Updated August 12, 2026: A rare derecho tore across the Chicago area on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, with the National Weather Service confirming at least three EF-1 tornadoes and wind gusts reported up to about 100 mph. Among the hardest-hit corridors were Chicago’s southwest suburbs — including Downers Grove and the 60515, 60516 area.
News crews documented cleanup of large downed trees on Gilbert Avenue and elsewhere in Downers Grove after Tuesday’s storms. Tree impact and straight-line winds are two of the fastest ways roofs and gutters get compromised.
If your neighborhood was in the storm’s path, your roof, siding, gutters, and soffit may have wind, debris, or tornado-related damage that isn’t obvious from the ground — and most homeowners policies give you a limited window to file a claim.
Was Your Downers Grove Home in the Storm’s Path?
AJ Exteriors & Roofing is scheduling free, no-obligation storm damage inspections in Downers Grove now. We’re a local Orland Park contractor serving Downers Grove for years — not a storm chaser.
Call (708) 694-9639 or use our free instant quote tool to get started.
What Wind & Tornado Damage Looks Like (and Why You Might Miss It)
- Roof: lifted or missing shingles, bruised tabs, creased ridges, granule loss in gutters, dented or twisted vents and flashing, punctures from tree limbs
- Siding: cracks, impact marks, loosened panels — often on the windward side of the house
- Gutters, soffit & fascia: bent sections, pulled fasteners, gaps that let water and pests in
- Windows & screens: broken glass, torn screens, damaged wraps and trim
Wind damage doesn’t always leak the same day. It often shows up weeks later as curled shingles, hidden water intrusion, or a shortened roof life — sometimes after the claim window has closed. A documented inspection now matters.
What to Do Right Now
- Document: photograph any visible damage from the ground — do not climb on the roof after a storm.
- Get inspected first: have us document the damage before you call your insurer, so you know whether a claim is worth filing.
- File with confidence: if the damage justifies it, we meet your adjuster on site and manage the claim through final installation. You pay your deductible — nothing more for covered work.
Why Downers Grove Homeowners Choose AJ Exteriors
- Local southwest-suburbs company — based in Orland Park for over 25 years
- Owens Corning Preferred Contractor with limited lifetime material warranties
- Full-exterior restoration under one claim: roof, siding, soffit, fascia, gutters
- Already serving the area — see our Downers Grove roofing & siding page
Schedule your free storm inspection: (708) 694-9639
Southwest Suburb Towns Covered After the August 11th Storm
- Orland Park (60462, 60467)
- Tinley Park (60477, 60487)
- Mokena (60448)
- Frankfort (60423)
- Homer Glen (60491)
- New Lenox (60451)
- Lockport (60441)
- Lemont (60439)
- Bolingbrook (60440)
- Woodridge (60517)
- Naperville (60540, 60563, 60564, 60565)
- Lisle (60532)
- Westmont (60559)
- Clarendon Hills (60514)
- Willowbrook (60527)
- Orland Hills (60487)
- Palos Park (60464)
See the full regional overview on our storm & hail damage repair page.
Sources for event facts: NWS damage surveys reported via NBC Chicago and ABC7 Chicago.