When sudden, substantial damage occurs to a roof, homeowners must arrange for emergency roofing repairs as soon as possible.
Delaying these repairs can lead to further damage that can endanger the roof as well as the entire home, depending on the type of damage.
Still, it is not always possible for emergency roof repair contractors to show up immediately, especially after storms when many people may be seeking their help.
To get through until emergency roof repairs can be made, homeowners can follow these simple tips.
- Photograph the Damage - Snap some photos of the damage that can be passed to insurance providers or emergency roof repair contractors as needed, to help with the damage assessment. Most insurance companies will require pictures of the damage, anyway. Continue to document the repair process so there are before and after photos, and keep all work receipts for insurance purposes.
- Contact the Insurance Company - Once the extent of any obvious damage is located and photographed, homeowners should call their homeowner's insurance agencies and start the claims process. They may send out an adjuster over the next few days and recommend a contractor, or simply give the okay to start arranging for emergency roof repairs to be made by a contractor of the homeowner’s choosing.
- Make a Temporary Repair If Possible - After starting the insurance claims process, make temporary repairs to minimize additional damage if possible. Slide loose shingles back into place and nail them down, or slide spare shingles where some may have broken or blown off. If there is active leaking inside the attic or house, make efforts to catch that water and protect personal items.
- Cover the Damaged Area With A Tarp - Avoid more damage to an already damaged area of the roof by covering it with a tarp and affixing it to the surrounding roofing material. This can be done by laying the tarp over the area of damage, then nailing it to the shingles around the damaged area. To prevent water from getting under the tarp, hang and affix one end of it over the roof ridge if possible.
- Call An Emergency Roof Repair Contractor - Once any temporary emergency roofing repairs have been made so the damaged area is protected from more weather, reach out to a local emergency roof repair contractor to make plans for a permanent repair. Send the damage photos if requested so the contractor can get an idea of the scope of the repair as they schedule the most convenient time to come and take care of it.
Roofing emergencies happen.
The best way to handle them is to first minimize the chance of additional damage occurring if possible, then get the insurance company and a local emergency roof repair contractor involved.
A reliable emergency roofing repair contractor will fit urgent repairs into their work schedule as quickly as possible.