Storm Damage Restoration

Storm Damage Restoration | Roofing | Philadelphia

When hail, high winds or driving rain tear through Philadelphia, HEP’s Roofing moves just as fast. Our local, licensed crews arrive within hours to tarp exposed decking, document the damage for your insurance claim and start repairs that respect both your budget and the city’s strict building codes. From colonial rowhomes in Society Hill to sprawling estates on the Main Line, we replace missing shingles, mend flashing, and rebuild decking with premium, warrantied materials designed to withstand the region’s four-season extremes.

What sets us apart is a restoration process built on transparency. You’ll get drone imagery, a clear line-item estimate, and a dedicated project manager who keeps you informed from first inspection to final nail. Most roofs are restored in a single day, and we back every job with a no-leak guarantee and optional 24-hour monitoring during major storms. When the sky clears, know that HEP’s Roofing has your home covered—today and for years to come.

What our customers say

Christian was very proficient in detailing the scope of the work to be completed from our storm damage. He was very straightforward and courteous at the same time. He also answered the few questions that I had to give us a full understanding of what we expect to be done.

Chris L.

Christian Jordan and Michael Mott came out and looked great and took care of the wind damage to my vinyl siding

Kevin S.

Jason arrived today on time, explained what he saw and what he did to repair the water penetration issue and even became friends with our dog. Good work. They were referred by a neighbor and I would definitely use them again.

Joe G.

All within a matter of a weeks time, I was able to schedule a thorough inspection of the roof and receive a new roof of good quality. Fantastic company

V D.

Ruben was excellent when I was having drain issues. He was quick, explained everything throughly, and made sure I knew what my options were. A wonderful experience I just put an offer in on a home and wanted someone to check the place out for me and HEP was there! Not only was every technician that came out friendly, but they made sure I understood everything that was being told to me! They gave me clear and honest opinions about my AC, Roof, and electrical. They told me what was wrong, how to fix it, an approximate on how much it would be and even advice to make sure I get the most out of my repair life. I'm a first time home buyer and they made me feel confident enough about the condition of my home to be able to make a sound decision on it. I'll recommend them to everyone I know!

Nicole N.

Christian Jordan and Jacob Edward's helped us so so so much and they came out literally so fast, within 15-20 minutes from our roof caving in. They were great and worked with us on everything.

Cierra B.

Due to a miscommunication I need to apologize for a negative review I left. Hep didn't call codes, but I imagine that codes inspector is working himself to the bone, and instead of hearing "rough-in inspection" I heard "complaint" and I am so very sorry I was so reactive. It's been over a year since the work was done and we've had zero leaks! Job well done y'all!

Heather V.

Our roof started leaking on a weekend from recent storms, so I sent a request online. They called first thing Monday morning to schedule an inspection. They were quite busy that day, and kept us updated as to the timing of their technician's arrival. When he arrived, Christian thoroughly inspected the roof, gave us his recommendation for a solution and tarped the roof as a temporary fix. Due to timing issues on our part and having to work with our insurance company, we couldn't schedule the repair right away. During this past weekend's storm, part of the tarp failed so I called and they immediately scheduled someone to come out and fix it. Jeremy arrived and had the problem taken care of quickly since more rain is expected before the work begins on Monday, and assured me that they will be there if I have any other issues in the meantime. I am very impressed by everyone I have dealt with at HEP; I am not sure I have ever received the level of communication as I have from them. They have answered every question, explained every detail and returned every phone call or text promptly and efficiently.

Shelly M.

John was the guy who came and looked at my roof. He was very polite, nice, helpful, and awesome.

Waylon B.

Olin, Chris & the whole staff of HEP are wonderful, friendly & knowledgeable people. Olin, the Product Specialist who came to our home, was very thorough when he inspected our roof & wrote up our work order/proposal. He patiently answered our questions & explained in great detail the work that needed to be done. My Husband & I feel very valued as this company’s customers! I believe we are getting a great service at a reasonable cost. We are looking forward to getting our roof replaced in the coming week! We have had our Water Heater replaced & a small repair done in the past with HEP. We strongly recommend this great company!!

Susan R.

Understanding Storm Damage in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s climate delivers a full spectrum of weather challenges. From nor’easters barreling up the coast to fast-moving summer thunderstorms, rooftops across the city absorb significant punishment year-round. When wind, hail, and wind-blown debris strike, shingles can tear, flashing can loosen, and underlayment can become saturated. Left untreated, small breaches escalate into leaks that compromise insulation, drywall, and structural framing. HEP specializes in addressing these issues before they cause long-term deterioration, bringing decades of roofing expertise to every neighborhood from Fishtown to Chestnut Hill.

Common Weather Hazards

Severe thunderstorms with microbursts
Hail ranging from pea-size to golf-ball diameter
Tropical storm remnants producing prolonged rainfall
Heavy, wet snow that adds weight and causes ice dams
Sudden temperature swings leading to thermal expansion and contraction

Signs of Roof Storm Damage

Granule loss forming dark streaks on gutters
Raised or missing shingles exposing felt paper
Dented metal flashing around skylights or chimneys
Water stains on attic rafters or top-floor ceilings
Curling shingle edges caused by wind uplift

Recognizing these symptoms quickly is critical because moisture intrusion accelerates rot, mold growth, and insulation degradation. HEP’s restoration technicians are trained to identify even subtle evidence that a storm has compromised roofing integrity.

The HEP Approach to Storm Damage Restoration

HEP follows a systematic, safety-first model rooted in building science. Each project begins with a multi-point inspection designed to reveal hidden vulnerabilities while documenting storm-related damage for insurance purposes. From there, restoration professionals outline a customized repair plan that respects the home’s architecture, local building codes, and the client’s long-term maintenance goals.

Inspection Process

Visual perimeter walk-through to note debris patterns
Drone or ladder-assisted roof surface survey
Attic moisture and ventilation assessment
Infrared scanning to locate trapped water pockets
Comprehensive photo documentation for insurance carriers

Material Selection

HEP only installs manufacturer-certified materials built to withstand Philadelphia’s freeze-thaw cycles. Options include impact-rated asphalt shingles, SBS-modified bitumen membranes, and advanced underlayments with ice-shield components. By matching the material to the building’s slope, exposure, and ventilation profile, HEP maximizes longevity and reduces future storm vulnerability.

Restoration Versus Replacement

Not every storm event necessitates a full roof replacement. HEP’s philosophy prioritizes restoration where feasible, replacing isolated damaged areas and reinforcing surrounding sections to original manufacturer specifications. This strategy saves time, reduces landfill waste, and maintains architectural continuity.

Why Professional Restoration Matters

Attempting DIY repairs on a storm-damaged roof can void manufacturer warranties, create safety hazards, and fail to address underlying structural issues. Certified professionals possess the tools, training, and liability coverage required to restore roofing systems to code-compliant condition.

Structural Integrity

High winds often loosen fasteners and produce subtle decking deflection. HEP technicians re-secure sheathing, add hurricane straps when necessary, and ensure ridge boards remain plumb. This structural reinforcement prevents progressive sagging and protects interior finishes from stress cracks.

Energy Efficiency

A compromised roof leaks conditioned air, forcing HVAC systems to run longer. By sealing penetrations, upgrading insulation, and ensuring proper attic ventilation, HEP helps property owners reduce utility costs and maintain stable indoor humidity.

HEP's Roofing Expertise in Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Each Philadelphia district presents unique architectural styles and roof geometries. HEP tailors restoration methodologies to match local building traditions, historical guidelines, and climate exposure.

Row Homes

Dense rows mean neighboring structures can channel wind upward, increasing uplift on the leading edges of roofs. HEP uses additional fasteners and starter strips engineered to resist gusts common in narrow city streets.

Historic Townhouses

Cobblestone streets lined with Victorian and Federal-style townhomes often fall under preservation ordinances. HEP sources period-appropriate slate, cedar shake, or designer composite materials that honor heritage aesthetics while meeting modern impact ratings.

Commercial Flat Roofs

Many Center City warehouses and mixed-use buildings feature EPDM, TPO, or modified bitumen membranes. HEP’s commercial division deploys heat-welders, cold-process adhesives, and tapered insulation systems to eliminate ponding water and reinforce rooftop HVAC curbs.

The Storm Damage Restoration Workflow

Emergency Tarping and Mitigation

Within hours of severe weather, HEP crews secure damaged areas with reinforced tarps, ridge caps, and temporary edge metal. Immediate mitigation halts water infiltration, preventing drywall collapse and electrical hazards.

Detailed Damage Assessment

Once weather conditions stabilize, project managers perform a granular inspection, noting:

Wind scouring patterns
Hail-impact bruises on shingles
Delamination of membrane seams
Chimney crown cracks from thermal shock

All findings are compiled into a digital report complete with geotagged photos and repair estimates for insurance adjusters.

Working With Insurance Adjusters

HEP’s documentation streamlines claim approval. By aligning restoration scope with the carrier’s criteria, property owners avoid coverage gaps and expedite settlement. Technicians meet adjusters on-site, explaining damage causation and demonstrating code requirements for underlayment and ventilation upgrades.

Repair and Restoration Phase

Safe removal of compromised roofing layers
Deck inspection for rot or structural pest damage
Installation of self-adhering ice and water shield at eaves and valleys
Application of synthetic underlayment with high tear strength
Precision fitting of shingles, flashing, or membrane systems
Ridge cap ventilation to balance attic airflow
Final quality audit including fastener pull tests and water barrier verification

Roofing Materials and Technologies Used by HEP

Asphalt Shingles

Architectural asphalt shingles remain Philadelphia’s most prevalent residential roofing option. HEP installs Class 4 impact-rated varieties that resist hail dents, feature UV-blocking granules, and come with algae-fighting copper infusions to maintain curb appeal.

Modified Bitumen

SBS-modified bitumen membranes deliver flexibility in cold weather, crucial for Philadelphia’s winter lows. HEP torch-applies or cold-adheres multi-ply systems, adding ceramic granule cap sheets for reflectivity and puncture resistance.

EPDM and TPO

For low-slope commercial roofs, HEP offers EPDM rubber and TPO thermo-plastic systems. Heat-welded seams create a monolithic barrier, while light-colored membranes reflect solar radiation, mitigating the urban heat island effect.

Metal Roofing

Standing seam and corrugated metal panels provide exceptional wind uplift ratings and longevity exceeding 50 years. HEP’s metal installations incorporate concealed fasteners, high-temperature underlayments, and custom-fabricated flashing for complex roof lines.

Maintenance After Restoration

Seasonal Inspection Checklist

Spring: Clear winter debris from gutters and valleys
Summer: Inspect for UV degradation and sealant shrinkage
Fall: Remove leaves to prevent moisture pooling
Winter: Check attic for ice dam formation and condensation

Preventive Measures

Trim overhanging branches that can scrape shingles
Install gutter guards to reduce clog frequency
Ensure downspouts discharge at least six feet from foundations
Schedule professional roof tune-ups every 18–24 months

Environmental Commitment

Debris Recycling

HEP partners with regional recycling facilities to divert asphalt shingle debris from landfills, repurposing materials for road bedding and other civil projects.

Energy-Efficient Roofing Options

Reflective membranes and cool-roof asphalt shingles reduce rooftop temperatures by up to 15%, lowering indoor cooling demand. HEP also integrates roof-mounted solar brackets compatible with post-restoration surfaces, future-proofing properties for renewable energy upgrades.

Severe Weather Trends in Philadelphia

Recent climate data indicates a rise in short-duration, high-intensity storms producing damaging winds and large hail. Urban density amplifies wind tunnel effects along narrow streets, subjecting roofs to forces exceeding manufacturer baseline test conditions. Philadelphia also experiences fluctuating freeze-thaw cycles that aggravate roofing seams and flashing joints.

Increasing Storm Intensity

Meteorological studies reveal a 20% uptick in thunderstorm downdrafts over the last decade. These microbursts can generate wind gusts above 60 mph, powerful enough to shear ridge caps and dislodge loosely fastened shingles.

Urban Heat Island Effect

Concrete and asphalt surfaces retain heat, creating temperature differentials that intensify convective storms. Roof materials must therefore accommodate rapid heating and cooling, making impact-rated, flexible systems essential for urban resilience.

Signs You Need Immediate Storm Damage Restoration

Interior Indicators

Brownish water rings on ceiling paint
Bubbling plaster or peeling wallpaper
Unexplained mold odors or visible spores
Sudden spike in indoor humidity despite HVAC operation

Exterior Red Flags

Shingle tabs flapping during moderate wind
Visible daylight through attic decking
Sagging gutters pulling away from fascia boards
Wet insulation or water dripping onto attic flooring

HEP advises homeowners to schedule a professional evaluation as soon as any of these conditions appear, as small leaks can evolve into structural hazards within weeks.

Benefits of Timely Storm Damage Restoration

Cost Savings

Early intervention prevents incremental damage that can necessitate extensive framing or interior finish repairs. By sealing breaches promptly, property owners avoid compounding expenses such as mold remediation, ceiling replacement, and electrical rewiring.

Health and Safety

Moisture fosters mold colonies that release allergens and mycotoxins. Restoring a watertight roof eliminates the damp conditions where mold thrives, safeguarding indoor air quality. Additionally, securing loose shingles removes projectile risks during subsequent storms.

Property Value Protection

Curb appeal and structural integrity are pivotal to real estate marketability. A professionally restored roof, documented with transferable warranties, reassures potential buyers and sustains appraisal values.

Choosing HEP for Roofing Storm Damage Restoration

Certification and Training

HEP technicians maintain industry certifications in steep-slope and low-slope roofing, safety harness use, and thermoplastic welding. Ongoing training modules cover the latest International Residential Code (IRC) updates and manufacturers’ installation guidelines.

Local Knowledge

From the Wissahickon Valley’s tree-lined ridges to South Philly’s tightly packed row houses, HEP understands neighborhood-specific microclimates and architectural nuances. This local insight enables precise material selection and installation techniques that honor each building’s character while enhancing resilience.

Warranty Support

All restoration work is backed by manufacturer-endorsed warranties covering both materials and workmanship. HEP conducts post-project walkthroughs, registers warranty paperwork on the client’s behalf, and schedules inspection reminders to keep coverage active throughout the roof’s service life.

Attic Ventilation and Moisture Control

Effective storm damage restoration extends beyond shingles and flashing. A properly designed ventilation system expels moisture-laden air, regulates attic temperatures, and prevents condensation that can undermine newly installed roofing components.

Role of Proper Ventilation

In summer, attic temperatures can soar above 140 °F, baking decking and causing premature shingle aging. During winter, warm interior air migrating upward condenses on cold roof sheathing, saturating insulation and spawning mold. Balanced ventilation—achieved through the strategic placement of intake and exhaust vents—creates a natural convective flow that addresses both threats simultaneously.

Key ventilation benefits include:

Reduction of ice dam formation along eaves
Stabilization of indoor climate, easing HVAC workload
Preservation of structural lumber by limiting moisture absorption
Extension of manufacturer warranties tied to attic temperature thresholds

HEP's Ventilation Upgrades

HEP evaluates existing airflow using smoke pencils, hygrometers, and thermal cameras, then recommends targeted upgrades such as:

Continuous ridge vents paired with soffit vents for uninterrupted airflow
Solar-powered attic fans that activate when interior temperatures exceed set points
Insulated baffles that keep air channels open even when insulation is added
Gable vents with pest-resistant screens for older homes lacking soffit overhangs

These enhancements ensure that new roofing materials perform to their rated lifespan while maintaining a comfortable, energy-efficient interior environment.

Building Code Compliance in Philadelphia

Storm damage restoration must align with the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) amendments to the 2018 International Residential Code. Meeting or exceeding these regulations safeguards property owners from future liability and ensures long-term roof performance.

Wind Resistance Standards

Philadelphia falls within a 110 mph, three-second gust design zone. HEP installs fasteners, starter strips, and hip-ridge systems that satisfy enhanced wind uplift requirements, including:

Six-nail shingle patterns on slopes exceeding 60 degrees
Corrosion-resistant ring-shank nails in coastal-influenced areas
Reinforced metal edging with minimum 22-gauge thickness at vulnerable perimeters

Ice Barrier Regulations

Code mandates a self-adhering ice barrier extending at least 24 inches inside the warm-in-winter wall line. HEP incorporates high-temperature ice and water shield underlayments that seal around nails and resist asphalt bleed-through, preventing ice dams from infiltrating newly restored roof decks.

Gutter and Downspout Restoration

A weather-tight roof requires a fully functional drainage system. Clogged or damaged gutters cause water to back up beneath shingles, undoing even the most meticulous storm repairs.

Importance of Functional Drainage

Directs water away from foundations, reducing basement seepage
Minimizes fascia and soffit rot by eliminating standing water
Reduces soil erosion and landscaping washout around the perimeter

Gutter Guard Technologies

HEP offers compatible gutter solutions that integrate with restored roofs:

Micro-mesh guards that block seeds and shingle granules
Reverse-curve hoods channeling water while shedding leaves
Heavy-gauge aluminum or copper systems formed on-site for a seamless fit
Hanger brackets fastened to rafter tails to withstand snow load and wind uplift

By pairing robust drainage with expertly restored roofing surfaces, HEP delivers a holistic defense against Philadelphia’s increasingly volatile weather.