Central New York gets two storm seasons on its roofs. From May into August, thunderstorms bring hail and straight-line wind; federal records for the 13203 ZIP code alone list 39 hailstorms. From November through March it's wind with snow behind it, ice loading, and the occasional ice storm like the one on April 4, 2003 that did millions in property damage across the area.
What we see afterward: shingles torn off or creased back along the edges and ridges, limbs through the deck from the big maples that line so many Syracuse streets, hail bruises that knock granules loose and soften the mat, and flashing peeled up at chimneys and walls.
If water is coming in, the first job is a tarp, fastened over the damage and past the ridge so it doesn't become a sail. Then we photograph the whole roof, slope by slope, with measurements and close-ups, and write up what was damaged and what it will take. That's the package an adjuster wants. We'll meet the adjuster on the roof if you'd like, and we price the repair to what the damage actually is, not to what the policy might pay.
A word on storm chasers: after a big hailstorm, out-of-town crews show up knocking on doors. Ask for proof of insurance, a local phone number, and a written estimate before you sign anything that assigns your claim.
What the job covers
Emergency tarps
Fastened over the damage and anchored past the ridge so wind can't lift them.
Wind repair
Missing and creased shingles replaced, ridge caps reset, edges resealed.
Hail inspection
Each slope checked for bruising and granule loss, marked and photographed.
Fallen limbs
Branch removed from the roof, damaged rafters and decking repaired.
Claim photo file
Slope-by-slope photos, measurements and a written damage summary.
Adjuster meeting
We can be on the roof when the adjuster comes, if you want us there.
Storm repair cost in Syracuse
| Job | Typical range | What moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency tarp | $350 – $900 | Opening size and timing |
| Wind repair, one slope | $500 – $1,800 | Number of shingles, ridge work |
| Limb damage with decking and rafter repair | $1,500 – $5,000 | How deep the limb went |
| Hail-damaged roof replacement | $11,000 – $20,000 | Often paid by the claim, less the deductible |
| Damage documentation | Included | With any storm visit |
Ranges are for budgeting on typical Onondaga County houses. Your number comes after we've seen the roof, written down with the materials named, and it holds for 30 days.
What the work looks like
Questions about storm damage repair
Should I call my insurer or a roofer first?
If water is coming in, a roofer first, to stop it. Your policy expects you to prevent further damage. Then call the insurer to open the claim, and keep the tarp receipt.
How do I know if hail damaged my roof?
From the ground you usually can't. Look for dented gutters, downspouts and soft metal vents, granules piled at the downspout outlets, or damage to cars. Then get the roof looked at up close.
Will my claim raise my rates?
That depends on your insurer and your history. We can tell you what the damage is and what the repair costs, and you decide whether to file.
Do you work with every insurance company?
We work with whoever insures the house. We provide the documentation and the estimate; the claim is between you and your insurer.
What if the adjuster misses damage?
We put the photos in front of them and ask for a re-inspection. Most disagreements come down to evidence, and good photos settle a lot of them.
A tree fell on the roof. What do I do?
Stay out of the rooms under it, keep people clear, and call. We get the limb off safely, tarp the opening, and assess the framing.