What should I do first after a storm damages my roof?
Make sure everyone is safe, stay off the roof, protect the inside of the house, photograph the damage from the ground and call a roofer. Do not wait for an insurance visit before protecting the property; insurers expect you to prevent further loss.
Keep a record: photos of the roof, the debris, the interior and the date. Hold on to receipts for any emergency materials. These are useful if you file a claim.
If a tree is down on the house or lines are involved, call the utility or emergency services first. A roofer cannot work around live wires.
Is it wind damage, or just an old roof?
Wind damage usually shows as creased, torn or missing shingles after a specific storm, often in the same direction. Age-related wear is more uniform, with granule loss or cracking across slopes. Insurers distinguish between them, so a roofer's photos and notes can help you.
The distinction matters for a claim, but your insurer and its adjuster decide it, not the roofer. A good roofer will describe what they see without promising a result.
Do not accept anyone who says your claim will certainly be approved, or who offers to waive the deductible. Neither is something a roofer can promise, and your insurer can tell you what your policy actually does.
How should I choose a roofer after a storm?
Ask for the New Jersey home improvement contractor registration number, which begins with 13VH, and check it with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Be wary of door-knockers who appear right after a storm and ask for payment up front. Get a written scope and quote.
Storms attract out-of-area crews, and some do honest work. The risk is paying up front to someone you cannot find later. Ask for the contractor's registration number, address and a written contract.
Requirements can change, so check the current rule when you check the number. For addresses in Pennsylvania, such as Easton and Bangor, the registration is with the Attorney General and applies once annual work reaches $5,000.
Why can a small hole in a roof cause so much damage?
Water entering a small opening spreads along the deck and rafters, soaks insulation and shows up as stains far from the hole. Each later rain adds to it, so a small puncture left open for a few weeks can become a ceiling, insulation and framing problem.
The visible hole is often the smallest part of the damage. Underneath it, the deck may be soft, the insulation saturated and the ceiling below carrying a quiet load of water. Attics hold moisture for a long time, which is why a roofer asks you to look there after a storm.
This is why a tarp is worth its cost even when a full repair is weeks away, and why the line treats a damaged, open roof as more urgent than a planned replacement.
