As a homeowner, you never want to deal with emergency roof repairs. Not only are they stressful, but they can also be costly. While the best way to avoid these situations is by taking care of your roof before disaster strikes, there are some things you can do if you find yourself surprised by a roof leak or other urgent problem.
In this blog post, we will review what to do if your roof is:
- Leaking
- Missing shingles
- Has structural damage
Keep reading to learn more.
What to Do When Your Roof is Leaking
Discovering a leak in your roof can be alarming and stressful. However, quick action can help minimize the damage to your home. The first step is to contain the leak. Place a bucket under the leak to catch the water, and consider draping a plastic sheet over any belongings that the water could damage.
Next, try to determine the source of the leak. This could be due to several factors, including a cracked or missing shingle, a damaged flashing, or a hole in the roof. Remember that water tends to travel before it drips down visibly, so the leak may be located in a different part of the roof.
Note: If unsafe conditions or an active storm are ongoing, you should not walk on your roof. Do your best to protect your belongings and wait for our professional roof repair specialists to arrive.
Once you have done your best to contain the leak, call Fraser Roofing, LLC, as soon as possible. Even if the leak doesn't seem significant, it's better to be safe than sorry. If the leak is large, or if it's causing considerable water damage to your home, it may require emergency 24/7 repair. Signs that you may need emergency service include a large amount of water pouring into your home, visible damage to the roof structure, or if the leak is causing electrical issues.
What to Do if Your Roof is Missing Shingles
Missing shingles or flashing on your roof may not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to significant damage from water and/or pests. The first action to take is a visual inspection from the ground, noting all the areas where shingles are missing. Avoid climbing the roof yourself, as it can be dangerous, especially in bad weather conditions.
Document the condition of your roof with photos and detailed notes. These can be extremely useful to both our repair technicians and for insurance purposes should your homeowner’s insurance cover roof repairs. If you are concerned about coming rain, you can cover the affected area temporarily with a waterproof tarp (if it is safe for you to do so).
What to Do if Your Roof Suffers Structural Damage
If structural damage occurs to your roof due to accidents like a falling tree limb, fire, or storm, it's crucial to take immediate action to ensure the safety of everyone in the house and prevent further damage. First and foremost, evacuate the premises, if necessary, especially in cases involving a fire or if the damage affects the safety of your home.
You want to call for emergency roof repairs in all cases of significant structural damage. Our team of professional roofers will respond quickly, providing you with the guidance and repair service you need to get your roof back together.
We can help with a range of roofing emergencies, including:
- Hail damage
- Lightning damage
- Fire damage
- Falling object damage
It might also be a good idea to contact your homeowner's insurance provider as soon as possible to report the incident and begin the claims process. Most insurance policies cover damage caused by uncontrollable factors like storms and fires.
Are you struggling with roof repair problems or need emergency roof repairs? Contact the team at Fraser Roofing, LLC, to get the help you need today.