The State College Emergency Roofing Playbook: 24 Hours After a Crisis

Storms don't follow a schedule. Whether it’s a sudden high-wind event that rips shingles off a home in Lock Haven or a fallen tree limb crushing a section of a roof in Port Matilda, a roofing crisis is a high-stress event. In the first 24 hours after damage occurs, the decisions you make will determine how much the repair costs and how quickly your life gets back to normal.

At Stoltzfus Bros Roofing, we’ve been the first call for many homeowners in State College and Bellefonte following severe weather. We know that when you have a hole in your roof or shingles littering your lawn in Boalsburg, you don't need a sales pitch—you need a playbook. Here is what you need to know about navigating the first day of a roofing emergency.

Hour 1-3: Safety and Stabilization



Before you do anything else, ensure your family is safe. If a tree has hit your home or if you see sagging in the ceiling, the structure may be compromised. Evacuate if necessary and stay clear of any downed power lines. If the damage is strictly a leak, start your indoor mitigation immediately. Use buckets to catch water and move electronics away from the area.

This is also the time to document everything. Take photos and videos of the damage from the ground and from inside your attic if it is safe to do so. This evidence is vital for your insurance company. Many policies require you to take "reasonable steps" to prevent further damage, which leads us to the next phase of the playbook.

Hour 3-12: The "Tarp-Over" Strategy

In the middle of a State College storm, a permanent roof repair is usually impossible. High winds and rain make it unsafe for crews to be on the roof, and asphalt materials won't seal properly in wet conditions. This is where the emergency tarp becomes your best friend.

A professional tarp-over involves securing a heavy-duty, waterproof tarp over the damaged area. It is not a "pretty" fix, but it is an essential one. It stops the bleeding. At Stoltzfus Bros Roofing, we prioritize emergency tarping for our neighbors in Centre Hall, Lemont, and Pine Grove Mills to stabilize the home until the weather breaks. A proper tarp should extend over the ridge of the roof to prevent water from running under the top edge, and it should be secured with wooden battens rather than just heavy rocks or bricks.

Hour 12-24: Calling the Experts and Navigating Insurance

Once the immediate threat is contained by a tarp, it is time to shift your focus to the permanent solution. Avoid "storm chasers"—contractors who appear out of nowhere after a big storm with out-of-state plates. You want a local roofing contractor who will be here three years from now if you have a follow-up question.

When you contact Stoltzfus Bros Roofing, we provide more than just a roofing estimate. We provide a comprehensive assessment that includes:

• A detailed report of the damage for your insurance adjuster.
• Photos of the compromised shingles, flashing, and underlayment.
• A plan for a permanent residential roofing repair or full replacement that meets all current local building codes in Pleasant Gap or Mill Hall.

Managing Expectations During a Regional Crisis

If a major storm has hit the entire State College area, remember that every local roofer is likely receiving hundreds of calls at once. This is why the emergency tarp is so important; it buys you time. A reputable company will prioritize the most severe cases (like those with structural damage or large holes) first.

Stoltzfus Bros Roofing is proud to serve State College, Bellefonte, Lock Haven, Boalsburg, Centre Hall, Lemont, Port Matilda, Pine Grove Mills, and Pleasant Gap. We are your local partners in every roofing emergency, offering the calm expertise you need when things go wrong.

If you have experienced storm damage and need immediate assistance or a professional assessment, please contact us at [insert contact page link here]. We’ll help you execute your playbook and get your home back to its best.