A bad storm just rolled through the Memphis metro. You step outside and see shingles in the yard, branches on the roof, or worse — water spots already forming on your ceiling. What do you do first?
Here's the order of operations we recommend at Waynes New Roof, based on years of helping Cordova homeowners through this exact situation.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone's Safe
Don't go climbing on the roof yourself. Don't go up there with a flashlight at night. Storm damage can include weakened decking that won't support your weight, and a roofing accident is a whole lot worse than a roof leak. If there's electrical damage from a fallen tree, stay away from anything metal and call the power company first.
Step 2: Document the Damage From the Ground
Take photos and video of everything you can see — shingles in the yard, branches on the roof, water stains inside, debris on the lawn. Date and time stamp on the phone is automatic. This becomes evidence for your insurance claim, and the more you document early, the smoother that whole process goes.
Step 3: Stop Interior Damage if You Can
If water is actively coming inside, put a bucket under it. Move furniture and electronics out of the way. If there's a sagging spot in the ceiling, poke a small hole to let the water drain out in a controlled way — yes, really. A slow drain is better than a sudden ceiling collapse.
Step 4: Call a Local Roofer for an Inspection
Get a real local roofer up there to assess the damage. Avoid the door-knocking storm chasers who show up after every big storm in the Memphis area. They're not local, they don't pull permits properly, and they won't be around if something goes wrong six months later. Use a roofer based in or near Cordova who'll still be here next year.
Step 5: Call Your Insurance Company
Once you have an idea of the damage from the inspection, file a claim with your insurance. They'll send out an adjuster to assess the damage themselves. Having photos and a roofer's report ready makes this go a lot faster.
Step 6: Get the Repair Done by Someone You Trust
Don't sign anything with anyone before you've made an informed decision. The damage isn't getting worse in the next few days — assuming it's been tarped properly. Take the time to pick a contractor you actually trust. Ask for references in Cordova. Check Google reviews. Make sure they're licensed and insured.
Why Storm Chasers Are a Bad Idea
Every spring around the Memphis metro, out-of-state contractors flood the area after big storms. They quote fast, work fast, and disappear fast. We've fixed plenty of botched storm-chaser jobs in Cordova over the years. The repairs look fine for a few months, then problems start showing up — and the company is long gone.
We're Here When You Need Us
Storm damage is stressful. We've walked plenty of Cordova homeowners through it and we're glad to help if you need it. Free inspection, photo documentation for your insurance, and we'll meet with your adjuster if that helps move things along.
We're open 24 hours specifically because storms don't keep business hours. Call (662) 671-0778 anytime.