Cape Cod takes real weather — nor'easters, tropical systems, and straight-line wind that lifts shingles and drives rain sideways. If a storm has damaged your roof, work through these steps in order. The goal is simple: stay safe, stop the water, and document everything.
1. Stay safe first
Keep everyone away from any area where water is coming in, especially near light fixtures and electrical outlets — water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If a ceiling is sagging and holding water, stay out from under it. Never climb onto a wet, damaged, or storm-swept roof yourself; that's how people get hurt. Assess from the ground.
2. Contain the water inside
Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the leak. Put down buckets, bins, and towels to catch drips, and lay plastic over anything you can't move. If safe to do so, poke a small hole in a bulging, water-filled ceiling to drain it into a bucket — a controlled release beats a ceiling collapse.
3. Call for emergency tarping
An open roof gets worse with every hour of weather. The fastest way to stop the damage is a properly installed emergency tarp over the compromised area. Call a roofer who offers storm & leak response and describe what's happening — a good tarp is fastened and sealed to hold through the next band of weather, not just weighed down.
4. Document everything for insurance
Before and during cleanup, photograph and video the damage thoroughly — the roof from the ground, interior water damage, and any debris or fallen limbs. Note the date and the storm. Save receipts for anything you buy (tarps, buckets) and for emergency work. Good documentation is the backbone of a smooth claim.
5. Call your insurance company
Report the damage to your homeowner's insurer and ask about your coverage and deductible. Sudden, accidental storm damage is frequently covered, while gradual wear and age typically are not — but every policy is different, so confirm the specifics with your insurer. Emergency measures like tarping to prevent further damage are often reimbursable; keep those receipts.
6. Get a professional inspection and estimate
Once it's safe, have the roof inspected so you know the true extent of the damage — not just what's visible. A roofer can document the damage in a form that supports your claim and give you a written estimate for the permanent repair or replacement.
7. Be wary of "storm chasers"
After big storms, out-of-town crews sometimes canvass hard-hit neighborhoods, pressure homeowners into signing on the spot, and disappear. Take a breath. Work with a roofer you can reach next season, get it in writing, and don't be rushed into a decision or a signature.