After the storm, what to do first
Nor'easters, microbursts and ice storms hit older Boston roofs hard. Here is how to spot damage and keep water out until repairs are made.
Warning signs to look for
Check from the ground with binoculars and from inside the attic. Never walk a storm-damaged roof.
Slipped or missing slates
Gaps in a course, slates lying in gutters or on the lawn after high wind.
Lifted or creased shingles
Tabs that have folded back leave a horizontal crease and broken seal.
New ceiling stains
Brown rings or bubbling paint appearing during or right after the storm.
Limb impact
Even a limb that bounced off can crack slate, tile or decking.
Bent gutters and flashing
Dented downspouts or pulled-away gutters often mean hail or ice load.
Ice at the eaves
Heavy icicles and ice ridges after a winter storm point to ice dams.
The first 48 hours
- 1
Stay safe
Do not climb onto a wet or icy roof. Stay clear of downed wires and hanging limbs.
- 2
Stop the water inside
Move belongings, set buckets and towels, and poke a small hole in bulging ceiling paint to let water drain.
- 3
Photograph everything
Take dated photos of the roof from the ground, the yard, the attic and interior damage before cleanup.
- 4
Call for a tarp
Our storm line (617) 555-0232 dispatches tarping crews during storm events.
- 5
Notify your insurer
Report the claim promptly and keep receipts for emergency repairs. Check your policy for requirements.
Emergency tarping
Our storm crew carries heavy reinforced tarps, lumber, sandbags and plywood. A proper tarp runs over the ridge, is battened with lumber and sealed at the edges so wind cannot get under it.
- Tarping from $395 for most single-family homes (sample)
- Dated photos for your insurer before and after
- Tarp checked again after the next heavy rain
During declared storm events, most tarping calls are reached the same day, often within a few hours, depending on volume and safety conditions.
We secure tarps over slate using sandbags and ridge anchors rather than nailing through sound slates wherever possible.
Many policies reimburse reasonable emergency repairs to prevent further damage. Coverage varies, so check your policy. This is not insurance advice.
Storm damage? Call us first
We secure the roof, document the damage for your insurer and rebuild with matching materials.
Licensed and insured in Massachusetts. No-pressure estimates (sample).