What to Do Immediately After Storm Damage to Your Roof: A Step-by-Step Response Plan

What to Do Immediately After Storm Damage to Your Roof: A Step-by-Step Response Plan

December 29, 2025

The storm has passed, leaving behind debris, damage, and a growing sense of panic as you notice water dripping into your living room or spot shingles scattered across your yard. What happens in the first few hours after discovering roof damage can make the difference between a manageable repair and a catastrophic insurance nightmare.

Here's your complete action plan for responding to storm damage, from the moment you notice the problem through permanent repairs.

Step 1: Ensure Everyone's Safety (First 5 Minutes)

Before you do anything else, make sure everyone in your household is safe.

Check for Immediate Dangers:

• Stay out of rooms where ceilings are sagging or bulging

• Avoid standing water, especially near electrical outlets or appliances

• Don't go outside if power lines are down

• Keep everyone away from damaged areas of the roof visible from inside

• If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, evacuate immediately and call 911

Turn Off Power to Affected Areas

If water is entering your home near electrical outlets, fixtures, or appliances, shut off power to those areas at your circuit breaker. If the main electrical panel is wet or in a flooded area, don't touch it. Call an electrician or your utility company.

Only Assess Damage from Safe Locations

Never climb on a damaged roof. Never go outside during the storm to check on damage. Stay inside until the storm has completely passed, then assess damage only from the ground or through windows.

Step 2: Stop Additional Damage (First 30 Minutes)

Once everyone is safe, your priority is damage control to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Contain Interior Water

• Place buckets, trash cans, or any large containers under active leaks

• Use towels or mops to soak up standing water

• Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from affected areas

• If you can safely access the attic, spread plastic sheeting to catch dripping water and protect items stored below

• Remove area rugs from wet floors to prevent mold growth underneath

Protect Your Belongings

• Cover furniture with plastic sheeting or tarps

• Move important documents, electronics, and sentimental items to dry areas

• Elevate items off the floor in case water spreads

• Unplug electronics in affected rooms

Do NOT Attempt These Actions:

• Walking on your roof, especially if it's wet, icy, or damaged

• Trying to tarp your roof yourself if it requires ladder work or roof access

• Attempting to remove fallen tree limbs from your roof

• Using power tools near water or in wet areas

• Trying to clear ice dams with tools (you'll likely cause more damage)

Step 3: Document Everything (Within First Hour)

Thorough documentation is critical for insurance claims and helps ensure you're fully compensated for damage.

Photograph and Video All Damage

From safe locations, document:

• Exterior roof damage (from the ground, use zoom if needed)

• Missing shingles, visible holes, or damaged areas

• Debris on or around your roof

• Interior water damage to ceilings, walls, and floors

• Damaged belongings

• Standing water

• The overall condition of affected rooms

Take photos from multiple angles. Capture wide shots showing the full scope and close-ups of specific damage. Include time and date stamps if your phone allows it.

Create a Written Record

Write down:

• Date and time you discovered the damage

• Weather conditions during the storm

• Sequence of events

• What you observed

• Actions you took

• Any conversations with neighbors, utility workers, or others about the storm

Keep All Receipts

Save receipts for any emergency supplies you purchase (tarps, buckets, towels) and any emergency services you need to call. These may be reimbursable through your insurance.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company (Within First 2-3 Hours)

Most homeowner's insurance policies require prompt notification of damage. Don't wait days or weeks to file a claim.

What to Have Ready When You Call:

• Your policy number

• Description of the damage

• Date and time of the storm

• Photos and documentation you've gathered

• List of damaged items or areas

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company:

• What is my deductible?

• What type of damage is covered under my policy?

• Do I need approval before making emergency repairs?

• How soon will an adjuster be assigned?

• Can I choose my own contractor, or do you have a preferred list?

• What documentation do you need from me?

• Are temporary repairs covered?

• What's the timeline for processing my claim?

Get Everything in Writing

Take notes during your conversation, including:

• Name of the representative you spoke with

• Claim number

• Instructions you received

• Next steps and timelines

Follow up any phone conversations with an email summarizing what was discussed.

Step 5: Call a Professional Roofing Contractor (Within First 3-4 Hours)

Even if your insurance company will send an adjuster, you need professional assessment and possibly emergency repairs immediately.

Why Speed Matters:

• Prevents additional water damage

• Stops small problems from becoming big ones

• Gets you on the schedule before contractors are overwhelmed

• Provides documentation to support your insurance claim

• Ensures your home is secure

What to Tell the Roofing Company:

• You have storm damage that needs assessment

• Whether there's active water intrusion

• Basic description of visible damage

• Your location and contact information

• Whether this is an emergency requiring immediate response

What Good Contractors Will Provide:

• Realistic timeline for assessment visit

• Clear explanation of their process

• Emergency stabilization services if needed

• Written estimates and detailed damage reports

• Assistance with insurance documentation

• Licensed, insured proof of credentials

Step 6: Emergency Temporary Repairs (First 24 Hours)

If you can't get professional help immediately, or if professionals have stabilized the situation with temporary repairs, understand what this means:

Temporary Repairs Are Damage Control, Not Permanent Solutions

Emergency repairs might include:

• Tarping damaged sections

• Temporary patching of holes

• Water diversion systems

• Securing loose materials

These repairs are designed to protect your home until permanent repairs can be completed safely. They're not meant to last weeks or months.

If Professionals Install Emergency Tarps:

• Understand how long the tarp is designed to last

• Know what conditions might compromise it

• Schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible

• Check tarps after subsequent storms to ensure they're still secure

Step 7: Work with the Insurance Adjuster (Within First Week)

Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage. This visit is crucial to your claim.

Before the Adjuster Arrives:

• Keep the area safe but don't clean up or repair anything yet

• Compile all your documentation in one place

• Make a list of all damaged items with approximate values

• Note anything that might not be immediately visible (water damage inside walls, damaged insulation, etc.)

During the Adjuster's Visit:

• Walk them through everything, pointing out all damage

• Reference your photos and documentation

• Ask questions about what's covered and what's not

• Take your own notes about what the adjuster observes

• Get the adjuster's timeline for the report and payment

If You Have a Roofing Contractor Assessment:

• Share your contractor's damage report with the adjuster

• Discuss any discrepancies between assessments

• Ask the adjuster to explain any coverage denials or limitations

Step 8: Get Multiple Estimates (Within First 1-2 Weeks)

Don't rely on a single estimate, especially for significant damage.

What to Compare:

• Total cost

• Scope of work

• Materials specified

• Timeline for completion

• Warranty offered

• Company credentials and insurance

• References

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Pressure to sign immediately

• Requests for large upfront payments

• Offers to waive your insurance deductible

• Door-to-door solicitations after storms

• Out-of-state contractors with no local presence

• Prices significantly lower than other estimates

• Vague or incomplete written estimates

Step 9: Choose a Contractor and Schedule Repairs (Within First 2-3 Weeks)

Once you have insurance approval and multiple estimates, choose a contractor and get repairs scheduled.

Verify Before Signing:

• License is current and valid in New Jersey

• Insurance coverage is adequate and up to date

• References check out

• Contract clearly spells out scope, timeline, materials, and costs

• Payment schedule is reasonable (never pay in full upfront)

• Warranty details are in writing

What Should Be in Your Contract:

• Detailed scope of work

• Specific materials to be used (brand, type, color)

• Start and completion dates

• Total cost broken down by labor and materials

• Payment schedule tied to completion milestones

• Warranty information

• Clean-up and disposal provisions

• Contact information and license numbers

Step 10: Monitor Repairs and Final Inspection (During and After Repair Work)

Stay involved throughout the repair process.

During Repairs:

• Check in regularly with the project manager

• Take photos of work in progress

• Address concerns immediately

• Ensure crews are cleaning up daily

• Verify materials match what was specified

Upon Completion:

• Do a thorough walkthrough with the contractor

• Check all work against the contract

• Test for leaks if possible (run hose water over repaired areas)

• Ensure all debris is removed

• Verify you have warranty documentation

• Get lien releases from contractor and any subcontractors

Before Final Payment:

• Confirm all work is complete to your satisfaction

• Have any concerns addressed

• Ensure building permits (if required) are closed out

• Get copies of all final paperwork and warranties

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't:

• Wait to report damage to insurance

• Try to make permanent repairs yourself

• Hire the first contractor who shows up at your door

• Pay in full before work is complete

• Throw away damaged items before adjuster sees them

• Sign anything you don't fully understand

• Accept verbal promises without written confirmation

Do:

• Act quickly to prevent additional damage

• Document everything thoroughly

• Ask questions when you don't understand

• Get multiple opinions

• Verify all contractors and their credentials

• Keep copies of all paperwork

• Stay involved throughout the process

When to Call for Emergency vs. Scheduled Service

Some situations require immediate emergency response:

Call for Emergency Service Immediately:

• Active leaks during ongoing storms

• Structural damage or sagging

• Large holes or openings in the roof

• Fallen trees or large branches on the roof

• Water near electrical systems

Can Typically Wait for Scheduled Service:

• Minor leaks contained with buckets

• A few missing shingles with clear weather forecast

• Cosmetic damage with no immediate risk

• Damage discovered well after the storm has passed

When in doubt, call and describe the situation. A professional can help you determine urgency.

The Emotional Side of Storm Damage

Discovering storm damage is stressful. Your home is your sanctuary, and seeing it compromised is upsetting. It's normal to feel:

• Overwhelmed by the scope of damage

• Frustrated with insurance processes

• Anxious about costs

• Angry at circumstances beyond your control

Take breaks when you need them. Ask for help from friends or family. Focus on one step at a time rather than trying to handle everything at once.

Moving Forward

Storm damage doesn't have to become a disaster. With prompt action, thorough documentation, and professional help, you can protect your home and get back to normal.

The key is having a plan before you need it. Save this guide, keep emergency contact information handy, and know who to call when storm damage occurs.

GRM Roofing provides emergency storm damage assessment and repair services throughout Ocean County, including Tuckerton, Little Egg Harbor, and Barnegat. When storm damage strikes, we respond quickly with thorough assessments, emergency stabilization, and permanent repairs that restore your home's protection.

We work directly with insurance companies, provide detailed documentation to support your claim, and stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties. From that first panicked phone call through final inspection, we're with you every step of the way.

Don't let storm damage become a catastrophe. Save our contact information now, and know that expert help is available when you need it most.