You need to act quickly if you have suffered sudden damage to your roof. A damaged roof could quickly turn into a major problem by allowing pests or water to enter your home. You should call an emergency roofer if you notice signs such as leaking, warping or damage, whether they are on your roof or inside your house.
If you notice a large hole in your roof or if a piece of flashing is upended, it’s important to fix the problem immediately to prevent further damage. This article will examine the causes of roof damage, and how to fix it. When is it time to hire a contractor to do an emergency roof repair? Continue reading to learn more.
What is a roof repair emergency?
The roof of your home is the first line of defense in protecting it from harsh elements like rain, wind and sun. It’s important to always have a roof that is structurally sound and functional. There are a number of things that can compromise the integrity and longevity of your roof. This can happen in an instant with lightning strikes or hurricane winds.
Other rodents may cause extensive damage to the roof of your home without your knowledge. This is a situation that requires an urgent roof repairs in Dunedin.
Roof Leaks: Types and Causes
You should consult a roofer if you have suffered any of these roof damages.
Water Damage
It is often necessary to repair your roof in an emergency due to water damage. Water damage can be caused by many things such as a hurricane or heavy rain, snow, or the simple breakdown of roofing material over time. Water can seep through joints, inside flashing, and under shingles. This water can cause interior damage to your home.
Pest Damage
Got mice? You may have mice, or small rodents such as squirrels, chipmunks, or even rats on your roof due to overhanging branches. They can then quickly chew through the roofing material or find tiny holes to enter your attic.
Rodents, and other pests, while small, can cause a lot of damage within a short period of time. This can lead to the need for emergency roof repair.
Storm Damage
Your roof could suffer storm damage over the years if you live in an area prone to violent weather such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or heavy snow. It’s important to inspect your roof regularly if there is a lot of rain or snow. This will ensure that shingles are not blown away and flashings, and other parts of the roof, are in good condition.
Wind Damage
Wind is no exception. Wind can cause shingles and wooden structures to be exposed to the elements. This can eventually lead to roof leaks due to swelling, weakness or wood rot.
Damage from Negligence
It’s important to ask your home inspector to pay attention to the condition of your roof, especially if it is an older home. It’s usually easy to determine when a roof requires repair. You may see moss or notice discoloration or broken or sagging parts. You may also see signs of leaks. It’s important to make sure the seller hasn’t gone to great lengths in order to hide a roof problem that could be costly.
Tree Damage
Even if the tree is small, it can cause damage to your roof. Even if the damage appears to be minimal, you should have a contractor inspect your roof if a large tree falls.
What to do in an emergency roof situation
It’s first important to remain calm. It can be frightening to see the sky while inside your house (without looking through a window). It may seem worse than it is, but a professional roofer can handle an emergency repair much more easily than one might expect.
Cover Exposed Areas
Use a tarp as much as you can to cover any exposed areas. This is a good temporary fix for a leaky roof. You can do this from outside, or you can use a tarp to cover your house to protect it until the roof is repaired. You may also need to take extra measures to prevent water damage in your home if there is bad weather outside. For example, place buckets or towels underneath the damaged area.
Contact your Homeowners Insurance Representative
Contact your insurance agent as soon after the damage has occurred. This is important because the insurance company may recommend a roofing contractor. You may be denied a claim if you do not check with the company first.
If you do not have a roofing contractor and your insurance company hasn’t recommended or required a specific one, then call around for a reliable professional. Get several quotes from different contractors to make sure they are all on the same page regarding the repair needs and pricing.
Don’t forget to take as many photos as you can. Take pictures of the damage to your roof, both from inside and outside if you can, and make notes on the information provided by the roofing contractor.
When to call a professional
Any roof damage is likely to require professional help. Roofs are dangerous to DIY because of their height. Roofs are crucial to the safety and security in your home. Therefore, any work must be done correctly.