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Storm Damage Roof Repair in Lowell, MA
Wind, a fallen limb or a nor'easter damaged your roof? Call (978) 577-5300 or send the form for temporary tarping and a free estimate on the repair. We'll review your request and follow up with you.
- Free for homeowners
- Credentials checked before referral
- Tarping & repairs
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Right after the storm
What to do first
- Stay safeKeep away from downed wires and report them to the utility. Don't go up on the roof.
- Protect the insideCatch dripping water and move belongings away from wet ceilings.
- Photograph everythingTake pictures of the roof from the ground, any debris, and the damage inside, before anything is cleaned up or moved.
- Get it coveredA roofer can put on a temporary tarp to stop more water from getting in. Insurers generally expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
- Call your insurerReport the claim and ask whether they'll send an adjuster. Keep receipts for the tarp and any emergency work.
What storms do
How storms damage Lowell roofs
Nor'easters. High wind and heavy, wet snow, often together. Wind lifts and tears off shingles, and the snow load stresses older roofs.
Summer thunderstorms. Sudden gusts strip shingles and bring down branches.
Fallen trees and limbs. Lowell's older neighborhoods have big, mature trees. A falling limb can crack the deck, break rafters and puncture the roof.
Hail. Less common here, but it can bruise shingles and knock off granules, which shortens a roof's life even when it doesn't leak right away.
Insurance
Working with your insurance
Homeowners insurance usually covers sudden storm damage, such as wind, hail or a fallen tree. It usually doesn't cover a roof that was already worn out. Every policy is different, so read yours and ask your agent.
The adjuster decides what the insurer will pay for. It helps to have your roofer inspect the roof and document the damage with photos and a written estimate. Many roofers will meet the adjuster on site so nothing gets missed.
If the damage is limited to a section, it's a repair. If it's widespread, or the roof was near the end of its life anyway, ask whether a full replacement makes more sense.
Storm chasers
Watch out for storm chasers
After big storms, crews from out of state go door to door looking for work. Some do fine work, but many are gone when problems show up. Be careful with anyone who:
- Knocks on your door uninvited right after a storm
- Can't show a Massachusetts HIC registration
- Wants a large payment up front. Massachusetts law generally limits a home improvement contractor's deposit to one third of the contract price, unless special-order materials are involved.
- Asks you to sign over your insurance payments before you've seen an estimate
- Pressures you to sign today
Any contractor we refer must work locally and pass a credentials check before we send them a call.
The repair
What storm damage repair involves
Temporary tarping to keep water out until the repair is done.
Replacing missing or lifted shingles. An exact match isn't always possible on an older roof, since colors fade and styles get discontinued. Ask the contractor how close they can get.
Flashing and vents knocked loose by wind or debris.
Deck and framing repair where a limb went through. That can mean replacing roof boards or sistering a cracked rafter.
Gutters torn down by ice, wind or branches.
If water has already come inside, see roof repair and leaks. If a winter storm left ice at the eaves, see ice dams in Lowell.
FAQ
Lowell storm damage questions
Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage to my roof?
Usually it covers sudden damage, such as wind, hail or a fallen tree. It usually doesn't cover wear and tear. Coverage depends on your policy, so call your insurer to report the claim.
Should I wait for the insurance adjuster before tarping?
No. Photograph the damage first, then get it covered. Insurers generally expect you to prevent further damage, and the cost of a temporary tarp is often part of the claim. Keep the receipt.
How do I spot a storm chaser?
Be cautious with uninvited door-knockers, anyone who can't show a Massachusetts HIC registration, demands for a big deposit, and pressure to sign right away or sign over your insurance check.
Can my new shingles match the old ones?
Sometimes closely, sometimes not. Shingles fade, and styles get discontinued. A good roofer will tell you up front how close the match will be.
Do I need a whole new roof after a storm?
Not usually. Most storm damage is a section repair. A full replacement makes sense when the damage is widespread or the roof was already near the end of its life.
Other roofing services in Lowell