Your roof keeps your family safe, warm, and dry. When you have unexpected roof damage, your instinct is to take care of it immediately. From a giant tree crashing onto your roof to a missing shingle, getting a timely repair is a priority. But how can you protect your roof while you wait for repairs? Calling your roofing contractor is your best bet. They can usually make time for emergency repairs. Trying to DIY a temporary roof repair can cause injury and further damage to your roof. However, there are steps you can take to get the ball rolling and protect your home while you wait for roof repairs.
Gauging Roof Damage: Is It Serious?
If you have a significant leak or weather damage, we usually consider it a roofing emergency. One of the first things you can do is assess the severity of the impact.
- Does the damage put you and your family at risk?
- Is there flooding, risk of a complete or partial roof collapse or damage to power lines?
- Will roof damage lead to structural damage or impact your home’s interior?
We know that time is of the essence in the following cases:
- Wind damage
- Rain damage
- Ice dams
- Tree damage
- Pests and animals
- Fire damage
- Aging or neglected roof
- Clogged or damaged gutters
- Other issues may need attention but are less urgent:
- Minor leaks in flashing, vents or skylights
- Hail damage (esthetic problem but not likely to cause severe structural damage)
- A small number of missing shingles
Should I DIY A Roof Repair While I Wait?
Doing a temporary roof repair yourself isn’t advisable. It’s dangerous for you as a homeowner and could cause further damage. Messing around on your roof can also put your insurance claim in jeopardy. However, there are several steps you can take to move forward while you wait for repairs:
- Work to prevent damage to your home’s interior. Use buckets, dehumidifiers and other equipment as needed.
- Call your roofing contractor. Most roofers offer urgent emergency repair services. If you don’t have a trusted roofer, make sure you choose a licensed and insured company.
- Talk with your roofer about documenting damage for your insurance claim. You can also document damage inside your home or visible from the ground before your roofer arrives.
How Will My Roofer Protect My Home While Preparing for Repairs?
When you have a roofing emergency, your contractor knows time is of the essence. Our team will:
- Get on your roof as soon as possible to assess the damage
- Work quickly to set up temporary protection with a tarp or patch.
- Give you an estimate and make a repair or replacement plan.
- Document damage and help you file your insurance claim.
At DryHome Roofing and Siding, we understand that roofing emergencies are alarming. However, attempting a DIY patch job is usually not the answer. Our team will work with you to put the best temporary solution in place while we prepare for permanent repairs. We also have decades of experience with insurance claims. We’ll walk you through the process and meet with your adjuster to ensure maximum coverage. If you have a roofing emergency, give DryHome a call right away. We’ll work to protect your home while we plan and execute long-term repairs.
