How to Deal with Emergency Roof Repairs

Every year, approximately 41 percent of all home repair bids involve some kind of roof repair.

A damaged roof can seriously affect the safety and integrity of your home. If you're trying to decide which home repairs to prioritize, roof repairs should always be at the top of your list.

Many people put off roof repairs, often because they don't realize they're dealing with a roofing emergency.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about spotting roofing emergencies and handling emergency roof repair.

Most Common Causes of Roofing Emergencies

The first step to dealing with roofing emergencies is being able to recognize when they arise.

When you read more about roofing emergencies, the easier it'll be to spot them. The following are some of the most common causes of roofing emergencies:

Hailstorm Damage

Hail is one of the worst things that can happen to a roof. It can often lead to cracks in your shingles and severe hailstorms can even create holes in the roof!

If a hailstorm recently occurred in your area, it's a good idea to take a look at your roof and check for damage as soon as the weather clears up.

Wind Damage

Wind can also cause a lot of damage to your roof. It can yank off shingles (especially older shingles). This, in turn, can make your roof more vulnerable to damage from wind and other extreme weather.

Water Damage

Water damage from long periods of rain or heavy snowfall can make your roof more prone to leaks and other issues. Many people who deal with roof leaks and other emergencies find themselves in this position because of severe water damage.

Neglect

You may be more prone to roofing emergencies if you've been neglecting your roof. Has it been a while since you've replaced old shingles or inspected your roof for signs of damage? If so, you're increasing your risk of a leak or another issue.

What to Do in a Roofing Emergency

Do any of these issues sound familiar to you? Have you recently dealt with severe weather or are you noticing that your roof is in disrepair?

If you are experiencing a roofing emergency, it's important to act quickly. The following are some steps you ought to take as soon as a roofing emergency arises:

Hire a Roofing Expert

Do not try to repair your roof yourself.

Climbing up on your roof when you see signs of damage but don't understand the full extent of that damage could increase your chances of injuring yourself.

You could also end up causing more damage to your roof.

Instead of trying to fix the issue yourself, call a roofing expert and let them know that you're dealing with an emergency situation.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

It's also a good idea to call your insurance provider right away, too.

Your homeowners' insurance provider will likely help to cover the cost of the roof repairs, but they need to know about the damage as soon as possible.

They'll likely need to send someone out to come and inspect the issue, too, before they'll pay for it.

Protect Your Home

You shouldn't climb up on the roof to try and fix the problem. That doesn't mean you can't minimize damage inside the home, though.

If there's water inside your house, lay down a tarp in your attic or on the floor in the area where the leak is occurring. You should also set down buckets or bowls to collect the water that's leaking.

How to Find Emergency Roof Repair

The first step you ought to take when it comes to repairing your roof is to hire a roofing expert.

The following are some tips that will help you find the best roofing expert to handle your repairs:

Make Sure They're Insured

When you're looking into roofing contractors, start by making sure they're fully insured.

They should have both worker's compensation insurance and liability insurance.

Try to get a copy of their insurance certificate and reach out to their insurance provider to make sure their policy is current.

Focus on More Than Price

Of course, you have to think about your budget when you're shopping around for roofing contractors.

That shouldn't be your main priority, though. With roof repair, as with most things, you get what you pay for.

A cheap roof repair job could end up costing you more money later. It's better to invest in a good repair job now so that your roof will last as long as possible.

Steer Clear of Storm Chasers

Storm chasers are individuals who prey on people who are the victims of storm damage. They might show up at your house after a big storm and offer you a "great deal" on roof repair.

The repairs these people perform usually are not high-quality and won't come with the kind of warranty you'll get if you work with a licensed and insured local roofing professional.

Get the Details in Writing

Once you've found a roofing contractor who seems like a good candidate, be sure to ask for a copy of their contract and estimate.

Read through it carefully and take note of anything questionable before you sign anything.

Pay special attention to the warranty, too, and consider asking for an extended warranty if possible.

Get Your Roof Fixed Today

Now that you know more about spotting roofing emergencies and handling emergency roof repair, it's time to get your roof fixed once and for all.

Remember, if your roof is in good shape, you'll be less likely to deal with water damage, pest infestations, and other costly home issues. You'll also increase the market value of your home if you're planning to sell it in the near future.

Keep this information in mind and you'll have no trouble finding an emergency roofing professional who can take care of your roof for you.

Are you interested in making other improvements to your home once your roof is fixed?

If so, be sure to check out some of the other posts on our site today. This post on DIY home renovations is a great starting point.