Weathering the Aftermath of Severe Storm Damage in Clayton and Richmond Heights

The Devastating Impact of May 2025 Storms

On Friday, May 16, 2025, Richmond Heights and Clayton residents experienced one of the most destructive weather events in recent history. A powerful EF3 tornado with winds reaching 150 mph tore through our communities, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. According to the National Weather Service, the tornado first touched down in Clayton at 2:41 pm before moving through Richmond Heights, clipping Forest Park, and continuing eastward across the Mississippi River into Illinois.

The loss was widespread and severe. More than 5,000 buildings in Clayton alone sustained significant damage, with countless homes suffering from torn roofs, shattered windows, and structural failures. In Richmond Heights, large trees were uprooted, crashing into homes and blocking roadways. The tornado’s path stretched at least 8 miles long and reached up to a mile wide at certain points, making it one of the most significant weather events our area has experienced in decades.

Common Types of Roof Damage in Our Communities

The recent storms have caused several specific types of damage that homeowners in Richmond Heights and Clayton should be aware of:

1. Missing or Damaged Shingles

High winds exceeding 100 mph tore shingles from roofs throughout both communities. Even if only a few shingles are missing, your roof’s integrity may be compromised, allowing water to seep in and cause further damage.

2. Hail Damage

Reports from Clayton documented hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter (ping pong ball sized). This type of hail can create dimples and cracks in shingles that may not be immediately visible from the ground but can significantly reduce your roof’s lifespan and effectiveness.

3. Flying Debris Impact

The tornado sent countless objects airborne—from tree branches to building materials—which punctured and damaged many roofs in the area. These impacts can create entry points for water and lead to leaks that might not become apparent until the next rainfall.

4. Structural Damage

In more severe cases, entire sections of roofing were torn away by the powerful winds. Some buildings in the area had roofs completely removed, exposing interiors to the elements and requiring immediate emergency repairs.

5. Tree Damage to Roofs and Homes

One of the most devastating aspects of the May 16th storm was the extensive tree damage throughout Richmond Heights and Clayton. Reports from the area show large trees completely uprooted, with many falling directly onto homes. In Richmond Heights particularly, mature trees were toppled by the powerful winds, crushing roof structures and sometimes penetrating through to interior living spaces.

Real photos of an uprooted tree falling on a house in Richmond Heights as a result of the tornado.

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The damage from fallen trees presents unique challenges:

• Massive structural damage requiring emergency stabilization
• Complex removal processes that require professional coordination
• Potential hidden damage to roof support systems
• Risk of secondary water damage if not addressed quickly
• Insurance claim complications due to the scale of damage

Even if a tree merely brushed against your roof during the storm, it could have compromised shingles or structural elements that aren’t immediately visible. Here at 1st Choice Roofing and Construction, we’ve seen many cases where seemingly minor tree contact led to significant leaks during subsequent rainfall.

Why Immediate Roof Inspection is Critical

After experiencing the recent severe weather event that devastated parts of Richmond Heights and Clayton, timely assessment of your property is essential. Even if your home appears undamaged at first glance, professional inspection can uncover hidden issues that could develop into major problems if left unaddressed.

Catching storm damage early can:

• Prevent water infiltration that leads to mold, rotting wood, and ceiling damage
• Identify structural weaknesses before they worsen
• Document damage properly for insurance claims
• Save you THOUSANDS in potential long-term repair costs

Insurance Considerations for Local Homeowners

As our communities begin the recovery process, it’s important to understand how to navigate insurance claims effectively:

1. Document Everything: Take extensive photos of all visible damage, both exterior and interior.
2. Act Quickly: Many policies have time limitations for filing claims after a weather event. Given the widespread nature of this disaster, contacting your insurer promptly is essential.
3. Understand Your Coverage: Most homeowner’s insurance policies in Missouri will cover damage from tornadoes and severe storms, but coverage details can vary significantly between policies.
4. Work with Local Experts: Choose contractors familiar with the specific challenges faced by Richmond Heights and Clayton homeowners after this storm. They’ll be better equipped to assist with insurance documentation and proper repairs.

Choosing a Trustworthy Contractor

In the aftermath of major storms like the one that just hit our area, it’s unfortunately common for unreliable contractors to appear offering quick fixes at bargain prices. Here’s how to ensure you’re working with a reputable professional:

• Confirm they have experience with insurance claims related to tornado and hail damage
• Verify that they have proper insurance
• Check for local references, particularly from others affected by the recent storms
• Be wary of contractors requiring large upfront payments and out of town storm chasers

How We Can Help

As a locally owned company servicing the St. Louis area for over 15 years, we’ve helped countless homeowners recover from severe weather events. Our team at 1st Choice Roofing and Construction is familiar with the specific challenges facing residents after the May 16th tornado.

Our storm damage specialists can:

• Provide thorough, no-cost roof inspections to assess the full extent of damage
• Document all findings properly for insurance purposes
• Work directly with your insurance company to streamline the claims process
• Perform emergency temporary repairs to prevent further damage
• Complete permanent, high-quality repairs using premium materials

Moving Forward Together

The recent tornado hit us hard, but we always bounce back. Getting your home repaired safely isn’t just about your property—it’s about helping our whole community recover.

If your home took a hit during the storm, we’re here for you. Just give us a call. Our team lives and works in these neighborhoods too, and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help you through this challenging time.

For a free storm damage inspection, contact us today. Your safety and satisfaction are our highest priorities as we work to restore our communities after this devastating event.