Emergency Roof Repairs: What You Need to Know
When disaster strikes, what do you do? As a homeowner, there’s no telling when you’ll encounter roof problems that require emergency roof repairs, so it’s best to be prepared and know what steps to take. Robbin Roofing and Construction is here to guide you through everything you need to know in the face of roofing emergencies to ensure that you restore the structural integrity of your home while prioritizing your safety.
Related Article: The Most Common Types of Roof Repairs
Roofing Issues That Require Emergency Roof Repair Services
Even with regular roof maintenance, you may still find yourself in need of urgent repairs after a roofing emergency. Calling the pros for a roof repair emergency can help prevent further damage to your roofing materials and property, saving you time and money in the long run.
How do you know if your damaged roof really needs an emergency repair? Here are the different types of emergency roof problems that should be addressed as soon as possible:
Leaking Roof
Having a roof leak is quite a common roof problem. If you notice any signs of water intrusion such as water dripping from the ceiling or water stains spreading across your wall, you likely have a roof leak. Both major and minor leaks can be caused by damaged or missing shingles, clogged gutters, ice dams, and faulty roof penetrations.
When you leave emergency roof leaks unaddressed, the water leaks could lead to more pressing issues like mold growth, structural damage, and ruined insulation. Now, if it’s a small leak that isn’t causing much damage, it’s alright for you to wait a couple of days before getting it fixed. However, if you have a water leak right next to your fuse box, or if the water leak is causing extensive damage to your home’s interior and threatening the structural integrity of your house, it’s definitely time for an emergency roof repair.
Extreme Weather Damage
When a big storm hits, the heavy rain, high winds, and hail can lead to compromised shingles, water damage, hail damage, water backup, and large holes in your roof. Extreme storm damage and wind damage can also manifest in large sections of your roof being blown off, leaving your house’s interior vulnerable to further damage.
Issues requiring minor repairs may not immediately demand emergency roof repairs, but it’s best to get them sorted out as soon as possible to prevent even worse and more expensive problems down the line. Contact your trusted roofers for storm and weather damage repair services as soon as possible to protect yourself and your property.
Fallen Tree Damage
When a tree falls during storms or tornadoes, you can end up with various roofing emergencies like water damage, damaged asphalt shingle roofs, and even a partially collapsing roof. Make sure you arrange emergency repairs if a large tree falls and leaves a substantial dent or hole in your roof. Additionally, if the tree breaks through the interior of your home, call an experienced roofing contractor for emergency roof repairs so you can restore your home’s comfort and safety.
Remember—when you notice fallen trees and debris on your roof, avoid climbing the roof yourself to remove the fallen tree limb, especially if the roof surface is still wet from the rain. You can end up slipping and land yourself in the hospital.
Structural Damage
If you notice your roof bowing or sagging, it may be an indication of extensive damage to your property. Other signs include cracks or breaks in the roof supports as well as a collapsing roof. Severe damage like this requires emergency roof repairs as soon as possible. In extreme cases, you may even need a complete roof replacement.
Fire Damage
Fire damage to a roof can come from things like a lightning strike, a chimney with creosote buildup, wildfires, electrical issues, and even poor roofing installation or the use of flammable materials. Fires can leave significant damage and burns to your roof, so it’s important to act fast and call for a roofing emergency service.
Pest Damage
Despite homeowners’ best efforts, pests and small creatures like mice, squirrels, and chipmunks can still find their way into your roof and wreak havoc there. They can chew through your roofing materials, build nests in your gutters, poke holes in the roof, tear up insulation, and create health hazards due to their droppings.
Even with preventative measures, these critters can still somehow find their way around various barriers and cause pressing roof damage that requires emergency roof repair services. So, it’s important to be vigilant and keep an eye out for any signs of pest infestation.
What to Do in Case of a Roofing Emergency
If you find yourself in an emergency roof repair situation, keep these tips in mind to ensure your safety and minimize damage to your roof:
Prioritize Your Safety
In the event of a roofing emergency, always put your and your family’s safety first. Stay away from the damaged roof, especially if the damage is prominent from the inside of your house. There’s a risk of structural collapse or electrical hazards, so move to a safer area until the issue has been properly addressed.
Safely Minimize the Damage
If it’s safe, you can minimize the damage by doing things like using buckets or tarps to catch water leaks from the ceiling. Doing so can also prevent people from slipping on water puddles on the floor. If you’re dealing with storm damage, for instance, you can use plastic sheeting to protect furniture from water, or you can move your valuable possessions away from areas where it can get wet.
Take Pictures of the Roof Damage
For insurance purposes, don’t forget to snap pictures and record videos of the damage. Make sure it’s safe to get close enough to document the damage. You’ll need these pictures and videos for your insurance claim, so document everything before any temporary or permanent repairs are made.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You can report the roof damage to your insurance company to start the insurance claim process. They typically assess the damage and approve coverage so you can proceed with the emergency roof repair. This way, you’re sure that your repairs are covered and that you meet whatever insurance requirements they have.
Call Experienced Roofers for Emergency Repairs
Call your trusted emergency roofer like Robbins Roofing for an emergency roof repair service. These skilled professionals will likely perform a professional roof inspection and assess the extent of the damage. Afterward, they will provide solutions to your urgent needs.
For severe storm damage and active leaks, the roofers may provide a temporary fix first. For example, emergency tarping or the application of a temporary roof patch can protect your roof damage from worsening until they can make permanent repairs (once the weather is better or once the insurance assessment has been completed).
Call Robbins Roofing and Construction for Emergency Roofing Services
If you find yourself dealing with a roof emergency in Oklahoma City, Robbins Roofing and Construction is your top local expert in emergency roof repair. Whether you need a new roof installment or quick repairs, you can rely on our professional team of roofers and their quality workmanship.
Contact us today for roof repair Oklahoma City services you can trust!
