Emergencies We Respond To

Northeast Ohio’s weather generates a lot of roof emergencies — and we’ve responded to most of them. Some need same-hour mitigation. Some need same-day repair. All of them require knowing what to do, how to document for insurance, and how to keep the situation from getting worse while permanent repairs get scheduled.

Here’s what we handle:

Active Roof Leaks

Water entering your home — through the ceiling, down the walls, or from the attic — is the most urgent kind of roof emergency. The first hour matters: minor leaks become major interior damage in hours, not days. We respond fast, locate the entry point, stop the water, and document the damage for your insurance claim.

Storm Damage

Lake Erie wind storms can lift shingles, tear off ridge caps, damage flashing, and create new leak paths in a single event. Same-day inspection and emergency mitigation after any storm with sustained winds over 50 mph. Full damage documentation included for insurance purposes.

Fallen Trees & Limbs

A tree limb through your roof needs immediate response. We tarp the exposed area, mitigate water entry, document the structural damage for insurance, and coordinate with tree removal services when needed. Full repair or replacement follows once the emergency is stabilized.

Hail Damage

After major hailstorms, fast inspection and documentation are critical — both to catch damage that isn’t visible from the ground and to file your insurance claim within the policy’s filing window. Our hail damage inspections include comprehensive photo documentation and direct claim support.

Ice Dam Emergencies

Active ice dams can drive water into your attic, insulation, and ceilings within hours. We respond with steam removal, calcium chloride application, and emergency tarping when needed. Critical: we never chip ice off shingles — which damages the roof beneath. We use the right tools and methods.

Emergency Tarping

When the roof is exposed and weather is incoming, fast tarping prevents catastrophic interior damage. We arrive with the right materials, secure the affected area, and provide documentation for your insurance carrier. Most homeowner’s policies cover emergency mitigation costs — including tarping.

Our Emergency Response Process

Every emergency call follows a predictable response sequence designed to stabilize the situation fast and minimize secondary damage.

Here’s what happens when you call us:

Call answered, situation assessed

A real person at ARG answers your call. We ask a few quick questions to understand what’s happening: where the damage is, whether water is actively entering, what’s already been done, and your address. We sort emergency calls from non-urgent inquiries within the first 60 seconds.

Dispatch decision made

For active water entry or severe structural concerns, we dispatch immediately. For less urgent emergencies, we schedule the fastest available response — typically same-day during business hours, next-morning for late-night non-urgent calls.

Crew arrival and damage assessment

Our crew arrives with the equipment needed for emergency mitigation: tarps, fasteners, ladders, calcium chloride for ice dams, basic patching materials, and documentation tools. We assess the full damage scope before any work begins — and we share what we find with you on-site.

Emergency stabilization

We stop the immediate problem: tarp the exposed area, mitigate water entry, secure loose materials, address ice dam formation, or take whatever action the situation requires. The goal is preventing the damage from getting worse, not completing permanent repairs at this stage.

Documentation for insurance

We photograph the damage thoroughly — wide shots, close-ups, interior water damage if applicable, debris, and any collateral damage that may be covered. You receive these photos for your records. If you’re filing an insurance claim, this documentation is the foundation of your case.

Permanent repair scheduling

Once the emergency is stabilized, we discuss permanent repair options. For insurance claims, we coordinate with your adjuster and provide a formal estimate. For non-claim work, we provide a written quote within 48 hours and schedule the work at your convenience.

Follow-up

Most emergency responses lead to permanent repair work within days or weeks. We see the entire job through — from the first emergency call to final walkthrough on the completed repair — with the same team and the same documentation thread throughout.

What to Do Right Now (While You Wait for Us)

If you’ve called us and we’re on our way, here’s what to do in the meantime. These steps protect your home and your insurance claim.

Stay safe — do not climb on the roof

Wet, storm-damaged, or icy roofs are genuinely dangerous. We have the safety equipment and training; you don’t need to take risks. Stay inside, stay clear of compromised ceilings, and let us handle the roof work.

Document everything with your phone

Photos and video of the damage from inside and outside (where safe). Hailstones with a coin or hand for size reference if applicable. Any interior water damage. Date and time stamps automatic with phones. This documentation strengthens your insurance claim significantly.

Move belongings out of water paths

If water is entering your home, move furniture, electronics, and valuables out of the affected rooms. Place buckets under active drips. Use towels to absorb pooling water and prevent it from spreading.

Cover broken windows from inside if possible

If wind has broken any windows, cardboard, plastic sheeting, or plywood from inside reduces water and debris entry. Don’t go outside or onto the roof to address exterior damage — that’s our job.

Contact your insurance carrier

Most homeowner’s policies require notification within 24-72 hours of becoming aware of damage. Earlier filing creates better documentation. Have ready: policy number, brief description of damage, and your photos when you call.

Do not sign anything from door-to-door contractors

After major storms, out-of-state “storm chaser” contractors flood Cleveland neighborhoods within hours. They may offer aggressive deals, pressure same-day decisions, or ask for Assignment of Benefits forms. Wait until we’ve arrived and you’ve talked to your insurance carrier before signing anything with anyone.