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6 Important Emergency Roof Repair Tips You Need to Know

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6 Important Emergency Roof Repair Tips You Need to Know

Your roof is an integral component of your home that acts as a barrier against the outside elements and protects your home and everything inside of it. You depend on your roof every day without realizing that you do. So what happens if a tree crashes into your attic in the middle of the night, or strong winds rip it apart? How do you protect the interior of your home from extensive roof damage? All these dangerous circumstances can cause significant damage that requires immediate attention. As roofers, we classify these conditions as emergency repairs. 

In the following blog, we will share with you some crucial emergency roof repair tips that you need to follow if you are faced with harsh circumstances affecting your roof,  and have to wait till the professionals can get to it.  

What Qualifies As An Emergency Roof Repair?

emergency roof repair
emergency roof repair

When a roof is compromised, it will allow in water and eventually lead to leaks. A quick emergency roof repair or protective cover must be installed to prevent further interior and structural damage. In most instances, you’ll need to use an emergency tarp for the hole, or the damaged area, until the storm passes and roofers can assess the damage and propose a more permanent roof repair option.

Here are some signs of a roof emergency that will require you to make emergency roof repairs: 

Water Damage/Water Leaks: 

Such signs will include the following and may mean that you require emergency roof repair.  

  • Roof leaks
  • Water stains or damage to interior ceilings
  • Sagging areas along the roof deck or ceiling.
  • Puddles or pooling water 

Wind Damage: 

During heavy storms or lightning strikes, your home can suffer from wind damage. Look for signs such as the following: 

  • Missing or loose shingles or tiles 
  • Damaged or missing flashing around chimneys, vents, or other roof penetrations
  • Debris or fallen tree limbs on the roof, which means that your roof requires attention

Other Signs Of Roof Damage: 

  • Cracks or gaps in the roof, or the sealant around roof penetrations,
  • Hail damage or damage from a fallen object

If you ignore these signs for too long then it could result in significant roof damage in the future.

What Should Homeowners Do About Roof Damage?

Now comes the main question, what should you do if your roof becomes damaged due to heavy rains or strong winds? How do you face this tough situation? We get a lot of queries and therefore, have come up with some tips so that you can prevent further damage. 

#1 Keep Yourself Calm And Collected 

The first step after a roofing emergency is to remain calm and protect your home the best as you can because if you panic, you will be unable to take the necessary steps. Take a few deep breaths and assess the situation calmly. Prioritize your safety and the safety of others, and take the necessary steps to mitigate any immediate risks.  Many times, roof damage appears far worse to a homeowner than it would be to a professional roofer.  

#2 Inspect Your Roof

After the storm has passed it is time for you to inspect your home’s roof. Start with the interiors and look for the signs we have discussed above. Then move to the outside to inspect your roofing system.  It’s essential to prioritize safety when working on a roof. Before starting any repairs, you should ensure that you have the appropriate safety gear, which includes sturdy shoes with a good grip, gloves to protect your hands, and a safety harness. By taking these safety precautions into consideration, you can reduce the risk of injury while making repairs to your roof. 

#3 Make Temporary Storm Damage Roof Repairs

The second step is to minimize the roof damage as much as you can by making temporary roof repairs. If your roof has any holes, then cover it with plastic tarps or other waterproof materials. If water is dripping from your roof, then you may need to place buckets, or other containers under the hole to collect water. Then, you should call a professional roofing company that provides 24/7 emergency roof repairs.  

#4 Use A Roof Tarp To Cover The Affected Area

 If you notice a leak or other signs of damage to your roof, it’s important to cover the affected area with a tarp or other waterproof materials as soon as possible. This can help prevent further damage from rain or snow while you wait for more permanent repairs. To cover the affected area, you should use a large tarp or plastic sheeting and secure it in place using heavy objects or roofing nails. Nowadays, there are roof tarps available that are made from high-quality materials that can easily face harsh weather. 

Be sure to cover the entire affected area and extend the tarp or sheeting several feet beyond the damaged area to ensure that water doesn’t enter your home.

#5 Remember To Document Damage 

Documenting the damage and contacting your insurance company is important to ensure that you get proper compensation for any repairs or replacements needed. It’s important to take photos of the storm or hail damage from various angles, as well as any areas where water may have entered your home. You should also keep track of any repairs or expenses related to the damage. 

After that, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. It will help ensure that you receive prompt assistance regarding your insurance claim and that you understand the terms of your coverage.

#6 Call A Roofing Professional 

The tips that we have listed above are precautionary and can help go a long way in protecting your home from additional damage. But emergency repairs do need the attention of a professional roofing contractor.  If the damage to your roof is extensive, or if you don’t have the necessary experience or equipment to make the repairs yourself, it’s best to call a professional roofing contractor. A professional can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action to repair your roof. They can also ensure that the repairs are done safely and properly and that your roof is restored to its original condition. It’s important to choose a licensed and insured contractor with a good reputation in your community to ensure that you receive quality service.

When A Roofer Receives A Call For Emergency Repairs, What Happens?

If it’s the middle of a storm, then you’ll have to wait until the storm subsides for a roofing contractor to come out to your home, as the safety of your chosen contractor is also important. Once the roofer arrives, they will start by assessing the damage to your home. They’ll check for leaks and other issues that may have been overlooked before starting work on-site. They will also cover the damaged areas with strong plastic tarps if you haven’t already, that is secured tightly and will protect your roof when lightning strikes or another storm hits your area before they can start repairs on your roof. 

Why Choose Us?

When you choose a roofing contractor, be sure to pick one that is licensed and insured. If you’re looking for an emergency roofer near you, then SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors has got you covered. Whether you have missing shingles, a leaky roof, or require a complete roof replacement, we can take care of any roofing problem. We also offer 24/7 emergency roof repair services to the residents of Tampa, FL. Be prepared for emergencies and contact us today, at (813) 400-3329 to book a free roof inspection with a licensed contractor. Our professionals will help you find the problems and damage to your roof, and provide advice on how you should move forward to protect it from further damage.

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