High Winds in Duluth: How Dave Saved His Home with Red Beard Cutting & Clearing
When high winds tore through Duluth, Minnesota, last week, they left a trail of destruction in their wake. For homeowners like Dave, a 45-year-old father of two, the storm brought more than just a sleepless night—it brought a massive white pine crashing through his roof. As the winds howled and rain poured in, Dave found himself caught in a frustrating battle with his insurance company, unsure of how to protect his home from further damage. That’s when Sean Klongerbo and his team at Red Beard Cutting & Clearing stepped in to save the day.
A Stormy Night Turns into a Nightmare
Dave had lived in his Duluth home for over a decade, a cozy two-story house nestled near the North Shore of Lake Superior. He loved the area’s natural beauty—its lush forests and vibrant greenery—but that night, nature turned against him. Around 2 a.m., a deafening crack woke him and his family. A towering white pine in their yard, uprooted by the ferocious winds, had fallen directly onto their home, smashing through the roof and into their living room. Rain poured through the gaping hole, soaking furniture and threatening to cause even more damage.
Panicked, Dave called his insurance company as soon as the storm subsided. He expected quick guidance, especially since his policy included coverage for storm-related damage. But instead, he was told to wait for an adjuster to assess the situation—a process that could take weeks. “They told me not to touch anything until the adjuster came out,” Dave recalls. “But I could see the rain pouring in, and I knew the longer that tree stayed on my roof, the worse the damage would get.”
The Frustration of Insurance Delays
Dave’s situation isn’t unique. In the aftermath of the recent high winds in Duluth, many homeowners have found themselves grappling with the same issue: insurance delays that leave their homes vulnerable to further damage. While insurance companies often encourage policyholders to wait for an adjuster before taking action, this advice can sometimes lead to costly consequences. Water damage, mold growth, and structural issues can worsen rapidly when a fallen tree is left on a home for weeks.
Sean Klongerbo, the owner of Red Beard Cutting & Clearing, has seen this scenario play out far too often. With years of experience handling emergency tree removal across the country, Klongerbo knows how critical it is to act quickly. “It’s heartbreaking to see homeowners like Dave being told to wait when their insurance policies actually include provisions for preventing further loss,” he says. “I always tell people to read their homeowners policy themselves. Don’t just take the insurance company’s word for it—some will even drop you for asking too many questions about your coverage.”
Red Beard Cutting & Clearing Steps In
Desperate for a solution, Dave turned to the internet and found Red Beard Cutting & Clearing, a Duluth-based contractor specializing in emergency tree removal and fire mitigation. Intrigued by their promise to help homeowners navigate insurance claims while protecting their properties, Dave reached out. Within hours, Sean Klongerbo and his team arrived at Dave’s home with their Kubota excavator grapple shear, ready to tackle the job.
Klongerbo immediately reassured Dave that he had the right to take action. “Your policy likely includes language about ‘mitigating further loss,’” Klongerbo explained. “That means you can legally remove the tree to prevent additional damage, even before the adjuster arrives.” Armed with this knowledge, Dave felt empowered to move forward. Klongerbo’s team got to work, carefully removing the massive white pine from the roof while ensuring no further harm came to the house.
What set Red Beard Cutting & Clearing apart was their expertise in dealing with insurance claims. Klongerbo emphasized the importance of working with a contractor who understands Minnesota’s insurance laws, which have seen recent changes. “It’s crucial to have someone on your side who knows the process,” he says. “We act on your behalf, just like an auto repair shop would after a car accident. Our public adjuster works directly with you to ensure your claim is handled properly and you’re restored to whole.”
Navigating the Claims Process with Confidence
With the tree removed, Dave’s home was finally safe from further water damage. But Klongerbo’s team didn’t stop there. They helped Dave document the damage, providing detailed photos and reports to support his insurance claim. Klongerbo also reminded Dave that he had the right to choose his own contractor, despite his insurance company’s recommendation of a different service provider. “An insurance-recommended provider is just that—recommended,” Klongerbo told him. “You always have a choice in who you hire.”
Thanks to Red Beard Cutting & Clearing, Dave was able to file his claim with confidence, knowing that his home was protected and that he had a knowledgeable team advocating for him. Within a week, his insurance adjuster finally arrived, and the claim process moved forward smoothly. “I can’t thank Sean and his team enough,” Dave says. “If I had waited for the adjuster like the insurance company told me to, the damage to my home would have been so much worse. Red Beard Cutting & Clearing saved us.”
Advice for Duluth Homeowners Facing Storm Damage
Dave’s story serves as a powerful reminder for Duluth homeowners dealing with the aftermath of recent storms: don’t wait to take action. High winds and fallen trees can cause significant damage, and insurance delays can exacerbate the problem. Here are a few key takeaways from Dave’s experience:
Read Your Insurance Policy: Don’t rely solely on your insurance company’s advice. Look for provisions about “mitigating further loss,” which allow you to take immediate action to prevent additional damage.
Act Quickly: The longer a fallen tree sits on your home, the more damage it can cause. Water, mold, and structural issues can escalate rapidly during delays.
Choose a Reputable Contractor: Work with a local expert like Red Beard Cutting & Clearing, who understands Minnesota’s insurance laws and can help you navigate the claims process.
Know Your Rights: You have the right to choose your own contractor, even if your insurance company recommends someone else.
Why Choose Red Beard Cutting & Clearing?
For homeowners in Duluth and along the North Shore of Lake Superior, Red Beard Cutting & Clearing is a trusted partner in times of crisis. Sean Klongerbo and his team are passionate about protecting properties from natural disasters like high winds and wildfires. Whether you’re dealing with a fallen tree after a storm or need proactive fire mitigation, they offer fast, reliable service with a focus on customer advocacy.
If you’re facing storm damage in Duluth, don’t wait for insurance delays to put your home at risk. Contact Red Beard Cutting & Clearing today for emergency tree removal and expert guidance through the claims process. With their help, you can protect your home and get back to normal faster—just like Dave did.
Reach Out For Immediate Service!
Has a storm left your home vulnerable? Don’t let insurance delays cause further damage. Reach out to Red Beard Cutting & Clearing for immediate assistance. Call now for fast, professional tree removal and support with your insurance claim. Your home deserves the best care—trust Red Beard to deliver!
