Roofing emergencies can appear out of nowhere. Whether you’ve neglected your roof for too many years or a storm damages it, you must immediately address any water entering the home. Unfortunately, repairs and roof renovations can’t be handled until the storm passes and the weather clears, so it’s important to know what you should do during a roofing emergency.
Limit the Damage
If the problem stems from ice dams or minor leaks, you may be able to limit the damage by heading to the attic. Take some pans, bowls, or baking sheets with you. If you can locate where the water is entering through the roof, use the pans as catch basins. While you can’t stop the damage occurring to the roof deck, this simple step will limit the damage to your home’s interior. If the problem is an ice dam, clearing the snow from the roof with a roof rake will also limit the damage.
Call the Professionals
Professionals can tarp the roof, preventing water from entering until proper repairs can be made. As soon as water stains appear on the ceiling, contact your local roofer and ask for someone to come take a look at the problem.
Protecting the Family
Serious damage will call for serious measures. If a tree has fallen onto the roof and created a gaping hole, you will have to abandon the house temporarily. Close the doors to the affected rooms, call a professional roofing company, and make arrangements to stay with family or friends until the storm passes.
Contact the Insurance Company
Most insurance companies expect you to take precautions to prevent damage to the home. Ignoring the leak completely can result in denied claims. Calling professionals immediately and placing drip pans under the leak will help ensure that the insurance company will cover you.
Robbins Roofing, Inc. can take care of your roofing repair and replacement needs. While we can’t climb onto the roof until a storm passes, we are happy to come out and inspect the roof. We can tarp the damaged area until repairs can be made, allowing your home to stay dry. Visit us on Facebook or Twitter today to learn more about how we can help you in a roofing emergency.
