A Quick Guide To Emergency Roof Repair

Posted on January 2, 2025

When a roofing emergency occurs, the damage that homeowners come face to face with can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a storm that ripped off shingles, a fallen tree branch, or a sudden leak, your roof’s condition directly impacts the safety of your home. But you don’t have to be overwhelmed, knowing how to act in the situation can help make the damage you are facing seem much more manageable.

Emergencies can strike at any time, especially in areas like Wisconsin where storms are quite frequent. Even if your roofing contractor is available, they might take some time to respond, leaving you to handle some of the smaller emergency tasks on your own.

This is why this blog post is here for you; With the right information and quick action, you can protect your home and minimize further damage.

Common Scenarios That Damage A Roof And Require Emergency Roof Repair

Severe Storm Damage:

High winds, hail, and torrential rain can severely damage low-quality shingles by knocking or tearing them away from your roof, leaving gaps exposed to water infiltration. When shingles are compromised, your roof’s protective barrier breaks down, allowing moisture to seep into the roof deck and insulation below. This type of damage often starts small but quickly escalates during future weather events if it’s not addressed right away.

Falling Debris:

Trees or large branches can crash onto your roof and weaken the structure, creating immediate safety risks. The impact can crack rafters, puncture decking, and compromise the overall integrity of your roofing system. Even if the damage appears minimal from the outside, internal structural issues might require professional assessment.

Heavy Leaks:

Large debris that creates holes in your roofline when it falls can cause water to pour into your home. This is considerably inconvenient, damaging walls, ceilings, and flooring while promoting dangerous mold growth. These leaks can travel along the roof deck and beams, ending up far from where they started, causing widespread damage throughout your home.

Missing or Torn Shingles:

A few missing shingles might not seem like a big deal, but even small gaps can allow water to seep into your roof’s underlayment, leading to bigger problems. These vulnerable areas can quickly deteriorate during subsequent rain or snow events, and the damage often spreads to surrounding shingles.

Why It’s Critical to Act Quickly

Water Damage:

Delaying repairs increases the risk of water spreading into your home’s structure, causing rot and mold. Once water gets through your roof’s most protective layers, it can travel throughout the attic space, down walls, and into your living areas. The resulting damage can compromise insulation, electrical systems, and the structural integrity of your home.

Escalating Cost:

The longer you wait, the more extensive and expensive repairs can become. What might start as a simple shingle replacement can evolve into a full roof deck repair if water damage spreads. Secondary issues like mold remediation and interior repairs can multiply your costs significantly if the initial problem isn’t addressed promptly.

Safety Concerns:

Damaged roofs can collapse under stress, especially if a storm is ongoing or the structure is already weak. The weight of water, snow, or ice that has accumulated on its surface can put excessive strain on compromised areas, potentially leading to catastrophic failure. This poses serious risks to both your property and, more importantly, your family’s safety.

Steps to Take During a Roofing Emergency

Now that you know the situations that can damage your roof, it is time to know what to do during a roofing emergency:

Safety First

Your safety and that of your family come first. If the roof has suffered structural damage, avoid entering rooms where the ceiling might collapse. Block off any areas with significant leaks to prevent accidents.

During storms, stay inside and away from windows, as additional debris could cause further harm. Only inspect the roof once the weather has cleared, and even then, proceed with caution.

Assess the Damage

If you’re evaluating a roof, utilizing binoculars from a safe distance can provide a closer look at any potential issues, allowing you to spot missing shingles or structural concerns. Inside the building, pay special attention to signs of water damage: look for areas where water may have pooled, and check walls or ceilings for any large areas of discoloration or stains. Additionally, watch for any sagging along the drywall, which can indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed immediately.

Document The Damage

After you have assessed how much damage you’re dealing with, and whether or not it’s minor, you want to thoroughly document what you find.

Take clear photos and videos of the damage, along with detailed notes on what you observed. These will be valuable for both the roofing company working on your repairs, and the insurance company. Be thorough, but avoid climbing onto the roof yourself – leave that to the professionals!

Make Temporary Repairs

Even with their best efforts, a roofing company will require a bit of time before they arrive at your home. If you find that there is severe roof storm damage, then you will need to make some temporary repairs till something more permanent occurs.

Here are some tips that can help you make emergency roof repairs while you wait for professional help

Use A Roof Tarp To Cover The Exposed Areas Of The Roof:

Rain and wind storms can heavily damage your roof, especially if it is an asphalt shingle roof. If high winds blow off your shingles, it can make the interior vulnerable to leaks. For this type of situation, use a sturdy tarp to cover any holes or areas with missing shingles on your roof.

Make sure the tarp is large enough to extend at least 4 feet beyond the damaged area in all directions. Secure the tarp’s edges in place by nailing wooden boards along them, or utilize heavy sandbags or bricks to hold it down. Always work with someone else for safety, and avoid getting on the roof if weather conditions are dangerous.

Seal Small Leaks:

For minor cracks or small leaks, apply roofing tape or heavy-duty duct tape as a temporary patch. First, clean and dry the area as much as possible, since the tape won’t stick to wet or dirty surfaces. Press the tape firmly into place, smoothing out any air bubbles. For extra protection, overlap the tape in layers, as if it were like shingles, so water flows down over the edges rather than under them.

Redirect Water Away

Inside your home, set up a water management system to prevent damage while waiting for repairs. Position large buckets or containers directly under leak points, and empty them regularly so they don’t overflow. Use plastic sheeting or tarps to create channels that direct water into the containers if the leak is spreading across the ceiling.

Call Your Roofing Company

When dealing with a roofing emergency, it’s essential to bring in professionals who can assess and repair the damage effectively. Choose a reputable company that specializes in emergency repairs and offers a quick response time.

Here’s what to do:

Be Specific: Describe the damage in detail when contacting the roofing company so they can bring the right tools and materials.
Ask Questions: Confirm their availability and estimated arrival time. It’s also a good idea to inquire about their experience handling emergency repairs.

Professional roofers can identify hidden issues, ensure safety, and deliver long-lasting fixes that DIY solutions simply can’t provide.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Many roofing emergencies are covered by homeowner’s insurance, especially if the damage was caused by natural disasters or accidents. Acting quickly can quicken the claims process and increase the likelihood of approval.

Here are some tips to deal with your insurance company for roof repairs

Document Everything: Share the photos, videos, and notes you took during your inspection.
File a Claim Promptly: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible in order to report the damage and file your claim. They may send an adjuster to assess the situation.
Understand Coverage: Ask your provider what’s covered and whether you need pre-approval for repairs.

Find Fast and Reliable Emergency Roofing Services In Northeastern Wisconsin

Roofing emergencies can be stressful, but with quick action and the right steps, you can minimize the damage and restore your home’s safety.

At Prestige Roofing LLC, we specialize in emergency roof repair and are here to help when you need it most. Whether it’s a storm-damaged roof or a sudden leak, our experienced team is ready to provide fast and reliable emergency roof repair services.