Pittsburgh has been hammered by repeated severe storms this spring—and while most homeowners check for missing shingles, John Polosky, owner of Powerhouse Roofing, says the real damage is happening in places no one’s looking: gutters and drainage systems.
“We discovered something unexpected while inspecting roofs this season,” says Polosky. “The most expensive water damage isn’t coming from where shingles blew off—it’s from disconnected downspouts, crushed gutters, and warped flashing that no one even notices until ceilings stain or basements flood.”
The Bigger Story: A Hidden Infrastructure Crisis on Pittsburgh Homes
Powerhouse Roofing teams have documented a 37% increase in hidden gutter or flashing damage in the past 6 weeks—damage caused not by neglect, but by back-to-back microbursts, sideways rain, and hail hitting non-obvious entry points.
This isn’t just a roofing story. It’s a warning that homeowners are overlooking the most vulnerable part of their storm protection system—and the insurance clock is ticking.
“You’ve got about 30 days to report storm-related damage to most carriers. By the time internal signs show up, it’s too late,” says Polosky. “We’re not trying to scare people—but we are seeing the same preventable pattern over and over.”
What Journalists Might Miss:
-Gutters are warping under extreme rainfall: Standard brackets are failing as water volume doubles in storms.
-Downspouts are draining at foundation level: leading to long-term structural issues.
-Flashing is pulling back around chimneys and valleys—allowing wind-blown rain direct access to attic insulation.
“Nobody is talking about this because it’s not visible from the street,” Polosky explains. “But Pittsburgh homes weren’t built to handle the kind of storm systems we’re seeing now.”
Why This Matters Now:
Severe weather frequency is increasing—with more than 14 days of storm activity already logged in the region in Q2 alone.
Gutter replacements and repairs are backlogged—with lead times stretching to 4–6 weeks for some materials.
Solar installations are rising—and many are being added to roofs with compromised drainage systems, putting the entire investment at risk.
About Powerhouse Roofing
Powerhouse Roofing is a locally owned residential roofing company serving the greater Pittsburgh area. Founded by John Polosky, the company is known for its honest assessments, education-first approach, and deep commitment to helping homeowners understand what’s really happening on—and under—their roofs.
Location Info:
Powerhouse Home Improvements
1525 Park Manor Blvd #285, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
+17249797663
