First, breathe
You just found a stain, a leak, a pile of shingles in the yard, or dents from hail. Your stomach drops. That is normal. Almost everyone who owns a home goes through this at some point.
Here is the good news. Very little has to be decided in the first hour. Most of what you do now is about staying safe, keeping a record and keeping water out. The big choices can wait a day or two.
The first hour
Work down this list in order.
- Get everyone safe. If the ceiling is sagging or bulging with water, keep people out from under it. If you see sparks, smell burning or the lights flicker near a wet area, switch off power to that part of the house.
- Stay off the roof. Snow, ice, hail stones and wet shingles are slippery. A fall is a much bigger problem than a leak.
- Catch the water. Put buckets or tubs under drips. Move furniture and rugs away. Lay towels down. If a ceiling is bulging, a small hole poked at the bottom of the bulge can let water out in a controlled way. Keep a bucket under it.
- Protect what matters. Move electronics, papers, and anything you cannot replace to a dry room. Basements are common here, so check that the water is not running down walls to the lower floor.
Photos and notes
This step feels small, but it helps later. Take pictures before you move or clean anything.
- Wide shots of each room with damage.
- Close shots of stains, drips and wet spots.
- Photos of the outside from the ground: missing shingles, dents, bent gutters, debris in the yard.
- A short note with the date, the time and what the weather was doing.
A phone is enough. Do not climb up for a better angle.
The rest of day one
Once things are safe, take the next steps in this order.
- Read your policy. Look for what is covered, what your deductible is and whether there is a time limit for reporting a claim. Do not assume anything. Policies differ.
- Contact your insurer. Tell them what happened and ask what they need from you. Ask what steps they expect you to take to prevent more damage. Write down who you spoke to and when.
- Keep receipts. Tarps, buckets, towels and any emergency help you pay for may matter later.
Talk to a provider (406) 831-5087
Day two: look at the options
By now the first rush has passed. You can think more clearly.
- Consider a temporary cover. A tarp or similar cover is a stopgap, not a fix. It is safer when it is put on by someone trained to work on a roof.
- Ask for a proper roof inspection. Someone on the roof can tell you whether you are looking at damage in one area or at a roof that is near the end of its life.
- Get more than one written bid if the work looks big. Compare them item by item.
- Check on the wood. If water got in, the decking under the shingles may be wet or soft. Wet wood needs to be dealt with before a new roof goes on.
What to avoid
- Signing a contract with someone who knocks on your door right after a storm and asks for a large payment up front.
- Throwing out damaged materials before your insurer has had a chance to see them.
- Agreeing to a price over a text without a written scope.
- Feeling pushed. A reasonable provider will give you time to think.
When it points to a full replacement
Some damage can be small. Some roofs, especially after hail or after many winters of heavy snow, are worn out across the whole surface. If that is the case, a full replacement may be the sensible path. Billings Roof Replacement focuses on new roofs and full replacements, and connects you with independent local providers by phone. This service is for new roofs and full replacements only. It is not set up for small repairs.
You do not need to have every answer today. Keep it safe, keep it recorded and keep it moving one step at a time.
Talk to a provider (406) 831-5087
Related guides
