Tropical Storm Bertha has left a trail of damage across the Baltimore area, with many homeowners now facing the daunting task of assessing and repairing their roofs. The storm, which made landfall along the Gulf Coast, fed into an already unsettled weather pattern, triggering severe thunderstorms across the Mid-Atlantic on July 22. Local meteorologist Justin Berk warned of damaging wind gusts topping 60 mph, isolated tornadoes, and rainfall exceeding five inches in the hardest-hit areas—conditions that can tear off shingles, lift flashing, and open roofs to leaks.
The impact reached well inland, as the National Weather Service reported wind gusts over 60 mph in the strongest storms, enough to strip shingles, bend gutters, and drive water beneath roofing materials, where it can go undetected for weeks. This has left homeowners in Towson, Middle River, Annapolis, and surrounding communities vulnerable to hidden damage that may not surface until the next storm.
In response, Aero Residential Contractors, a roofing, gutter, and siding contractor based in Middle River, is offering free storm-damage assessments to help homeowners address issues before they escalate. The firm notes that the most common post-storm calls involve missing or lifted shingles, damaged flashing, and clogged or detached gutters. These problems, if left unaddressed, can lead to costly repairs as slow leaks eventually reach ceilings and interiors.
Homeowners are advised to take several proactive steps after a storm. First, document everything—photograph roofs, gutters, siding, and any interior water stains before making repairs, as insurers require evidence tied to the storm date. Second, watch for hidden damage; lifted or cracked shingles, dented gutters, and displaced flashing are not always visible from the ground and can cause leaks weeks later. Third, be aware of insurance timelines; many policies limit how long homeowners have to file a storm-damage claim, so an early inspection can protect both the roof and the claim. Finally, prepare for future harsh weather; with the tropical season still active, repairing damage now reduces the risk of a small issue becoming a major one in the next round of storms. Taking photos of the roof and exterior before a storm, while they are in good condition, provides a clear "before" reference for comparison when filing a claim.
Tj Ryder, owner and operator of Aero Residential Contractors, emphasized the severity of the situation: "Tropical storm Bertha caused severe thunderstorms and significant roof damage across towns like Towson, Middle River, and Annapolis. Our team has decades of experience assessing tropical storm damage and can provide comprehensive quotes and repair to get homes back into shape for the next tropical storm." With 40 years of service to the Baltimore region, the company is licensed in Maryland (MHIC #95854) and offers 24/7 emergency roof repair. Their team works directly with homeowners on storm-damage assessments and insurance documentation, ensuring that properties are restored and protected against future weather events.
