Straight answer first. After storm damage to your roof, do four things in order: stay safe, document everything with photos, get an emergency tarp from a licensed roofer, then call your insurance to start a claim. Do not climb onto the roof yourself. The faster you stabilize it, the smaller the damage and the stronger your claim.
Pittsburgh gets hit with wind, hail, ice and falling limbs every year, and one bad storm can turn a small problem into a soaked ceiling overnight. Below is exactly what to do, in what order, plus how the insurance side works and what repairs cost.
The right order after a storm: Safety → Photos → Tarp → Claim Keep everyone away from the damage, document it from the ground, get an emergency tarp to stop leaks, then file your insurance claim. Call (412) 202-6270 for 24/7 storm help.
What to Do After Storm Damage, Step by Step
The first few hours decide how big this gets. Follow this order and you protect both your home and your insurance claim.
Make sure everyone is safe
Stay clear of sagging ceilings, downed power lines and any part of the roof that looks unstable. If water is near light fixtures or your electrical panel, shut off power to that area. Never climb onto a wet or damaged roof, that is our job, not yours.
Document everything from the ground
Take clear photos and video of the roof, the yard, any fallen branches, and every interior sign of damage like ceiling stains or dripping. Timestamped photos are gold for your claim. Capture the whole scene before anything is moved or cleaned up.
Limit the interior damage
Move furniture and valuables away from leaks, put down buckets and towels, and lay plastic over anything you cannot move. This shows the insurer you acted responsibly, and it saves your floors and belongings.
Call a licensed roofer for an emergency tarp
A proper tarp stops water from pouring in and stops the damage from spreading to your decking, insulation and drywall. This is the single most important step to keep a small claim from turning into a big one. Call (412) 202-6270 and we respond fast.
File your insurance claim
Call your insurance company, give them your documentation and the date of the storm, and ask what they need next. We can inspect the roof, write up the damage and sit in on the adjuster visit so nothing gets missed or lowballed.
How to Tell If Your Roof Has Storm Damage
Some storm damage is obvious. A lot of it is not, and that is the dangerous kind, because it leaks slowly and gets worse for months. Here is what to look for from the ground.
| Type of Storm | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Wind damage | Missing, lifted or curled shingles, debris in the yard, shingle pieces on the ground, exposed underlayment |
| Hail damage | Dents on vents and gutters, dark bruised spots on shingles, granules collecting in gutters and downspouts |
| Fallen tree or limb | Punctures, cracked decking, dented or caved sections, visible holes letting in light |
| Ice and heavy snow | Ice dams at the eaves, sagging gutters, water stains near the roof edge, interior ceiling stains |
| Interior warning signs | Water stains on ceilings or walls, damp attic insulation, a musty smell, dripping during rain |
If you see any of these after a storm, act now. And even if you see nothing, a big storm is a good reason to get a free inspection, because most wind and hail damage is invisible from the ground and only a close look on the roof finds it.
Storm Damage and Your Insurance Claim
Sudden storm damage is a covered event on most homeowner policies. Wind, hail and fallen trees are exactly what your coverage is for. What is not covered is normal age and wear, which is why insurers look closely and why solid documentation matters so much.
The two things that decide your claim are timing and proof. File promptly while the damage is fresh, and back it up with clear photos and a professional inspection report. We handle storm claims all the time and can inspect, document, meet the adjuster and make sure the approved scope actually covers a proper repair. For the full process, see our storm damage restoration service, where we handle the emergency work and the insurance claim together.
Storm hit? Call now, before the damage spreads.
Every hour a damaged roof sits open, water gets deeper into your home and your claim gets harder. One call to owner Gavin and we tarp it fast, document it right, and help with your insurance. No call center, no obligation.
What Storm Damage Roof Repair Costs
Cost depends on how much damage the storm did, but here is what Pittsburgh homeowners typically see in 2026. Remember, if a storm caused the damage, insurance often covers most of it after your deductible.
| Storm Repair | Typical 2026 Cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency tarp and stabilize | $400 – $1,500 |
| Minor wind damage, replace shingles | $300 – $1,000 |
| Flashing and leak repair after storm | $400 – $1,500 |
| Larger section with decking damage | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Full storm-related replacement | $8,500 – $22,000+ |
On a covered claim you typically pay only your deductible and insurance covers the approved repair. If you need help with the rest, we offer 0 percent financing for 12 months, plus an extra $500 off for veterans and first responders.
24/7 Emergency Tarping and Response
When water is coming in, you cannot wait until Monday. We offer 24/7 emergency response across Pittsburgh and Allegheny County to tarp and stabilize your roof fast, stop the leak, and prevent the damage from spreading. Then we schedule the full repair and handle the insurance side with you.
The single biggest mistake homeowners make is waiting. A tarp today can be the difference between a $1,000 repair and a $10,000 one. If your roof is open to the weather, call now.
Get Fast, Honest Storm Damage Help
Why Pittsburgh homeowners call us after a storm
- 24/7 emergency response with fast tarping to stop active leaks.
- Free drone inspection with a written report to document the damage.
- Insurance claim help from documentation through the adjuster visit.
- Veteran-owned, PA License #PA150574, Owens Corning Preferred, 25-year workmanship warranty.
We handle storm damage across Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, plus Washington, PA, Morgantown, WV, Wheeling, WV and Elyria, OH.
Storm Damage Roof Repair: FAQs
What should I do first after storm damage to my roof?
Does insurance cover storm damage to a roof in Pittsburgh?
How much does storm damage roof repair cost?
How do I know if my roof has hail or wind damage?
How fast can you respond to storm damage?
Should I get my roof inspected even if I see no damage?
How long do I have to file a storm damage claim?
Do I have to pay out of pocket for storm repair?
Can a tarp really protect my roof until the repair?
Why choose Pittsburgh Roofing Experts for storm damage?
Storm damage? Call for 24/7 emergency help.
Talk straight to owner Gavin and get fast tarping, a free inspection and real help with your insurance claim. We stop the leak, fix it right, and stand behind the work.