark underlayment, bare spots along your roofline, or shingles in your yard. Even partially lifted shingles allow water intrusion during the next rain.

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Dented Metal Components

Check your gutters, downspouts, aluminum flashing around chimneys and vents, and any metal ridge cap. Hail leaves visible round dents on soft metals — these dents serve as physical evidence that your roof took the same impact, even when shingle bruising is subtle.

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Granules in Gutters & Downspouts

After a hailstorm, check your gutters for an unusual volume of asphalt granules — they look like coarse, dark sand. Some granule loss is normal over time, but a heavy deposit after a storm is a direct sign of hail impact. Photograph what you find before the next rain clears them out.

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Cracked or Broken Skylights

Hail is hard on skylights. Check for cracks in the glazing, compromised seals, or visible impact marks. A cracked skylight is an urgent repair — water will get in on the next rain and the damage spreads fast into your ceiling and insulation.

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Damaged Siding & Trim

Wind-driven hail doesn't just hit your roof. Check your siding, window trim, fascia boards, and painted wood for dents, cracks, or chipping paint. Siding damage is often documented alongside a roofing claim and covered under the same event.

What to Do Now

Your 4-Step Plan After the Storm

Don't call your insurer before you do these four things. Getting the sequence right protects your claim.

Document Everything You Can See from the Ground

Walk around your property and photograph anything that looks out of place — granules in gutters, missing shingles, dented metal, debris. Take your photos while it's still dry and before you clean anything up. Timestamps matter, and so does showing conditions immediately after the storm.

Schedule a Free HAAG-Certified Inspection

A ground-level walkthrough only shows you a fraction of what may have happened. Our HAAG-certified inspectors get on the roof and document every point of impact, granule loss, and structural compromise in a written report. This report is what your insurance adjuster will rely on. Call (208) 661-1781 or request online — inspections are free.

File Your Insurance Claim

With your inspection report in hand, call your homeowner's insurance and open a storm damage claim. Reference the May 28–29, 2026 Kootenai County severe thunderstorm event. Your adjuster will schedule a visit — we can be present for that visit to advocate on your behalf and make sure nothing gets missed.

Schedule Your Repair Once the Claim Is Approved

Once your insurer approves the claim, we schedule your repair around a dry weather window and complete the work. We handle the insurance coordination, material ordering, and cleanup. Most North Idaho homeowners who file a legitimate storm claim pay only their deductible.

Emergency situation? If you have an active leak, missing shingles exposing your decking, or water damage already spreading inside, call us immediately at (208) 661-1781. We provide emergency tarping and temporary protective measures to stop further damage while your claim is in process.

Where We Serve

Free Inspections Across the Idaho Panhandle

We're based in Rathdrum and serve communities throughout Kootenai and Bonner counties — the same areas hit by this storm.

📍 Coeur d'Alene 📍 Post Falls 📍 Rathdrum 📍 Hayden 📍 Spirit Lake 📍 Sandpoint 📍 Dalton Gardens 📍 Hauser 📍 Twin Lakes 📍 Athol 📍 Ponderay 📍 Bonners Ferry

Why Choose Lakeview

We've Been Doing This in North Idaho for 20+ Years

When a storm hits, out-of-state roofing crews follow. Here's why local matters.

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HAAG Certified

Residential and commercial inspection certification — the industry standard for storm damage documentation insurance adjusters trust.

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BBB A+ Rated

Accredited since September 2025 with an A+ rating. No unresolved complaints. Verifiable record you can check yourself.

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Owens Corning Preferred

Certified installer for Owens Corning roofing systems, including Class 4 impact-resistant shingles built for Idaho hail seasons.

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Insurance Claim Experts

We've worked through hundreds of storm damage claims in Kootenai County. We know how to document damage and how to work with adjusters so you get what you're owed.

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Written Inspection Report

Every free inspection produces a written damage report — photos, documented findings, and a clear summary your insurer can act on.

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Locally Owned

Christopher and Katelyn Brown are North Idaho residents. After this storm, we're not leaving. Storm chasers are. Choose accordingly.

Common Questions

Storm Damage Questions — Answered

North Idaho homeowners ask these questions after every major storm. Here are straight answers.

Did the May 2026 thunderstorms cause roof damage in North Idaho?

Yes. Severe thunderstorms swept through Kootenai, Bonner, Boundary, Benewah, and Shoshone counties on May 28–29, 2026, bringing wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to 1 inch (nickel-size) in diameter. Both hail and high winds are capable of causing significant roof damage — including broken or dislodged shingles, granule loss, cracked flashing, bent gutters, and compromised ridge caps. Many homes show no visible signs from the ground even when serious damage has occurred. A professional inspection is the only reliable way to know.

How do I know if my roof was damaged in the storm?

Common ground-level signs include missing or lifted shingles, granule buildup in gutters or downspouts, dents on metal gutters or vents, and damaged siding. However, hail bruising on asphalt shingles is often impossible to identify without getting on the roof — it shows up as soft spots and granule loss in the shingle mat, not as obvious cracks or holes. Lakeview Roofing offers free HAAG-certified storm damage inspections throughout Kootenai and Bonner counties. Call (208) 661-1781 to schedule.

Does homeowners insurance cover hail and wind damage to my roof in Idaho?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies in Idaho cover sudden hail and wind damage as a covered peril. The key is proper documentation — linking the damage you have to this specific storm event. Our HAAG-certified inspectors provide a written report that documents every impact point, granule loss, and structural issue with photographs. We work directly with insurance adjusters throughout North Idaho, and we can be present for your adjuster's visit to make sure nothing is missed.

How long do I have to file a roof damage insurance claim after a storm in Idaho?

Most Idaho homeowners insurance policies require you to report damage promptly and in good faith — the standard window is generally one year from the storm date, but filing sooner gives you a stronger claim. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove that damage was caused by this storm rather than pre-existing wear. We recommend scheduling your free inspection in the next few weeks while the storm event is recent, well-documented, and easy for adjusters to verify.

How long does a storm damage insurance claim take for a roof in North Idaho?

From your free inspection to an approved claim, most North Idaho storm damage cases take 3–8 weeks. The process involves your contractor inspection, documentation submission to your insurer, an adjuster visit, claim review and approval, then scheduling your repairs. Lakeview Roofing walks you through every step and coordinates directly with your adjuster — you're not doing this alone.

What should I do if I have an active leak or visible damage right now?

Call us immediately at (208) 661-1781. If you have an active leak, missing shingles exposing your roof deck, or water damage already spreading into your ceiling or walls, that is an emergency. We provide emergency tarping and temporary protective measures to stop further damage before your permanent repair is scheduled. Document everything with photos before we arrive — that documentation strengthens your insurance claim.

Will I have to pay anything for a storm damage repair covered by insurance?

If your claim is approved, most homeowners pay only their deductible — the insurance company covers the rest up to your policy limit. The inspection itself is always free. We'll tell you honestly after the inspection whether your damage is strong enough to support a claim, so you're not filing something that'll get denied or result in a premium increase for nothing. We don't pressure anyone to file. That's just not how we operate.

Get Your Free Inspection — Before You Call Your Insurer

Our HAAG-certified inspectors will get on your roof, document every impact point, and give you a written report you can hand directly to your adjuster. No charge, no obligation.

Call (208) 661-1781 Email Us

Mon–Fri, 9AM–5PM · Serving Kootenai & Bonner County · Family Owned in Rathdrum, ID

North Idaho Got Hit.Is Your Roof Okay?