It happens in an instant. A violent storm rolls through, a tree comes down on your roof, or you discover water pouring into your living room at 2am. Roof emergencies are frightening and stressful — but taking the right steps in the first 24 hours can significantly reduce your total damage and protect your insurance claim. Here's exactly what to do.
Step 1: Stay Safe First (Don't Get on the Roof)
We understand the impulse to immediately get on your roof and assess the damage. Resist it. After a storm, roofs can be slippery, structurally compromised, and littered with debris. Downed power lines near your home present additional hazards. Wait until daylight and, if possible, until a professional can assess whether it's safe to access the roof.
From the ground, you can safely observe: missing or displaced shingles, visible holes or gaps, collapsed sections, debris impact points, and gutters that have pulled away from the fascia.
Step 2: Document Everything Before Touching Anything
Before moving debris, covering damage, or making any repairs — even temporary ones — document the damage extensively with photographs and video. Insurance adjusters need to see the damage as it occurred, not after you've attempted to fix it. Photograph:
- All visible damage from multiple angles
- Interior water damage (ceilings, walls, flooring)
- Any personal property damaged by water
- The surrounding area (fallen trees, debris)
- Your gutters and downspouts
Step 3: Protect Your Interior from Further Water Damage
While you wait for professional help, protect your interior. Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from active leaks. Place buckets or containers under drip points. Lay plastic sheeting over large water-vulnerable areas. If water is pooling in your ceiling and creating a bulge, carefully puncture the lowest point to allow it to drain in a controlled manner — this prevents the ceiling from collapsing suddenly under the water weight.
Step 4: Apply Emergency Tarping (If Safe)
If access to your roof is safe and you have materials available, a temporary tarp can prevent thousands of dollars of additional water damage. Tarps should extend at least 4 feet beyond the damaged area on all sides and be secured with weighted boards, not nails that could add to the damage. This is temporary only — improper tarping can actually complicate insurance claims if done carelessly.
Best approach: Call an emergency roofing service. Professional emergency tarping is fast, done safely, and ensures your claim isn't complicated by DIY repairs.
Step 5: Call Your Insurance Company
Report the damage to your homeowner's insurance provider as soon as possible — ideally the same day. Most policies require "prompt notification" of damage. When you call:
- Have your policy number ready
- Request a claim number immediately
- Ask about your deductible for wind/hail vs. general damage
- Ask for the timeline for an adjuster to visit
- Note the name and number of everyone you speak with
Step 6: Call a Licensed Emergency Roofing Contractor
While waiting for your insurance adjuster, call a licensed roofing contractor for an independent assessment. A reputable contractor will document damage, provide a detailed written estimate, and can even accompany you during the adjuster's inspection to ensure all damage is properly noted.
Warning: After major storms, "storm chasers" — unlicensed contractors from out of state — flood affected areas and often do substandard work or disappear after taking a deposit. Always verify a contractor's state license number and local references before signing anything.
ProRoof's 24/7 Emergency Line
ProRoof Solutions maintains a dedicated emergency line staffed 24/7. Our emergency crews carry tarping materials, temporary patch kits, and documentation equipment on every vehicle. We respond within 2–4 hours in our primary service areas. Call (800) 555-7663 anytime — day or night.