You shouldn’t devise a solution to a roof issue while water is dripping and your shingles are blowing off their hinges. If there’s a problem with the roof of your house, you need to fix it immediately. That’s why it’s crucial to have a plan for taking care of your roof in the event of an unexpected problem.
That said, if you put these suggestions into practice, you will have the emergency roof repair skills you never knew you needed.
1. Use a Tarp to Stop Leaks
If water is getting into your home through the roof, you need to take fast action to fix the situation or risk further damage to the aesthetics or integrity of your property. You should put a tarp on the roof until a professional can come and take a look at it. Smooth the tarp out and pull it down tightly over the roof.
If you want to stop water from entering at the top and running underneath, you’ll need to either install the tarp up and over a ridge or tuck it under the roofing material. Next, nail the edges down and caulk over the nail heads.
You’ll need a tarp big enough to cover the affected area completely and designed for use in the great outdoors.
2. Fix Any Broken Shingles and Secure Any That Are Loose
If shingles are missing or broken and causing leaks, you can make a temporary repair by yourself until the specialists arrive. Reattach the missing shingles and the ones around them with glue, cement, or roofing nails.
Make a list of the shingles you’ve patched up so far, and bring it with you to show the expert when they come.
3. Never Take On Huge Projects By Yourself
DIY is appealing on many levels, but there are some tasks that should be left to the professionals. One of them is getting the roof fixed properly. Major roof damage, including missing flashing, roof decay, or water stains on the ceiling, requires the services of a professional roof repair business. Also, a ladder isn’t something you’ll need to worry about carrying or erecting.
4. Record the Accident
If you see damage to your roof, don’t immediately grab a ladder and climb up there to inspect it.
- Document the accident by taking pictures and video.
- Make a written record of how bad you think the damage is.
- Maintain a log of all price quotes, bills, and invoices.
Keeping these data together will make filing a claim much easier.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
Don’t wait to report the roof damage to your insurer. Determine whether or not the price of repairs will be covered in full or in part by your insurance coverage. An inspector from your insurance provider will most likely visit your home to validate your claim.
The thing is, many insurance companies want you to have a roofing contractor look at the damage so that you don’t open up a claim unnecessarily, which can negatively impact your insurance company’s ratings. If your roofer thinks you could have an insurance claim, having him or her there when the insurance adjuster arrives might save time and frustration. Together, they may evaluate the state of the roof and, ideally, settle on a course of action for the necessary repairs there and then.
Conclusion
Overall, homeowners should be aware of the potential dangers and damage a leaking roof can cause and take the necessary precautions to fix the problem as soon as possible. By following the tips provided in this article, you can make emergency roof repairs quickly and efficiently and avoid further damage to your home. This way, you may also avoid taking on huge expenses after the dust has settled.
If you are looking for the best roofing contractors in Springfield, MO, look no further than our expertise here at Over the Top Roofing & Restoration. We offer high-quality residential and commercial roof installation and repairs in the Springfield area, with a wide range of services that are sure to protect the overhead area of your home. Call us today and let us tend to your roof’s maintenance and repair.
