How To Deal With Emergency Roof Repair (2024)

Posted on September 23, 2024

Estimated Reading Time : 6 Min.

Share Now :

Emergency Roof Repair

After a sudden storm passes by your area, the first thing that may come to mind will probably be to check the roof and exterior of the home and ensure there is no damage. However,

this does not mean you should just start climbing your roof to check for the problem or damage. This could put your safety and security at high risk as you don’t know the extent of the damage. At any time the roof could collapse due to your weight, which may result in serious accidents. 

At Kickapoo Roofing, we understand the sensitivity of these emergency roof repair jobs. Thus, we will cover all the steps you need to take to handle them and how to check if you can file a claim in this type of situation.

What Are The Common Issues That Cause Roof Emergencies?

Depending on the type of roof emergency that the building is dealing with, you need to take the correct measures. That’s why we’ve included the most common forms of damage that require emergency repairs.

#1 Storm Damage 

Roof storm damage

Heavy rain, wind, and hail can really hurt your roof. They can break off shingles or even make parts of your roof cave in. After a large storm has passed, check your roof for any obvious forms of damage. Look for missing shingles or leaks inside your home. If you’re able to spot problems, call for emergency roof repair right away.

#2 Wind Damage 

Roof wind damage

Strong winds can lift up shingles or tear them off completely. This leaves your roof vulnerable to leaks. After windy weather, look around your yard for any shingles that were blown off. If you see bare spots on your roof, you need to get a roof repair as soon as possible.

#3 Tree Damage

Roof tree damage

Dead trees or big branches can fall on your roof during storms. This can make big holes or even crush part of your roof. If a tree damages your roof, stay out of that portion of your home and call for emergency roof repair immediately.

#4 Structural Damage

Really strong winds, like tornadoes, can make your whole roof unstable. If you hear creaking noises or see your roof sagging, get out of your house right away and call for help. Your roof might be close to collapsing.

#5 Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters

When gutters become full of leaves and junk, water can’t flow through them and drain away from your home effectively. Instead, it might back up onto your roof and cause leaks. Clean your gutters regularly to prevent this. If you notice water overflowing from your gutters, clear them out as soon as you can.

#6 Pest Damage

Animals like rats, termites, and birds can chew holes in your roof or break shingles. They might also damage wires, flashing, or pipes. Call pest control and a roofer to check for damage if you hear animals in your attic or see droppings.

#7 Fire Damage

Roof fire damage

A house fire can destroy your whole roof. Even if the fire is nearby, flying embers can damage roofing materials and cause leaks. If there’s been a fire, don’t go inside until it’s safe and call for emergency roof repair services right away.

You Might Also Like: 10 Signs You Need To Replace Your Roof!

What Are The Important Steps To Take To Deal With An Emergency Roof Repair?

While the exact measures will depend on the type of emergency you are facing, there are some common steps every homeowner should know about in case of a roof emergency. 

#1 Assess The Damage (Safety First!)

Once you see a problem with your roofing system that you consider an emergency situation, the first thing you need to do is check how bad the damage is.

 If the condition is really critical, then considering an emergency roof repair is necessary. Try to spot any missing or broken shingles, things that don’t belong on your roof, or signs that water is getting into your attic. If you have binoculars or a camera that can zoom in, use them to get a closer look without putting yourself in harm’s way.

#2 Avoid DIY Roof Inspections

It’s very dangerous to climb on your roof, especially after a storm when you might need repairs. Your roof might be slippery or weak, and you could fall and hurt yourself badly.

If you’re not sure how safe your roof is, or if you see a lot of damage, it’s best to call a professional roofing contractor. They’ll be able to check your roof safely and tell you exactly what needs to be fixed. Depending on the type of emergency, these experts can suggest the best possible measures to take at the moment. 

If you are looking for a reliable partner who can help you during a sudden roofing emergency in La Crosse, WI, and the nearby areas, give us a call today!

#3 Take Immediate Steps To Prevent Further Damage

While you wait for help, you need to stop more damage from happening inside your house. This might involve emergency roof tarping.

If you see water leaking, put buckets or tarps under the leaks to catch the water. Move your furniture and important things away from wet areas too. If it’s safe, you can try roof tarping by covering small holes with a tarp or plastic sheet to keep more water out. 

#4 Document The Damage For Insurance Claims

Next, you need to take pictures and videos of all the damage, including any areas where you’ve put a tarp on the roof. 

This will help when you talk to your insurance company. Take close-up pictures of the damaged areas and wider shots to show how much of your roof is affected. Also, take pictures of any damage inside your house.

Make a list of things that were damaged and keep receipts for any emergency roof repairs or things you buy to fix the problem.

#5 Contact Your Insurance Company

After the initial inspection and documentation, it’s time to talk to your insurance company about your roof repair needs. Start by reading your home insurance policy to understand what forms of roof damage it covers if any.

Look for any parts that talk about how much you have to pay out of pocket or things that aren’t covered. If your homeowner’s insurance policy covers the emergency damage the roof is currently facing, then call them right away and tell them about the damage to start your claim. 

Give them all the pictures and information you’ve collected, including any emergency measures you’ve taken.

After your claim is filed, your insurance company will send someone called an adjuster to look at the damage. Be there when they come to show up to inspect your roof, answer their questions, and show them all the damage you’ve found, including any temporary fixes like a tarp on the roof.

#6 Choosing a Roofing Contractor

When it’s time to fix your roof, don’t just go with the first roofer you find. Ask at least three good roofing companies to give you written estimates for roof repair prices. 

These should tell you what work they’ll do, what materials they’ll use, what guarantees they offer, and how much experience they have with emergency roof repair. Compare these carefully to find the best deal.

Before you choose a roofer, check whether they have the right licenses and insurance. This protects you in case anything goes wrong during the repair.

Hire The Best Rated Roofing Company In La Crosse, WI, For Emergency Roof Repairs.

If you are looking for a trustworthy roofing partner to handle emergency roof repairs in La Crosse, WI, or the surrounding areas, then we are here to assist you. At Kickapoo Roofing, we have a team of professionals who will handle these emergency roofing repairs effectively. 

You won’t have to worry about the quality of your new roof either because our experts use industry best practices and materials to restore your roof to good condition. We promise top-quality roofing services, from repairs to a full roof replacement. 
To get a free quote or to discuss your problem with one of our experts, feel free to call us today at (901) 457-9405.

Emergency Roof Repair
Skip to content