Emergency Roof Repair: What to Do After a Storm

Key takeaways

• Stay safe first. Avoid going on the roof during or right after a storm, especially if it’s wet, dark, or windy. Downed power lines, loose shingles, and slippery surfaces are serious hazards.
• Temporary fixes can buy time. Tarping, buckets, and plastic sheeting can limit interior damage for a few days, but they are not long-term solutions.
• Emergency repair costs vary widely. A small patch might be $200–$600, while significant storm damage can run $1,000–$3,500+ depending on materials, access, and urgency.
• Insurance may help. Storm damage is often covered by homeowners insurance, but coverage depends on your policy, roof age, and maintenance history.
• Repair vs. replace depends on age and extent. A newer roof with localized damage is usually worth repairing; an older roof with widespread issues may be cheaper to replace over the long run.
• Document everything. Take clear photos and notes before any cleanup or repairs to support insurance claims and to compare quotes.
• Use reputable pros. After storms, “storm chasers” may knock on doors. Verify licenses, insurance, and references before signing anything.

Typical price range

All numbers below are approximate US ballpark ranges for emergency roof work. Actual costs depend on your roof size, pitch, materials, location, and how quickly you need help.

• Minor emergency repair (small leak, a few shingles):
  $200–$600

  • Patching a small hole, replacing a handful of shingles, sealing a flashing leak, or quick repair around a vent.

• Moderate storm damage (larger area, multiple leaks):
  $600–$1,500

  • Replacing a larger section of shingles, repairing underlayment, or fixing multiple problem spots.

• Major repair / borderline replacement:
  $1,500–$4,000+

  • Structural repairs to decking, large sections of roof covering, or extensive flashing and vent work.

• Full roof replacement (not just emergency patch):
  $7,000–$18,000+ for a typical single-family home

  • Wide range based on roof size, pitch, and material (asphalt on the low end; metal, tile, or specialty materials on the higher end).

• Emergency tarping service:
  $300–$1,000+

  • Often billed as a minimum emergency call-out fee plus materials; price goes up with roof height, pitch, and size of the area to cover.

What pushes costs lower

• Small, localized damage (one leak, a few missing shingles).
• Easy access and low pitch (one-story ranch vs. steep two-story).
• Common materials like basic asphalt shingles that are easy to match.
• Non-urgent timing (next-day instead of middle-of-the-night emergency).

What pushes costs higher

• Steep or complex roofs with multiple valleys, dormers, or high stories.
• Premium materials (metal, slate, tile, specialty shingles).
• Hidden damage to roof decking, insulation, or interior ceilings.
• After-hours or same-day emergencies that require a crew to come out immediately.
• Extensive storm damage across a neighborhood, which can drive up demand and wait times.

Repair vs. replacement

When a storm hits, the first goal is to stop active leaks and prevent further damage. The bigger question is whether to repair the damaged area or replace the roof in the near term.

When repair usually makes sense

• Roof is relatively new:
  • Asphalt roof under 10–12 years old with otherwise good condition.
• Damage is localized:
  • A few missing shingles, one small puncture from a branch, or a single flashing leak.
• Repair cost is a small fraction of replacement:
  • Example: If a full replacement is around $12,000 and the repair is $800, a repair is often the smart move.

When replacement may be smarter

• Roof is near or past its typical lifespan:
  • Standard asphalt shingles: 20–30 years typical lifespan.
  • If your roof is 18–25+ years old and has storm damage, it may be time to replace.
• Widespread damage:
  • Large areas of missing shingles, curling or brittle shingles, or multiple leaks in different parts of the house.
• Repairs keep adding up:
  • If you’ve spent $2,000+ over a few years on patches and still have issues, a replacement may cost less over the next decade.
• Repair cost approaches a big share of replacement:
  • A common rule of thumb: if repair is 30–50% or more of a full replacement cost, consider replacing.

Example decision

• Your roof is 22 years old, and a storm tears off shingles on one side, causing two leaks.
• Contractor estimates:
  • Emergency repair & patch: ~$2,000
  • Full replacement: ~$11,000
• Because the roof is already near the end of its life and the repair is about 18% of replacement, many homeowners would:
  • Do a short-term emergency patch to stop leaks now, then
  • Plan a full replacement within the next 6–12 months, possibly with help from insurance.

Efficiency and long-term costs

Roofs don’t use energy like appliances, but they strongly affect your home’s efficiency and long-term costs.

• Better insulation and underlayment:
  • When repairing or replacing, upgrading underlayment and attic insulation can reduce heating and cooling bills.
• Ventilation matters:
  • Proper attic ventilation helps prevent ice dams, moisture buildup, and premature shingle failure.
  • If a storm exposes ventilation issues, addressing them now can extend roof life.
• Reflective and higher-quality materials:
  • Lighter or reflective shingles and certain roof systems can keep attics cooler in hot climates, potentially lowering AC use.
• Fewer future repairs:
  • A higher-quality installation with proper flashing, drip edge, and underlayment may cost more upfront but can avoid repeated leak repairs and interior damage over 10–20 years.

In an emergency, you may just patch and move on. But if your roof is older or the damage is significant, it’s worth asking the roofer about upgrades that improve durability and efficiency while they’re already working on your home.

What to expect from a visit or project

Before the pro arrives

• Document the damage (15–30 minutes):
  • Take clear photos of:
    • Damaged shingles or visible holes (from the ground if possible).
    • Interior leaks, ceiling stains, and wet areas.
  • Note when the leak started and during what kind of weather.
• Limit interior damage (15–60 minutes):
  • Put buckets or containers under active drips.
  • Move furniture, rugs, and electronics away from wet areas.
  • Lay down towels or plastic sheeting to protect floors.
• Call your insurance company (15–30 minutes):
  • Report the storm damage and ask whether they require you to use specific contractors or follow certain steps.
• Contact emergency roofers (30–60 minutes):
  • Call or request quotes from 2–3 local pros if possible, especially for non-life-threatening emergencies.

Typical emergency repair visit

Time on site can range from 1–4 hours, depending on damage.

• Initial assessment (15–45 minutes):
  • Visual inspection of the roof (if safe) and attic or ceiling.
  • Identify source(s) of leaks and any obvious structural concerns.
  • Take photos and discuss immediate vs. long-term options.
• Estimate and authorization (15–30 minutes):
  • Provide a written or clearly itemized estimate for emergency work.
  • You approve the scope and cost before they begin.
• Temporary protection (30–120 minutes):
  • Install tarping or plastic sheeting over damaged areas.
  • Secure with battens, nails, or screws to withstand wind (without causing unnecessary extra holes).
  • Seal obvious gaps with roofing cement or sealant where appropriate.
• Permanent spot repairs (if feasible same day, 30–120 minutes):
  • Replace missing or damaged shingles.
  • Repair flashing around chimneys, vents, or valleys.
  • Patch small holes in decking and underlayment.
• Cleanup and documentation (15–30 minutes):
  • Remove debris, loose shingles, and nails from the yard/driveway.
  • Provide photos of repairs and a brief summary for your records and insurance.

Typical replacement project (following an emergency)

A full replacement usually takes 1–3 days for an average home, depending on size and complexity.

• Pre-project steps:
  • Detailed inspection and final quote.
  • Material selection (shingle type, color, underlayment).
  • Discussion of any needed permits and dumpster placement.
• Day of replacement:
  • Protect landscaping and property (tarps, plywood).
  • Tear off old roofing materials and inspect decking.
  • Replace damaged decking, install underlayment, flashing, and new shingles or other roofing material.
  • Install or update vents and accessories as needed.
• Final walkthrough:
  • Cleanup of nails and debris.
  • Review of work, warranty information, and any maintenance tips.

DIY vs. hire a pro

Reasonable DIY steps (from the ground or indoors)

If you’re reasonably handy and conditions are safe:

• Interior damage control:
  • Buckets under leaks, towels on the floor, and moving belongings out of the way.
• Basic documentation:
  • Taking photos and videos of damage for your records and insurance.
• Very simple, low-risk exterior tasks (with caution):
  • Clearing small branches from the yard, away from power lines.
  • Checking gutters from a stable ladder at a single-story height, if you are comfortable and conditions are dry and calm.

Tasks that should be left to pros

Because of fall risk, electrical hazards, and potential for making leaks worse, most roof work should be done by licensed, insured professionals, especially:

• Climbing onto the roof for any reason, particularly if it’s wet, icy, steep, or more than one story high.
• Tarping the roof or walking on damaged areas that may be structurally weak.
• Replacing shingles or flashing without proper tools and knowledge of roofing layers.
• Working near power lines or damaged electrical service masts.
• Structural repairs to roof decking, trusses, or rafters.
• Any work involving skylights, chimneys, or complex roof intersections.

Roofing combines height, weather exposure, and hidden structural issues. A misstep can lead to serious injury or more expensive damage, so err on the side of hiring a pro for anything beyond basic interior protection.

Questions to ask potential pros

• Are you licensed and insured for roofing work in this area?
• Do you offer 24/7 emergency services, and is there an extra fee for after-hours calls?
• Can you provide a written, itemized estimate for the emergency repair and any recommended follow-up work?
• How will you locate the source of the leak, and what if you find additional hidden damage?
• What materials will you use for the temporary fix and for any permanent repairs?
• Is this repair expected to be a long-term solution, or just a short-term patch until replacement?
• Do you work with homeowners insurance, and can you help document damage for my claim?
• Will any permits be required for the work you’re proposing, and who handles them?
• What warranties do you offer on labor and materials for the repair or replacement?
• How soon can you start, and how long will the work take?
• How will you protect my landscaping, siding, and interior during the project?
• What is your cleanup process, especially for nails and debris?

Quick FAQ

Will my homeowners insurance cover emergency roof repairs after a storm?

Often, yes—storm-related damage is frequently covered, but it depends on your policy, deductibles, and roof condition before the storm. Insurance typically covers restoring your home to its previous condition, not upgrades, so you may pay extra if you choose higher-end materials.

Should I get multiple quotes for emergency work?

If water is pouring in, you may need to authorize a basic emergency tarp or patch immediately. For larger follow-up repairs or a full replacement, it’s wise to get 2–3 detailed quotes to compare scope, materials, and warranties.

How fast do I need to act on a roof leak?

You should act as soon as you notice a leak. Even small leaks can quickly damage insulation, drywall, and framing, and may lead to mold. A temporary fix to stop active leaking should be done quickly, followed by a more permanent solution once conditions are safe and you’ve evaluated options.

Can I wait until the weather clears before calling someone?

You can usually wait until the storm passes to schedule a visit, but don’t wait days or weeks if water is getting in. Many roofers will schedule emergency visits as soon as conditions are safe, and early calls help you get on their list sooner.

Next steps

After a storm, focus on safety, stopping active leaks, and documenting damage. From there, the right path depends on your roof’s age, overall condition, and the cost of repair versus replacement. Newer roofs with limited damage are usually good candidates for repair; older roofs with widespread issues often make more sense to replace over time.

Get 2–3 quotes whenever possible, especially for anything beyond a simple patch, and make sure each proposal clearly explains the scope, materials, and warranties. A neutral local-pro directory like Home Services Scout can help you quickly compare qualified roofers in your area without pressure.

With a calm, step-by-step approach, you can stabilize the situation now and make a smart, budget-aware decision about longer-term repairs or replacement in the weeks ahead.