When an emergency strikes, speed is always of the essence. This is true for every kind of emergency, including roofing emergencies where a property’s structural integrity and contents may be at risk. The sooner you contact a reputable roofing company and take the necessary steps to protect yourself, your family, and your belongings, the less impact the roofing emergency will have.
In this blog post, we will focus on emergency roof repair—what you need to know and how you should act. We’ll highlight some of the common types of roofing emergencies and the steps you should take to ensure swift emergency roof repair.
If you require emergency roofing in Champaign and surrounding areas, your premier choice is always Freeman Exteriors. Let’s get started.
Common Types of Roofing Emergencies
Emergency roofing problems can occur at any time of the year, though they are most likely to happen during periods of inclement and stormy weather. In this section, we will highlight some of the most common types of roofing emergencies you should be aware of.
Storms
Storms can wreak havoc with roofing systems. Falling debris, high winds, rain, and hail are common sources of damage to a roof during storms.
For example, heavy rains can result in pooling water or creating/worsening leaks; falling debris and hail can cause damage to shingles; high winds can rip roof shingles off the roof. In the case of hail, damage can occur when the hail reaches around 1 inch in diameter.
Immediately after or even during the storm, it may be apparent that a roof has sustained damage and requires emergency repair. In some cases, the damage may not be as visible. It is recommended that you inspect the inside of your home for leaks (particularly within the attic). Always take caution when inspecting your property and its roofing structure following a storm.
Fires
Common causes of roof fires include:
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Leak roofs
- Ceiling installation
- Uncleaned chimney
- Certain roofing materials
In the event of a fire that damages a roof, questions about the structural integrity of the roof arise. Given that a roof bears weight, when it has sustained structural damage, it is at risk of falling in. If you are concerned about your roof following a fire, then you should seek an emergency roofer without delay.
Trees and Branches
While tree damage is common during storms, it can also occur at any time of the year. If you have trees close to your property, they can be a source of damage when the wind starts to blow.
Overhanging branches can break off and fall onto the roof, causing damage to the shingles. This can lead to leaks and issues with mold and mildew.
To reduce the risk of roof damage from trees, it is recommended that you cut back any overhanging trees surrounding your property.
What to Do in a Roofing Emergency?
In this section, we will highlight the steps you should take in a roofing emergency.
Call a Roofing Contractor
If your roof has sustained severe damage, the first step you should take is to call a roofing contractor. This is essential to prevent further damage from occurring and so that repairs can be made as quickly as possible.
The benefits of calling a local emergency roofing contractor include:
- Quick emergency response
- Experienced and dedicated crew members
- Knowledge of local regulations and services
If you require an emergency roofer, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Freeman Exteriors.
Get in Touch With Your Insurance Company
When your property has sustained damage, it is necessary that you inform your insurance company. In many cases, your home insurance will cover the repairs that you need to make (this depends on the exact cause of the damage).
We understand that home insurance claims can be both complicated and time-consuming. Homeowners who handle it on their own may not get paid for everything they are owed. At Freeman Exteriors, we deal with insurance companies on our clients’ behalf, from start to finish, to make sure that they are paid everything they are owed.
Deal With Personal Belongings
If it is safe to do so, move any items that could be damaged. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may not be in a position to take more than a handle of personal belongings, particularly if there is a risk of the roof collapsing.
Items that you aren’t able to remove from your home should be covered (again, only if it is safe to do so). A plastic tarp can help to protect items such as furniture from sustaining damage during a roofing emergency.
Finally, you shouldn’t reenter your home until you have been given the all-clear from a roofing contractor. Safety should always be the number one priority during a roofing emergency and unnecessary risks should be avoided.
What You Need to Know About Emergency Roof Repair
The above information will help you to handle a roofing emergency as best as possible. During an emergency, it is essential that you are able to rely on an experienced and fast-acting contractor.
Freeman Exteriors is your number one choice when it comes to emergency roof repair in Champaign, IL. We also cover Danville, Paris, Crawfordsville, Covington, Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Fishers.
Contact us today to learn more. We offer a wide range of roofing services and offer free estimates. We look forward to speaking with you about your roofing needs.
