Short answer: after a storm, stay off the roof. Check from the ground and from inside the attic, take dated photos of any damage, cover active leaks from inside, and call your insurer and a registered local roofer. In winter, the biggest threat in Berks County is the ice dam, and the lasting fix is better attic insulation and ventilation, not chipping ice.
We’re DAG Roofs, a family roofing company in Sinking Spring. Berks County gets a little of everything: summer thunderstorms with strong wind and hail, heavy rain from tropical systems in the fall, and winters that freeze and thaw over and over. Each one damages roofs in a different way. Here is what to look for and what to do.
What to do right after a storm
- Stay safe. Don’t climb onto a wet or damaged roof, and stay away from downed power lines.
- Look from the ground. Check for missing or torn shingles, shingles in the yard, bent flashing, dented gutters and branches on the roof.
- Check inside. Look at ceilings and the attic for water stains, drips or wet insulation, especially around chimneys, skylights and vent pipes.
- Take photos with the date. Photograph the damage outside and inside before anything is moved or repaired. Your insurer will ask for them.
- Stop the water if you can do it safely. Put buckets and towels under drips and move belongings. Leave roof tarping to a roofer.
- Call your insurance company and a local roofer. Get a written inspection report and estimate before you sign anything.
Signs of wind and hail damage
- Wind: missing shingles, shingles creased or folded back, lifted edges along the ridge and the eaves, loose flashing.
- Hail: dark spots where granules were knocked off, dents in gutters, downspouts and vents, cracked shingles.
- Trees: punctures, broken decking and gutters pulled away from the fascia.
Damage on one slope is usually a repair. Read our guide on whether to repair or replace a roof if you’re not sure.
Watch out for storm chasers
After big storms, out-of-town crews knock on doors across Reading and Berks County. Before you hire anyone:
- Ask for their Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration number and look it up on the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s website. DAG Roofs is HIC #080823.
- Ask for a certificate of insurance.
- Get a written contract with the full price and the work described. Pennsylvania law gives you three business days to cancel a home improvement contract.
- Be careful with anyone who wants a large payment up front or offers to cover your insurance deductible.
Ice dams: the winter roof problem in Berks County
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of the roof. Heat escaping from the house melts snow higher up, the water runs down to the cold eaves and freezes again. The ice builds up and traps water behind it, and that water backs up under the shingles and into ceilings and walls.
Signs you have ice dams
- Thick ice along the gutters and big icicles
- Water stains or peeling paint on ceilings near outside walls
- Damp insulation or frost on the underside of the roof boards in the attic
What to do now
- Pull snow off the lower few feet of the roof with a roof rake while standing on the ground.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear so meltwater can drain.
- Don’t chip at the ice with a hammer or a shovel. It damages shingles and gutters.
- If water is coming inside, call a roofer.
The lasting fix
Ice dams are an attic problem as much as a roof problem. The fix is to seal the air leaks that let heat into the attic, add insulation and make sure the attic is properly ventilated so the roof stays cold. On every roof we replace, we install ice and water shield along the eaves and in the valleys, so water that does back up can’t get into the house.
Get your roof ready before the next storm or winter
- Clean gutters and downspouts in late fall, after the leaves drop.
- Trim branches that hang over the roof.
- Have flashing around chimneys, skylights and vent pipes checked. That’s where most leaks start.
- Look in the attic for daylight, stains or damp insulation.
- Schedule an inspection if your roof is over 15 years old or has been through a major storm.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage to a roof?
Most policies cover sudden damage from wind, hail or falling trees, but not wear and age. Document the damage with dated photos and get a written inspection report. We can meet the adjuster on site.
How soon should I call a roofer after a storm?
As soon as you see damage or a leak. Small openings let water into the decking and insulation, and many insurance policies require you to report damage promptly.
Can you repair a roof in winter?
Yes. Leaks and emergency tarping can be handled in cold weather. Some work, such as full shingle replacement, goes best on milder days, and we schedule around the weather.
Are ice dams covered by insurance?
Water damage from ice dams is often covered, but the ice dam itself usually isn’t. Fixing insulation and ventilation is the best way to keep it from happening again.
Storm damage or a winter leak? Call DAG Roofs at (267) 912-6057. We document the damage, tarp active leaks and give you a written estimate. You can also see our roof repair services or get an instant roof estimate. También hablamos español.