How to Handle Emergency Roof Repairs After a Storm

Storms can wreak havoc on a roof in a matter of minutes - ripping off shingles, knocking down tree limbs, or causing leaks that spread fast. If your Pennsylvania home has just been through severe weather and your roof has taken a hit, it's important to act quickly, but also wisely. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to handling emergency roof repairs after a storm.

Stay Safe and Assess From a Distance

First and foremost, don’t climb onto your roof. Even if the damage looks minor from the ground, your roof may be unstable or slippery after a storm. Stay on solid ground and assess what you can see: Are there missing shingles? Hanging branches? Sagging sections? Is water getting inside?

Use binoculars or zoom in with your phone camera to get a better look from a safe distance. If there’s visible damage or signs of a leak inside your home, it’s time to move to the next step.

Minimize Interior Damage

If water is entering your home, your priority is protecting your belongings and minimizing further damage. Place buckets, towels, or plastic sheeting below any active leaks. Move furniture and valuables out of the affected area. 

If the leak is coming through the ceiling, consider poking a small hole to allow water to drain in a controlled way, preventing the ceiling from collapsing under the weight.

Document the Damage

Before any temporary or permanent repairs are made, take photos or videos of all the damage - both inside and out. This will be critical if you plan to file a homeowners insurance claim. 

Capture everything you can: missing shingles, fallen limbs, soaked drywall, or anything else that shows the extent of the problem.

Contact a Roofing Professional

Emergency roof repair is not a DIY job. Even temporary fixes can be dangerous without the right equipment and experience. Contact a local roofing pro. They can assess the damage, provide temporary protection like tarping, and give you a clearer picture of the repair or replacement process.

A reputable contractor will also help you determine whether or not the damage qualifies as storm-related and guide you through the insurance claim process if needed.

Notify Your Insurance Company

If the damage is significant, get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with the documentation you collected and follow their instructions for starting a claim. 

Many insurers require you to take steps to prevent further damage while you wait for an adjuster - which is another reason why bringing in a pro quickly is so important.

Don’t Delay Permanent Repairs

Temporary patches and tarps can only do so much. They’re designed to buy time, not solve the problem. Once the storm has passed and your roof has been stabilized, schedule permanent repairs promptly. 

Delaying can lead to more leaks, structural damage, or even void your insurance coverage.

Central Pennsylvania’s Trusted Roofing Professionals

When a storm hits, time matters - and so does experience. That’s why homeowners across PA continue to turn to Solarshield for reliable roofing services in the aftermath of severe weather. We’ve seen it all, and we know how to respond quickly, safely, and effectively. 

So, if you’re dealing with storm damage and need a professional you can trust, get in touch. We handle asphalt shingle and metal roofing replacements, and are ready to help you protect what matters most.