# From Emergency Tarp to Full Replacement: A Connecticut Storm Damage Story | Hartford Roofing Company Blog > A real project walkthrough showing how we tarped a storm-damaged roof the same day, coordinated insurance, and completed a full replacement in Hartford County. URL: https://newingtonroofingpros.com/blog/winter-storm-full-roof-replacement-case-study/ Last-Modified: 2026-06-30 Author: Michael Sullivan case studies # From Emergency Tarp to Full Replacement: A Connecticut Storm Damage Story A real project walkthrough showing how we tarped a storm-damaged roof the same day, coordinated insurance, and completed a full replacement in Hartford County. Michael Sullivan Founder & Lead Estimator · June 30, 2026 ![Completed roof replacement on a Connecticut colonial after winter storm damage](/images/misc/newly-replaced-architectural-shingle-roof-on-wethe.webp) ## A 5:47 a.m. phone call Late February. Heavy wet snow overnight followed by sustained wind gusts near 55 mph through the early hours. Sarah and Michael T., homeowners in Wethersfield, woke up to a growing water stain on their master bedroom ceiling. There was water pooling in the overhead light fixture. They had no idea how much of the roof was still intact. They called our emergency line before six in the morning. By 7:30, our truck was in their driveway. ## Damage assessment The roof was a 22-year-old three-tab asphalt system installed by the previous owner’s contractor. Two full sections on the north face were completely stripped. Bare decking was exposed to the sky. An ice dam that had been building along the eaves through January had driven water under the shingle field for weeks before this storm finished the job. The chimney flashing was rusted through at two points. Gutters were packed with debris from a full season of ice-dam runoff. This was not a repair candidate. Three concurrent failure types on a roof past its expected life span meant replacement was the only responsible recommendation. ## Same-day emergency response We followed a three-step protocol that morning. First, we tarped the exposed decking. Heavy-duty tarps battened down to sound roof surrounding the openings stopped water intrusion within 40 minutes. Second, we documented every failure. Photos of the stripped sections, lifted tabs along the east rake, rusted chimney flashing, ice dam scarring at the eaves, and wet attic insulation visible through the ceiling opening inside. Every photo was GPS-tagged and timestamped for the adjuster. Third, we had an honest conversation with the homeowners. A 22-year-old roof with wind damage, ice dam damage, and failed flashing happening simultaneously is a replacement. Trying to patch multiple failure types on a system past its design life costs more over three years than replacing it once. We explained why we believed insurance would cover a full replacement, and walked them through how the claims process works. ![Emergency response and tarping on a storm-damaged Connecticut home](/images/misc/emergency-response-truck-at-wethersfield-ct-home-w.webp) ## Insurance coordination The adjuster came out four days later. David Rossi, our project foreman, met the adjuster on the roof and walked through every documented failure point. The wind-lifted sections were straightforward. The chimney flashing failures had a legitimate case as contributing to the interior water damage. The ice dam damage was the harder conversation. Carriers sometimes argue ice dam issues are maintenance-related, but the dated photos from late January showing ice dam formation mid-progress and the corresponding interior stains moved the discussion in the homeowner’s favor. The claim came back approved for a full replacement with code upgrades included. From the initial emergency call to claim approval: 11 days. ## The replacement We staged the project for early April once temperatures cooperated. Two days on site. **Day one.** Full tear-off revealed three layers of shingles, the current three-tab plus two older layers underneath. That explained the poor ventilation performance and accelerated wear. Three sheets of plywood were replaced where water damage had compromised the deck. We installed synthetic underlayment across the entire roof, with ice-and-water shield along all eaves, valleys, and around the chimney base. **Day two.** Starter course, GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles in Charcoal, new continuous ridge vent, soffit vents added at three identified low spots, new step and counter flashing at the chimney, fresh pipe boots, and aluminum drip edge along all rakes and eaves. Final steps included a magnetic nail sweep of the yard and driveway, gutter flush, and a full walkthrough with Sarah and Michael. ## Homeowner feedback _“After the big storm last winter, we had water coming through our master bedroom ceiling. Hartford Roofing Company was out the same day to tarp the roof and walked us through the entire insurance process. The new roof looks incredible and we finally feel safe again.”_ - Sarah and Michael T., Wethersfield ## Lessons for Connecticut homeowners **Document your roof before winter each year.** A few photos from the ground and one from the attic hatch create a baseline. When something goes wrong, pre-existing condition evidence separates storm damage from gradual wear in the adjuster’s assessment. **Choose a roofer who documents for the adjuster, not just for the quote.** Insurance outcomes depend heavily on the quality of evidence presented. GPS-tagged photos, measurements, and a clear timeline of events change the conversation. **Know the difference between a repair and a replacement.** A single failure type on a young roof is usually a repair. Multiple concurrent failures on a roof past its design life is almost always a replacement. Patching the surface while the underlying systems are failing is the most expensive option in the long run. If your roof took damage this past winter or you want a professional assessment before the next storm season, get a free estimate [/contact/ →](/contact/) or read about our storm damage repair service [/storm-damage-roof-repair/ →](/storm-damage-roof-repair/) . ## Talk to Hartford Roofing Company Free estimates. Honest options. Same-day response for active leaks. Get a Free Estimate [/contact/ →](/contact/)