Above and beyond normal

For homeowners, a knock on the door after a storm can spur more skepticism than confidence. Suddenly roofing companies are everywhere, offering inspections and warning of damage that may be impossible for the average homeowner to see.

That’s why the experiences of neighboring homeowners Neil, Tom and Cory with Spartan StormShield stand out.

Over several years, roofing specialist Gerrell Williams visited their homes following storms, climbed onto their roofs and documented what he found. More than once, his message was the same: There wasn’t enough damage to justify replacing the roof.

“He was not a hard sell,” Neil says. “That sent a positive signal that he wasn’t just in it for a sale.”

Inspect to Protect

The family-owned roofing company’s philosophy “Inspect to Protect” is simple: Not every storm means a homeowner needs a new roof.

A professional inspection can establish a roof’s condition, identify minor problems and create a photographic history that can prove valuable when significant damage eventually occurs.

Gerrell says an inspection involves separating normal wear and tear from storm-related damage and determining what, if anything, should be done. Sometimes the right answer is to wait.

That was initially the case for Neil. Gerrell inspected his roof four times after earlier storms and found some evidence of weather exposure, but the shingles remained in good condition. Rather than pushing for an insurance claim, he documented what he saw and stayed in touch.

“He never bugged me,” Neil says.

That patience mattered following a major hailstorm in April 2026. This time, Gerrell could compare the latest conditions with photographs from previous inspections. The progression was clear.

“Once the damage was there, it was helpful that he had the past photographs,” Neil says.

Acting as a Consultant

Cory had a similar experience when Spartan replaced his roof in 2024. His roof was original to the home and more than 15 years old, but replacing it was still a significant decision.

The words Cory uses to describe Gerrell are “consultative” and “trustworthy.”

In fact, Cory says he likely wouldn’t have bothered moving forward with the project if Gerrell hadn’t been so helpful working with the insurance company and making sure the claim process went smoothly.

That ability to help homeowners navigate insurance is an important part of Spartan’s approach. Gerrell can show homeowners photographs, explain what has changed and help them understand the information their insurance company may need.

“With many years of experience, he speaks the same language as insurance companies,” Tom says. “Gerrell had the proof and took the time to educate me about it. You can just tell when someone cares about you and the job that they do.”



At the end of the day, it’s smart for homeowners to be in the know when it comes to the lifespan of their roof. Spartan StormShield recommends they get an inspection at least every five years, even on newer homes.

Spartan StormShield

309 Silver Street, Akron

330-SPARTAN (330-772-7826) 

SpartanStormShield.com