After a Nor'easter: Checking Your Roof

Nor'easters arrive from the northeast, drive rain and snow sideways into gaps ordinary weather never tests, and can combine wind, ice loading and water. Damage patterns sometimes show up days after the storm ends.

This article is general information about checking your roof. It is not legal or insurance advice. For questions about your policy or a claim, talk to your insurer or your agent.

Document first

The first days after a storm are a good time to record what you see, before anything is moved or repaired. Photographs taken soon after the storm give you a clear record of the condition of the house and when you noticed it. That record can be useful for your own files and for any conversation with your insurer.

A simple documentation checklist

Stay on the ground. Do not climb onto the roof in the aftermath of a major storm, when conditions may still be unsafe. Photograph from the ground, from windows, or from a ladder if you can reach one safely.

Outside. Lifted or missing shingles, gaps in flashing at chimneys, dormers and skylights, bent or pulled-away gutters, detached sections of fascia, and visible gaps in the roof covering. Photograph all four sides of the house, not only the side facing the storm. Date-stamped phone photos are fine.

In the attic. If it is safe to do so, take a flashlight and look at the underside of the roof deck. Daylight means an open penetration. Fresh water staining is darker, and the surrounding wood may still be damp. Look for wet or frost-covered insulation near the eaves. Photograph what you find.

On the ceilings. Walk each room, especially on the top floor, and note any new staining. Write down what you saw and when.

The storm itself. The National Weather Service publishes archived observations from stations across Long Island. Peak wind speed and direction for the date of the storm are available through NOAA's Climate Data Online portal.

Temporary protection

If part of the roof is open to the weather, covering it with a tarp is a reasonable step to prevent further damage. Keep your receipts and photos of the work, and notes on who did it and when. Check your policy or ask your insurer about its requirements and about what to do before permanent repairs begin. Policies differ, including in how they treat wind damage, so we cannot tell you how yours applies.

Maintenance records

A roof that has been inspected and maintained is easier to talk about than one with no history. Annual inspection reports, dated photos and invoices all help show the condition of your roof before a storm.

Choosing a contractor

After a large storm, many homeowners are looking for a roofer at the same time. A few things help whoever you hire.

• Take time to compare. Ask for a written scope that describes the work in plain language.
• Read anything you are asked to sign. Contracts and any paperwork that touches your insurance claim, including anything that assigns rights to a third party, deserve a careful read, and a question to your insurer if anything is unclear.
• Look for a contractor with a local address and a license you can verify.
• Ask who is pulling the permit when one is required.

Timelines

After a widespread storm, demand for roof repair rises and scheduling stretches. A tarp and good documentation hold things in a stable state while you find the right contractor. The right contractor matters more than the fastest one.

If you have storm damage and want your roof looked at, get a quote.