As strong and durable as it may be, your roof was not designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. The high winds and torrential rains that accompany most major storms can cause serious damage to essential structure, not to mention lightning, hail, and falling trees. What should you expect when requesting an emergency roof repair? Let’s find out.
when to call
Before discussing repairs, it is important to explain what qualifies as a roofing emergency. As we mentioned, damage to the structure is to be expected during a severe storm. But not all damage requires immediate attention. Missing shingles, small leaks, and overflowing gutters are not considered emergencies. If you contact a service provider with these issues, either during or after a storm, they are unlikely to respond immediately. Those are, after all, issues that can be addressed in a scheduled visit.
As a general rule, immediate attention is needed when the structure is compromised and allows water infiltration. In this case, the service provider will install a temporary protective covering, such as a tarp, to prevent further damage to the interior and structure. Permanent roof repair can be completed at a later date.
When to expect service
If you call during a storm, don’t expect an immediate response. Honestly, there’s nothing a team can do when high winds and heavy rain whip around them. In most cases, they must wait until the storm passes before they begin making house calls. Depending on the damage and the time of day, the team may cover the exposed area with a tarp or perform temporary patchwork. They could, for example, use aluminum flashing to cover missing shingles, small holes, and other exposed areas.
Permanent Repairs
When the damage is caused by a fire or a fallen tree, timely repair of the roof may be impossible. Because both events are likely to cause structural damage, the entire roof may need to be removed and replaced. To determine if a complete replacement is required, inspections must be performed on the structure before any work can be performed.
How to proceed
If your phone still works, you can contact a local contractor and request an emergency roof repair. As we mentioned, they probably won’t show up on your doorstep until the storm passes. You can also report the damage to your insurance provider. This can help speed up the claim process when you submit an estimate for repairs. You should also explore your options once the contractor has completed the initial inspection. Lastly, it is extremely important to document all damage in writing and with photographs. This information must be submitted to your insurance provider in a timely manner.
A word of warning
We should also add that attempting any roof repair on your own is an incredibly bad idea. Hundreds of homeowners are seriously injured each year because they think they can fix a minor problem with a little bit of effort. In the end, this dangerous job is best left to professionals. This is doubled when the structure has been compromised and needs immediate attention.