Emergency Roof Repairs: What to Do Until Help Arrives

Most homeowners have been there: a sudden storm, a fallen tree branch, or an unexpected leak can quickly turn your cozy home into a place of chaos and stress. When your roof experiences events like these, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further damage. Having a plan in place for emergency roof repairs and knowing what to do until help arrives will help minimize the stress associated with these unforeseen issues.

Assess the Damage Safely

Before rushing to assess your roofing issue, you’ll need to make sure it’s safe to do so. Severe weather conditions or structural damage can make it dangerous to approach the affected area. Before investigating your roof’s condition, always:

• Wait for ideal weather, and avoid standing on your roof during windy, rainy, or icy conditions.
• Visually inspect the damage from ground level before climbing up on the roof, taking note of any missing shingles, large debris, or visible gaps.
• Evaluate inside your home for water leaks, damage, wet spots, or stains on the ceilings or walls.

Once you’ve made note of any obvious damage, you’ll need to contact a reliable roofing company to make the necessary repairs. While you wait for repairs, you’ll want to take action to prevent further damage to your home.

Temporary Solutions

Temporary fixes are just that – they’re not intended to replace professional roofing services and repairs. But sometimes it’s necessary to employ these “band aid” fixes while you wait for the professionals.

Cover the Area with a Tarp

If your roof can hold you safely, and when conditions are right, you can cover affected areas of your roof with a tarp. You’ll need a heavy-duty tarp and nails or screws to complete this temporary fix. Secure the tarp over the damaged area, ensuring that it extends beyond the edges to prevent water from seeping underneath. Fasten the tarp to the roof tightly with nails or screws. If this temporary fix will need to be in use for an extended period of time, consider adding wood strips for extra support.

Use Roofing Cement for Smaller Leaks

Small holes and cracks can be sealed with roofing cement. Spread an even layer along any visible openings with a putty knife to seal small leaks and to prevent further damage. It’s important to note that roofing cement will only help close small areas and is not intended to be used in areas that are widely or severely affected.

Install Temporary Shingles

You can install temporary shingles using new shingles, roofing nails, and a hammer. This method can be done by placing the new shingles over the damaged ones, securing them with roofing nails. Shingles done this way should be replaced as soon as possible, as water can collect between the uneven layers and cause further damage over time.

Indoor Protection and Solutions

To mitigate or prevent further damage inside your home, you can:

• Contain dripping water in buckets or other containers, taking care to empty them as often as needed. Place towels around the container to soak up splashes or overflow.
• Move furniture, electronics, or other valuables away from the affected area to prevent damage from moisture.
• Relieve water pressure in bulging areas of your ceiling by poking a small hole in the center to release the moisture into a bucket, preventing larger ceiling collapse.

Document the Damage

Once you’ve addressed immediate threats to your home, you’ll need to document the damage that your home sustained. Take notes, pictures, and videos, and document the date of the event. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process and choose a reputable roofing contractor to complete the necessary repairs.  Your insurance company may send an adjuster out to survey the damage, and to advise on next steps.

Proactive Measures to Protect Your Home

While some roofing emergencies are beyond your control, there are certain steps you can take to reduce the risk of certain calamities befalling your home. These include:

• Trimming overhanging tree branches
• Cleaning gutters and downspouts
• Have your roof professionally inspected regularly

By performing these tasks regularly, you’ll help extend the life of your roof, and protect the structural integrity of your home.

Help from Alliance Roofing

As a local business in Houston, TX, Alliance Roofing is no stranger to roofing emergencies. From sudden storms to damage caused by prolonged exposure to the harsh Houston elements, our team is equipped to handle all your emergency roof repairs. Contact us for a free estimate, and we will walk you through the entire process step-by-step so that you can regain peace and comfort in your home.