Your Guide to Emergency Roof Repair

If roof shingles are flying or water is actively dripping into your home, it may be too late to brainstorm an emergency roof repair plan. Acting fast is essential to ensure that the top of your home stays intact and avoids further damage.

Here’s everything you need to know to become an emergency roof repair expert.

Signs of a roof leak you need to know

Before your leaking roof turns into a serious problem, here are some common indicators that your roof is in disrepair:

• Water spots
• Missing or damaged shingles
• Missing or damaged flashing
• Water spots or wet roof decking

What can cause a roofing emergency?

While it can be difficult to predict when roof damage will occur, a few common conditions can spark a roofing emergency. Knowing what they are can help you prepare should your roof become compromised. These include:

• Weather: Strong wind gusts above 50 mph can pull shingles off your roof and cause branches to fly right through your roofline. Lightning that strikes your house can also burn a hole through your roof. Be sure to inspect your roof after a severe storm to make sure everything is intact.
• Fire: An isolated fire in your home can cause damage to your roof. If your home has experienced a fire, whether small or big, you must have a roofing professional in your area come out and evaluate your roof.
• Animals: Outside critters are known for nesting in attics and chewing holes through roofs. Regularly inspect your attic and gutters to make sure you don’t have any animals making a home for themselves in your indoor space.

Tips for handling roof emergencies

If you’re handling a roof emergency, there are several things you should do until the professionals can get there to evaluate the situation. These include:

1. Place a tarp to prevent leaks

If water is seeping into your home, you must take immediate action to prevent additional cosmetic or structural problems. Place a temporary tarp over the roof’s service until a professional can come out and evaluate the situation. Pull the tarp down tightly and smooth it out. You’ll want to ensure that the tarp is tucked under the roofing material or installed up and over a ridge to prevent the water from entering.

2. Repair damaged shingles

Loose or damaged shingles can sometimes cause leaks. As a temporary fix, you can reaffix loose shingles and the surrounding shingles using adhesive, cement, or roofing nails. Make sure to record and note the shingles you’ve fixed so you can provide that information to a roofing professional once they arrive.

3. Document the damage

While it may be dangerous to climb up on your roof to assess the damage, documenting the damage can help professionals when they arrive. You can:

• Snap “after” photos and videos of the damage if possible
• Document what you believe to be the extent of the damage
• Record any estimates you have received

4. Speak with your insurance company

Once you assess the damage, you’ll want to reach out to your insurance company and describe the damage to your roof. Find out what your homeowner’s insurance policy covers and whether it will cover partial or full costs for repair. Your insurance company will likely send an inspector to your home to investigate and verify your claim.

Contact us for a free roofing inspection to check your roof’s condition today!

Knowing the state of your roof won’t cost you a thing with our team at Rain Tight Roofing. Take this chance to understand what’s necessary for your roof to offer your family safety and comfort. And find out what needs fixing early, so it doesn't grow more inconvenient and expensive.

Call now at (318) 353-ROOF and take advantage of your free inspection.