What Constitutes a Roof Emergency?

Is a leaking roof an emergency?

Generally, no matter whether a roof leak is large or small, you should consider it an emergency. If you take care of a roof leak as soon as possible, it will save you money and often prevent you from having to replace the roof prematurely.

If you’re unsure whether or not you have a roof leak, look for these signs:

• Discolored or dripping ceilings
• Puddles forming on the floor
• Moisture build-up and paint peeling from the walls
• Extensive exterior damage to the roof

How do you handle an emergency roof repair?

Getting a roof repair taken care of quickly is vital in any emergency situation. But, immediate repairs may not be possible, especially when an event such as a storm that caused the damage has not cleared up enough to get to the repair.

In such a case, one of the best temporary repairs to make is placing a tarp over the damaged area. This can stop rain from seeping in, for instance, and causing further damage. But, getting a tarp on your roof isn’t always an easy task. If you elect to do it yourself, always keep safety in mind. Also, make sure the tarp you use is large enough to fit entirely over the damaged area.

Of course, it’s often best to let professionals like those at Lafferty Roofing & Construction help you with any roof repair you might need, including tarping the roof until repairs can be completed.

Before professionals arrive, you also want to reach out to your insurance agent to report the damage and file an insurance claim.

Can you live in a house during a roof repair?

A roof repair or replacement can be disruptive to your life. Roof repairs are usually noisy and when it’s underway can be messy, especially with the initial tear-off. For these reasons, roofing contractors often ask homeowners to vacate the premises while the work is being done.

Of course, you can elect to stay when the roof is being repaired or replaced as it is generally safe to do so. However, you want to be careful and not step outside during the tear-off, as installers might not see you as they remove debris from the roof and you could accidentally get hit.

In an emergency situation where damage is significant, it’s probably best to stay away from the home until repairs are completed because it might not be safe.

What is considered storm damage to a roof?

Storm damage is the most common emergency roof repair that roofing contractors make. The damage can vary depending on the severity of the weather. Hail and high winds, however, usually create the most visible damage. With hail, you’ll often see spots on asphalt shingles where granules are missing. Both hail and high winds can crack shingles or tile and high winds can lift away whole sections of the roof.

Leaks are also frequently caused by storms and leak repairs should be made as promptly as possible. When they are left alone, leaks can lead to problems like mold growth or rot, or rust on metal roofs. They can also cause interior damage, including damage to ceilings and walls.

Can you repair just a section of a roof?

When roofs get damaged or show signs of normal wear and tear, homeowners often worry about the expense of roof replacement. But, often you can rest easy and avoid replacing the entire roof and just get the damaged section repaired. When does this happen?

Below are some reasons a repair is preferred over replacement:

• Localized leaks: Leaks around vents or flashing usually require just a small repair.
• Missing shingles: Depending on the age of your roof, if just a small section of shingles is missing, only that section needs to be replaced.
• Nail hole pops: If nails are missing or have popped up from the shingles, this usually involves a simple repair.

Emergency roof repair in the rain

When it’s raining, your roof can be a dangerous part of your home. Wet roofs are slick and it’s generally unsafe to walk on them. Even when you need emergency repairs, it’s usually best to wait until the rain has passed to make the roof repair. This, of course, depends on how serious the damage is. Leaks, for instance, need to be taken care of as soon as possible but even then, it’s best to get professionals out to place a tarp over the damaged area and wait until the rain passes and it’s safe to work on the roof.

Roof repair vs replacement

Deciding whether to repair or replace your roof when it’s been damaged will depend on the type of damage incurred and the extent of the damage. As a rule of thumb, if more than 30% of the roof is damaged, the roof should be replaced.

Your roof’s age will also factor into the assessment. A roof that’s less than 15 years old and in otherwise good condition usually can be repaired. Older roofs often show normal signs of wear and tear like missing granules and it’s usually best to replace them when damaged.