It can be alarming to discover that your roof needs emergency repair. You may be worried about the cost of emergency roof repair or how you can minimize potential water damage. As your roof is paramount for the protection of your home and all of your interior belongings, it is important to respond to emergency roof repairs promptly. If you act fast, you can usually prevent small amounts of damage from becoming more substantial.
Emergency Roof Repair Walkthrough
Here are a few things you should know about emergency roof repair and what you should do if you find roof problems.
Know an Emergency Roof Repair vs. a Non-Emergency Roof Repair
Not sure how to tell if a roofing problem constitutes as an emergency? While roof repair emergencies can differ depending on your location, weather, and similar factors, there are a few types of damage that you should have quickly evaluated and repaired. This typically includes any type of roof damage that allows water infiltration. The problem with even small leaks is that they can create more expensive problems by contributing to wood rot, mold and mildew growth, and structural issues. Water infiltration may occur after a major windstorm, hailstorm, or after an extended period of rain.
Minimize Damage Before a Roof Repair
Ideally, you want to minimize any further roofing damage after finding the initial problem. After contacting a roof repair contractor to inspect your roof, consider how you will prevent the damage from progressing. If water infiltration is present, you may want to consider tarping the roof. Tarping involves securing a waterproof tarp over the damaged section of roof to prevent further water damage. While emergency roof tarping sounds easy enough, it can actually be a dangerous endeavor. A qualified contractor can tarp your roof for you until the damage can be repaired.
Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
When you contact roof repair contractors to come and inspect your roof, they will check the overall condition of your roof and address known problems. A professional roof inspection typically includes a full interior inspection of the attic and a full exterior inspection that includes the shingles, decking, underlay membrane, and flashing. While inspecting your roof, contractors will also look for possible sources of damage, such as ice dams, improper flashing installation, rot, mold, and structural issues like sagging. The gutters on the home should also be inspected to ensure that they are not clogged or preventing proper water filiation.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
If the damage to your roof was caused by something other than old age or lack of proper maintenance, the repair costs may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. After discovering roof damage, contact your insurance provider to file a formal claim. After sending out someone to look at your roof, they will provide an estimate of what they are willing to cover based on the condition of your roof and the type of damage found. You can then call your roof repair contractor to come and make the necessary repairs.
Hiring a Emergency Roof Repair Contractor
Your roof is one of the most important components of your home. Unfortunately, it is exposed to a number of hazards that directly affects its overall condition and lifespan. Hiring the right roof repair contractor can help protect your investment and prolong the life of your roof. While some types of roof repairs can wait, there are certain situations that call for emergency roof repair services. Examples include:
- Fires from lightning, electrical problems, wildfires, or human error
- Ice damage from freezing water
- Wind damage which can weaken nails, shingles, and other roofing materials
- Improper installation resulting in failed roofing components
- Damage from insects or small critters like birds or squirrels
- Punctures and penetrations from falling trees and other items
- Leaks from prolonged periods of rain, snow, or melted ice
One of the most important decisions you will have to make after discovering roof damage is who will make the repairs. Choosing the right roof repair contractor is important to ensure that the repairs are performed properly and with quality materials. Opt for a business that has a great reputation and a solid record of satisfied customers. A reputable contractor should be able to provide an extensive portfolio of their work, along with a list of references. In addition, always choose a roof repair contractor that possesses the proper certifications and licenses in your state.
Before going forward with an emergency roof repair project, be sure to get all information in writing from your contractor. Emergency roof repair projects can be time-consuming and complex. To ensure that all of the details are properly covered, a professional contractor will draw up a document that contains all of the details of the repairs and the approximate cost of the roof repair services. If your insurance provider is willing to cover the repairs, you should work with your contractor to see if there will be a gap in coverage.
When interviewing potential roof repair contractors, there are a few questions you should ask. First, determine if a roof repair will be sufficient or if a full roof replacement will be needed. You will also want to ask the contractor how long he or she expects the process to take and whether or not you will be able to live in the home while it is undergoing repairs. As you progress through the roof repair process, you may have other questions, such as “What does my contract cover?” and “What type of warranty do you offer?”
Contact Emergency Roof Repair Contractors
You never know when emergency roof repair services will be needed. When you are facing an unexpected repair, it is important to have a reputable contractor to turn to. The key is to not ignore the damage to your roof as this can result in more substantial damage to the interior and exterior of your home. Instead, contact an emergency roof repair professional who will promptly inspect and repair your roof. For more information, contact the emergency roof repair contractors at Beyond Exteriors.