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Roof leaks can happen anytime, and they often come at the worst possible moment. But, If left unaddressed, a small leak can become a significant problem, causing extensive damage to your home or business. An emergency roof leak repair is necessary to prevent further damage and protect your property. Taking prompt action can minimize the damage and help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Remember that roof leaks only happen suddenly if a major storm peels off your home’s roofing. There are often telltale signs that your roof is in disrepair before a leak becomes a serious problem.
These indicators may include water spots on the ceiling or walls, missing or damaged shingles, missing or damaged flashing, or wet roof decking. Watch for these warning signs and address them promptly to avoid more extensive damage.
What To Do During an Emergency Roof Leak Repair
If you notice a leak in your roof, take immediate action to minimize the damage. Here are the steps to follow during an emergency roof leak repair.
Inspect Roof
The first step in emergency roof leak repair is to inspect your roof to identify the source of the leak. Look for signs of damage, such as missing or cracked shingles, rusted flashing, or clogged gutters. If it’s safe, you can climb onto your roof to inspect it more closely. However, it’s best to take precautions and wear appropriate safety gear.
Document the Problem
As much as possible, avoid climbing up a damaged roof. First, take pictures and videos of the damage as soon as possible.
Additionally, document in writing the extent of the damage you believe has occurred. Keep track of any estimates, invoices, and bills that you receive related to the damage. Keeping all of this information on file will help ensure a smooth and stress-free claims process.
Tarp the Roof
When water starts seeping into your home from the roof, it clearly indicates a roofing emergency. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further cosmetic or structural damage. One of the quickest solutions is to place a temporary tarp over the damaged area until a professional roofer can evaluate the situation.
To secure the tarp, pull it tightly over the affected area, making sure to smooth out any wrinkles. It’s important to tuck the tarp under the roofing material or install it over a ridge to prevent water from entering at the top and running underneath. Secure the tarp by nailing down the edges and covering the nail heads with roofing cement. Ensure that the tarp is adequate to cover the entire damaged area and suitable for outdoor use.
Call the Insurance Company
Reach out to your insurance company. In the most accurate way possible, describe the damage to your roof. Know what your current policy covers and ask if they will cover partial or the entire repair cost. In general, your insurance company will likely send an inspector to your home to investigate and verify your claim.
Insurance companies often recommend homeowners consult a roofing contractor to assess the damage before filing a claim. This is because opening an unnecessary claim could potentially hurt your ratings with your insurance carrier.
If the roofing contractor suspects you might have a claim, having the contractor present during the insurance adjuster’s inspection would be beneficial. The two parties can then evaluate the damages together and ideally agree on the necessary repair work on the spot.
Work With Roof Repair Professionals
Finally, call a professional roofing company to fix the leak permanently. A professional roofer has the expertise, experience, and tools to repair your roof safely and effectively. Choose a licensed and insured roofing contractor with a good reputation in your area. If you live around the neighborhoods of Pineville or Stoopville, you can look for roofing contractors in Newtown, PA.
Key Takeaways
Remember to follow these steps to protect your property and prevent further damage. If you have any questions or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed and insured roofing contractor in your area.
In summary, here are the things you should do should a roof leak happen.
- Inspect your roof to identify the source of the leak.
- Document the problem by taking pictures or video footage.
- Temporarily fix the leak by tarping the roof if it’s safe to do so.
- Call your insurance company to report the damage.
- Call a professional roofing company to fix the leak permanently.
