Accidents and emergencies can happen at any time, whether they’re the result of a storm, a fallen tree, or a fire breakout. In such scenarios, it’s a good idea to be aware of all the immediate steps you should take till expert roofing contractors can arrive on the spot. Genesis Roofing & Repair has created this guide particularly for this purpose, playing its part in preparing you for emergencies and guiding you through the roof repair process.
Handling Roofing Emergencies
The first thing you should remember when facing a roofing emergency is not to panic. Stay calm and prioritize the well-being of you and your loved ones when facing severe roof damage.
Let’s take a look at all the things you should do during a roof repair emergency.
- Stay Away From The Roof
If you feel that your roof has been hit during a hurricane or tornado, do not go up there yourself. Climbing onto the roof is dangerous, especially during inclement weather conditions, so it’s better to stay in a safer part of your structure if you cannot leave altogether.
- Safety Gear
On the other hand, if the weather isn’t severe and you have easy access to your roof, make sure you have a hard hat and sturdy boots on when you visit your roof to assess the damage for yourself.
- Document The Damage
Thanks to modern technology, taking high-quality pictures isn’t that difficult. Pull out your phone and carefully snap a few pictures of the roof’s condition for documentation purposes.
- Contact A Reliable Roofing Company
Next, reach out to an expert roofer in the area. Ensure they’re licensed and insured and have good reviews before you do, to receive the best service. Also, share the pictures you took of your roof with them. This will give them a clearer idea of the extent of the damage your roof has received, and they might offer useful advice you can follow till they arrive.
- Call Your Insurance Company
Next, reach out to your insurance firm. Most types of roof damage are covered by insurance, and getting them involved from the get-go will save you a lot of stress and money when it’s time for roof repairs. Also, share the pictures with them to make your case stronger.
- Temporary Repairs Till The Permanent Solution
Next, if the roofers give you some guidance, follow their tips to prevent the damage from worsening. Usually, roofing contractors arrive within 24 hours during emergencies, but in the meantime, be sure to carry out simple preventative measures so that your roof remains stable.
- Cover the damage: Use heavy-duty plastic sheets and heavy tarps to cover the damaged area to prevent further water damage.
- Seal cracks: Seal off cracks and small holes in your roof with roofing tape as a temporary fix to prevent them from worsening.
Tools & Equipment For Emergency Roof Repair
Being prepared for emergencies—even if you’ve never experienced one before—is a smart idea to prevent the situation from escalating. Here is a look at a few items you should have handy.
- Roofing Tarps: Having them around can help cover exposed areas of the roof from further damage. They can also keep your interiors safe from rainwater, saving you from water damage.
- Ladders: Having a sturdy ladder on hand to access the roof is always a good idea. This way, you can assess the damage yourself if needed and even have a spare ladder handy for when the roofers arrive.
- Roofing Cement and Sealants: another temporary fix; these seal off small cracks and holes in your roof till proper repairs can be made.
- Patching compounds and roofing tape: also crucial for sealing off small openings in your roof. These can prevent the damage to your roof from worsening till help arrives.
- Gutter cleaning tools: These are important for clearing away debris from your gutter systems so that they remain efficient and don’t cause further water damage.
- Power tools and roofing nails: saws, drills, and roofing nails are crucial for emergency roof repair to prevent the damage from escalating.
- Safety gear: hard hats, safety goggles, and gloves, along with harnesses, prevent injuries and accidents
- Emergency Roof Repair Kits: Finally, having a kit prepared for these types of emergencies is a good idea to keep the emergency roof repair process efficient and stress-free.
- Financing & Insurance
Finally, emergency roof repair is usually covered by most insurance policies. Read through your insurance carefully and ask relevant questions to have it covered by your insurance company, and seek emergency loans and assistance for further help with the roof repair process.
Conclusion
Roofing emergencies can happen at any time due to storms, fire breakouts, and other natural disasters. Keep up with your maintenance to prevent most types of emergencies, follow our guide to deal with roofing disasters, and leave the actual roof repair to licensed and experienced professionals.
FAQs
How long does emergency roof repair take?
While minor fixes can be done quickly, large-scale damage can take hours or even days to fix. It all depends on the extent of the damage, the roofing material, and the availability of the materials needed.
How often should I inspect my roof?
Inspect your roof at least once a year and definitely after major storms.
What is the best temporary roof cover?
Polyethylene tarps are by far the best temporary roof covers.
What should I do first in a roofing emergency?
Prioritize safety, stay away from the roof during severe weather, and call a professional roofing contractor immediately.
How quickly do roofers respond to emergencies?
Emergency roofing services typically respond within 24 hours, but timing may vary depending on demand and weather.