What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Storm Damages Your Roof
Shingles in the yard or water through the ceiling? The first day matters most. Here's what to do, and what not to do, while you wait for help.

After a strong storm the first priority is stopping more water from getting in. The second is documenting what happened. The repair decision can wait until the roof is dry and someone has actually been on it.
Right away
- Move furniture and electronics away from any leak.
- Catch dripping water in a bucket or bin.
- Take photos of interior damage and anything you can see outside.
- Stay off the roof. Wet, damaged roofs are dangerous.
Why tarp first
A tarp stops water getting into your home. It also buys time to diagnose and price the actual repair properly, rather than rushing a decision while your ceiling is still wet. We can tarp within 24 hours.
After the tarp
We inspect, document the damage with photos, and tell you honestly whether you need a new roof or a straightforward repair. If it’s insurable, you get proper documentation for the claim.
Most of what we’re called out for is fixable, and we quote the repair when a repair will do.