Roofing help in Memphis
Severe thunderstorms, strong winds and falling tree limbs are common reasons Memphis homeowners need a roofer, and heavy rain finds any weak spot fast. We connect Memphis-area homeowners with independent local roofing providers. The referral is free.
For homeowners: Roofing referrals are for homeowners or someone authorized to approve work on the home. Renting? Contact your landlord or property manager first.
Request a call backRoof leaking right now?
- Stay safe. Don't go on the roof during a storm, in the dark or while it's wet. If water is near light fixtures, outlets or the breaker panel, stay out of that area. Shut off power only if you can reach the panel while standing somewhere dry.
- Stay out from under a sagging ceiling. A bulging, water-filled ceiling can come down. Keep people and pets away, and don't turn on lights or fans in that ceiling.
- Catch the water with buckets and towels, and move belongings, electronics and rugs out of the way.
- Take photos and video of the ceiling, the attic if it's safe to look, and the outside of the roof from the ground.
- Get it covered. A roofer can put on an emergency tarp to prevent more damage. Keep the receipts, because insurers generally expect you to take reasonable steps to limit further damage.
If water got into walls, floors or insulation, see water damage help too. The EPA says wet materials should be dried within 24–48 hours to help prevent mold.
Memphis weather and your roof
Memphis gets severe thunderstorms with strong straight-line winds that can lift or tear off shingles and bring down big tree limbs, plus heavy downpours that find weak flashing and worn shingles. Hail happens too. After a storm, look for missing shingles in the yard, dented gutters and vents, shingle grit at the downspouts, and new stains on ceilings. Stay off the roof until the storm has passed and it's dry (National Weather Service: Thunderstorm safety).
After a storm: what to check
- Missing, creased or lifted shingles, or pieces of shingle in the yard
- Dents in gutters, downspouts, roof vents and flashing
- Heavy granule loss: piles of shingle grit at downspout outlets
- New water stains on ceilings or in the attic, or daylight through the roof boards
- Tree limbs on the roof, and downed power lines. Stay far away from downed lines and report them to 911 and your utility.
Check from the ground or with binoculars, and leave the climbing to a pro.
Insurance claim basics
- Read your policy. Your declarations page lists your deductible. Some policies have a separate wind and hail deductible, which can be a percentage of the home's insured value rather than a flat dollar amount.
- Report damage promptly. Policies set deadlines for reporting a claim. Ask your insurer what they need and write down your claim number.
- Document everything: dated photos and video, plus receipts for tarps and emergency repairs.
- Be there for the inspection if you can, and get your own written estimate from a roofer to compare with the adjuster's.
- Understand the payout. Some policies pay actual cash value, with depreciation taken out. Others pay replacement cost but may hold back part of it until the work is done.
- Never sign your insurance check over to a contractor.
Questions about a claim or an insurer? Contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.
Red flags: storm-chaser contractors
Out-of-town crews often go door to door after a big storm. Some are legitimate, but be careful with anyone who:
- Knocks uninvited, says your roof is damaged and wants to go up "for a free look" right away
- Pressures you to sign today, or asks you to sign a contract with blank spaces
- Asks you to sign an "authorization," "contingency agreement" or assignment of your insurance benefits before you've talked to your insurer
- Offers to pay or "waive" your deductible. That can be insurance fraud.
- Wants full payment or a big deposit up front, or wants cash, a wire transfer, gift cards or a payment app
- Can't show a permanent local address, proof of insurance, or a license or registration where one is required
If you sign a contract at your home, you may have the right to cancel within three business days, and the contract should say so in writing. More from the FTC: How to avoid scams after weather emergencies and natural disasters.
Repair or replace?
A few missing shingles or a leak at the flashing can often be repaired. Widespread hail damage, an older roof or repeated leaks may mean replacement. Get a written estimate that lists the materials, tear-off of old layers, underlayment, flashing and vents, cleanup, any permit and the warranty.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed or registered (where required) and insured? Can I see proof?
- Will I get a written estimate and contract before work starts?
- Will you pull any required permit?
- What warranty covers the materials, and what covers your workmanship?
- Will your own crew do the work, or subcontractors?
- Can the final payment wait until the job is done and I've checked it?
In Tennessee, check a contractor's license with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Reroofing may need a permit. Ask your roofer, or check with Develop 901 Construction Enforcement (Memphis & Shelby County).
Disclosure: Memphis Home Pros is a free referral service, not a contractor. We connect callers with independent local providers who participate in our network. We may receive compensation from providers. We don't perform work, endorse or guarantee any provider. Always check licensing and insurance and get a written estimate.