40% of building-related problems are due to water intrusion.
If you’ve ever experienced water intrusion in your own home, you understand how quickly mass damage can occur. It also leaves you thinking, “How did the water get in there in the first place?”
We are willing to bet the water seeped in due to a damaged roof. Roof damage often occurs during the winter, intense storms, or house fires. It’s important to perform emergency roof repair at the first sign of damage.
No one wants to deal with roof emergencies because the process is overwhelming and stressful. We are here to make the process a bit easier by providing a guide on how to handle emergency roof repair. Make sure to keep reading below.
Take a Breath
We know it’s your first instinct to freak out if there’s an emergency. Whether it’s a tree hitting your roof during a storm or a small fire that destroyed a piece of your roof, your body will go into fight-or-flight mode.
During an emergency, it’s crucial to react strategically. You’ll want to take a quick breath. Decide what your first step is going to be.
If you have other people in your home, make sure everyone is safe. A collapsing roof can cause major injuries or even death. Worry about your friends and family first.
After you guarantee everyone is safe, you’ll want to protect what you can in your home. Move furniture and other valuables out of the way from damage. During storms, water will start leaking in a damaged roof so you’ll want to elevate important items and unplug appliances.
Contact Your Insurance Company
When it’s a safe time to step away for a second, give your insurance company a call to file a claim. They’ll ask you a list of questions to get you the help you need.
You’ll want to make sure you document any damage. Take pictures with your phone of the roof and anything the roof damage affected. If you can remember the time of the initial damage, write it down.
Share all damage documentation with your insurance company. It’s important to make sure all of your bases are covered.
Don’t DIY
We know it’s tempting to perform DIY roof repair. Don’t give in to this temptation. Call the professionals.
Getting on a damaged roof can cause injury. There are other weak spots and debris you won’t notice until it’s too late. Trying to fix it yourself will do more harm than good.
Your job is to protect what you can within the home. As you scope out the indoors, be extra careful in rooms where there’s roof damage. You don’t want anything to fall on your head.
Call the Professionals
Call professionals in your area for roof repair services. Depending on the state of emergency, it may take some time for them to get to you. For example, you won’t be able to get anyone to your house during a large storm.
If you’re the only one in your area with roof damage, the professionals will be able to start working on your roof quickly. If there are many damaged roofs in the area, it could take some time.
Many companies will at least place tarps or other covers on your roof until they can professionally get it repaired. Have some patience with the roofing company, and don’t hesitate to call several companies to gather information.
Seek Other Living Arrangements
Unfortunately, some roof damage may be so extensive that you’ll have to find other living arrangements as you wait for a total roof repair. This often happens in the case of a fire.
Contact local friends and family to see if there are any places you can crash for free. It might be a little more difficult if you have a large family so it’s best to invest in blow-up mattresses.
Many insurance companies can provide aid by paying for hotel room stays and storage units. It’ll be a major adjustment, but it’s safer than staying in a damaged home.
Explore all options to find somewhere safe for you and your family.
Do Your Best to Prevent Roof Damage
While roof damage isn’t predictable, there are steps you can take to help prevent damage. These tips are especially important in your winter preparation.
Start by trimming any low-hanging limbs. During a storm, limbs may hit your roof. In the winter, limbs die in the cold and may fall and cause damage.
If a major storm is on its way, have a professional inspector come take a look at your roof. They’ll be able to point out any potential problem areas.
Take time to secure any outside tools or furniture that could be lifted during a storm. You’d be surprised how quickly strong winds can lift and transport furniture through the air.
Lastly, you’ll want to clean all debris and junk out of your gutters. Get rid of anything that could become a problem.
Remain Hopeful
Just as you took a breath in during the emergency to calm yourself down, don’t forget to take deep breaths along the whole repair journey. It’s extremely stressful to know your home is damaged.
Trust the professionals working on your home, and don’t hesitate to ask them any questions you might have. We know it’s important to update the homeowner about the progress of the repairs.
The Aftermath of Disaster: Emergency Roof Repair
Large storms and fires can cause major damage, especially to your home’s roof. Emergency roof repair is stressful, but we are here to guide you through the entire process.
It’s important to remain calm during an emergency and to save what you can. When you’re able to, don’t forget to call your insurance and document the damage. Reach out to the professionals for roof repair.
Has your roof recently experienced damage? You’ve come to the right site. Contact us today for our roofing services, and don’t forget to check out the rest of our blog posts for quick roofing tips.
