My East Bay roof was damaged in a storm. What do I do now?

What should I do in the first hours?

1. Safety first. Stay out of rooms with sagging or bulging ceilings, and keep away from downed lines; call PG&E or 911 for those.
2. Limit the water. Move valuables and electronics, put out buckets and towels, and keep people out from under wet ceilings.
3. Get a temporary tarp. A licensed roofer should secure a tarp over the damaged area, anchored past the ridge. Don't climb a wet roof yourself.
4. Document. Photos and video of the roof, debris, ceilings and contents, with dates. Keep receipts for tarping and drying.

The National Weather Service's Bay Area office posts wind and flood alerts when the next storm is coming.

Where do East Bay roofs fail in storms?

Hills homes in Oakland and Berkeley take falling limbs and wind on exposed ridges. Older homes with brick chimneys and past overlays leak at flashing first. Inland, Contra Costa tract roofs that have baked for decades lose shingles in strong gusts. Each points to a different answer: a limb strike may be a section repair, while blown-off shingles on a brittle, old roof usually mean the roof is done (signs you need a new roof).

Repair, or full replacement?

A storm-damaged area on a young, sound roof is usually repairable. Replacement makes sense when the roof is near the end of its life, the deck is soaked or rotted, or patching can't match. Ask the inspecting roofer to show you photos and explain which. We arrange replacement estimates only, not repairs; if a repair will do, the roofer will tell you. Our El Niño guide covers timing during a wet winter.

How do I avoid storm-chasers?

After big storms, unlicensed operators knock on doors. Check every license on CSLB, never pay in full upfront, and get a written contract; California caps the down payment on home improvement work (BPC 7159.5). CSLB's disaster help center lists warning signs. A contractor can't legally offer to cover your deductible (Penal Code 551).

What about insurance?

Sudden storm damage is what homeowners policies cover; wear and age generally aren't. Report the claim promptly, get the roofer's itemized estimate to compare with the adjuster's, and read the hub's guide to El Niño damage and insurance. In Oakland, a replacement uses the city's self-certified Re-Roofing Certificate.

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