Middletown, PA Emergency Roofing Services Checklist

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

A fast-moving storm just rolled through. Before you climb a ladder or call your insurer, use this roof storm damage checklist to stay safe and protect your claim. Our roof storm damage checklist helps you spot urgent hazards, document evidence, and decide when to call for emergency help. If you need us now, our team is available 24/7 for tarping and leak control.

Safety First: What To Do Immediately After a Storm

Your safety matters more than any shingle. Start with a ground-level walk-around. Look for power lines down, branches on the roof, and loose shingles on the lawn. If you see active leaks, bulging ceilings, or sagging roof sections, avoid those rooms and shut off electricity in that area.

Steps to take now:

1. Check ceilings and attic for dripping water, damp insulation, or daylight through the roof deck.
2. Place buckets and move valuables away from leaks.
3. Photograph everything you see from the ground and inside your home.
4. Do not walk on a wet roof. Wait for a professional assessment.

If water is entering your home, request emergency tarping. Temporary protection reduces structural damage and helps your claim. Our crews respond 24/7 across Bucks County and nearby communities, including Philadelphia, Trenton, and Levittown.

Your Complete Roof Storm Damage Checklist

A detailed checklist prevents missed damage and strengthens insurance documentation. Work from the outside in, then the attic.

Outside from the ground:

1. Shingles: look for missing tabs, lifted edges, creases, or shattered areas from hail.
2. Flashing: check around chimneys, vents, and skylights for gaps or bent metal.
3. Gutters and downspouts: look for dents, separation, or overflowing debris lines.
4. Soffits and fascia: inspect for water staining, cracks, or soffit vents knocked out.
5. Yard scan: collect shingle fragments, nails, and ridge cap pieces for photos.

From the attic or top floor:

1. Sheathing: look for dark stains, wet decking, or delamination.
2. Insulation: check for damp spots or compressed, heavy sections.
3. Fasteners: look for nail pops or shiny nail tips where water is tracking.
4. Daylight test: small pinholes of light can indicate hail or wind damage.

Document each finding with clear photos and short notes. Time stamp images if possible.

Wind Damage: Signs, Risks, and Next Steps

Wind damage shows up as lifted shingles, missing ridge caps, torn-off pipe boot covers, and creased shingle lines. High winds often break the sealant bond that keeps shingles watertight. Even if shingles settle, the seal may not re-adhere properly.

What to check:

1. Ridge and hip lines for missing or cracked caps.
2. Edges and rakes where wind catches shingles first.
3. Exposed nails or torn adhesive strip areas.

Next steps:

1. Request a professional uplift test on suspect shingles.
2. Have torn flashing re-secured and sealed.
3. Ask for emergency tarping when the roof deck is exposed.

Hail Damage: Subtle Clues That Lead to Leaks

Hail can bruise asphalt granules, crack fiberglass mats, and dent soft metals. Damage is often subtle at first and worsens with sun and rain.

Look for:

1. Circular marks with granule loss on shingles.
2. Dents on gutters, downspouts, and metal vents.
3. Cracked skylight glass or fractured acrylic domes.

Granule loss fills gutters. Check for a sudden load of black grit at downspout outlets. Hail impacts can void some manufacturer warranties if not repaired. A documented inspection protects you.

Skylights, Vents, and Flashings: Small Components, Big Leaks

Most storm leaks start at transitions, not flat shingle fields. Flashings around chimneys, walls, skylights, and vents can lift or separate.

Inspection points:

1. Chimney step flashing and counter flashing for gaps or rust.
2. Pipe boots for torn rubber collars.
3. Skylight frames for cracked seals or loosened screws.

A technician can reseal fasteners, replace failed boots, and confirm the skylight curb is watertight. If the unit itself is damaged, temporary sealing may hold until weather clears.

Gutters, Downspouts, and Drainage: Control the Water

Storms overwhelm drainage. If gutters clog or pull away, water backs up under shingles and into walls.

What to assess:

1. Gutters for pull-away sections and seam separation.
2. Downspouts for dents and secure straps.
3. Splash blocks or extensions to direct water away from the foundation.

Clearing debris is not enough if gutters are bent or pitched wrong. After major storms, schedule a full cleaning and a slope check. Our team also handles gutter repair and replacement to restore proper flow.

Interior Damage: Hidden Costs You Can Avoid

Small roof openings cause big interior bills. Water can migrate along rafters and show up rooms away from the source.

Check for:

1. Fresh ceiling rings and bubbles in paint.
2. Baseboard swelling or buckled flooring near exterior walls.
3. Musty odors indicating wet insulation behind drywall.

Act quickly. Drying within 24 to 48 hours reduces mold risk and saves drywall and insulation. Keep receipts for fans, dehumidifiers, and any temporary lodging for your claim file.

Insurance Claims: How to Protect Your Payout

Strong documentation wins claims. Insurers want date-stamped photos, a written scope, and evidence of mitigation.

Best practices:

1. File promptly and note the exact storm date.
2. Keep a log of calls and adjuster visits.
3. Share your before-and-after maintenance records if you have them.
4. Use a contractor who provides detailed line-item estimates and meets local code.

We assist with storm assessments and can meet with your adjuster. Our detailed proposals use straightforward pricing, so you know what is covered and why.

When You Need Emergency Help Right Now

Some conditions cannot wait:

1. Active interior leaks or ceiling bulges.
2. Exposed decking or missing large shingle sections.
3. Tree limbs on the roof or structural sagging.
4. Wind-damaged ridge vents or blown-off ridge caps.

Call for 24/7 emergency tarping and temporary repairs. Quick mitigation prevents secondary damage to framing, insulation, and electrical systems. After the weather clears, we finalize permanent repair or replacement to restore your roof.

Code, Quality, and Warranties: What Matters After a Storm

Repairs must comply with building code and manufacturer specs. For asphalt shingles, the International Residential Code requires proper underlayment, ice barrier in cold regions, and correct fastener placement. Using compatible components preserves warranty coverage.

What to ask your contractor:

1. Are you licensed and insured for Pennsylvania and New Jersey work?
2. Do you follow manufacturer installation specs for wind and hail?
3. What are your material and workmanship warranty terms?

Our team is GAF Master Elite certified, a designation earned by less than 2 percent of roofing contractors. We use quality materials backed by strong manufacturer warranties when appropriate.

Preventive Care: Maintenance That Pays Off

Storm readiness starts long before clouds form. Proactive maintenance extends roof life and reduces claim hassles.

Recommended upkeep:

1. Spring and fall roof inspections with photo reports.
2. Gutter cleaning before leaf-heavy months.
3. Sealing and coating where applicable on low-slope areas.
4. Attic ventilation and insulation checks to manage moisture.

Members of our Overhead Care Club get scheduled 21-point checkups and attic analyses, skylight cleaning, large debris removal, discounted diagnostics, and 10 percent off roof repairs. Routine care saves money and catches issues before the next squall line.

Local Insight: Bucks County Weather Realities

In our area, fast-moving summer storms and winter Nor’easters create wind uplift, hail pockets, and wind-driven rain. Neighborhoods with mature trees see more limb strikes and clogged gutters. We plan emergency routes to reach places like Bensalem, Warminster, and Mount Laurel quickly, and we stock common shingle colors and pipe boots so temporary fixes happen fast.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"KangaRoof is a very professional and honest company. My husband and I had an emergency situation after a heavy wind storm. The technician, Nick, arrived quickly and checked out our roof and attic as well as the front and back upstairs windows. He took photos and showed us the damages. He explained what needed to be repaired and how they would do the work. Everything was upfront. No hidden costs or surprises. The work was done as scheduled, on time. It was first-rate, done cleanly and efficiently. Thank you Nick and Monty. We wouldn't hesitate to use this company again."
–Shelley D., Emergency Roofing

"These guys took care of me in an emergency situation. Running out the door to catch a plane and you see the ridge caps of your roof, on the front lawn from a major storm the night before. This was all arranged over the phone on my way to the airport. The work was completed within a few hours. These guys saved me big time!"
–M. E., Emergency Roofing

"Abe provided prompt service on a Sunday afternoon! He secured and sealed a great room window after a golf ball hit. ... Their services have been used for new skylights (emergency service - leak) blown insulation, repairs that weren’t picked up by home inspector (fans ventilated to attic vs. roof). The team is very thorough. ... I am truly blessed to have found them."
–Joanne B., Emergency Roofing

"Greg and the team at A Brooks Kanga roof were absolutely amazing with us, and promised us our deposit back because we were dealing with an emergency and it was just too out of our budget. For their willingness to be so helpful and understanding to begin with would make me use this company in the future."
–Meaghan B., Emergency Roofing

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I schedule a roof inspection after a storm?

Within 24 to 72 hours, or immediately if you see active leaks or missing shingles. Early inspections document damage, prevent secondary issues, and support your insurance claim.

What is emergency tarping and when is it needed?

Tarping is temporary weatherproofing that covers exposed areas to stop water intrusion. It is needed when decking is exposed, shingles are missing, or leaks are active.

Will insurance cover storm damage to my roof?

Policies usually cover sudden, accidental storm damage. Coverage varies by carrier and deductible. File promptly, document with photos, and have a professional provide a detailed estimate.

Do I need to be home for the inspection?

It helps, but it is not required. We can perform exterior inspections, share photos, and review findings by phone or video if you are away.

How do I know if I need repair or full replacement?

It depends on the extent, location, and age of the roof. A professional assessment reviews shingle condition, decking, flashing, and code compliance, then recommends the most cost-effective path.

Conclusion

Storms are stressful, but a clear plan protects your home and claim. Use this roof storm damage checklist, then call for help if you spot leaks, missing shingles, or flashing issues. For fast response in Bucks County and Greater Philadelphia, contact A. Brooks Construction, Inc. Kanga Roof.

Call to Schedule 24/7 Help

Call (215) 752-6145 or visit https://abrooksconstruction.com/ to request emergency tarping, an inspection, or a storm damage estimate today.

A. Brooks Construction, Inc. Kanga Roof has served homeowners since 1987 with licensed, insured roofers across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We are a GAF Master Elite contractor, using quality materials backed by industry-leading warranties. Expect transparent pricing, clean job sites, and on-time service. We offer 24/7 emergency response, written guarantees, and our Overhead Care Club for proactive maintenance. Local expertise, safety focus, and award-winning training set us apart.