Torrential downpours, hurricanes, hail, tornados, blizzards, and other types of storms can lead to a roofing emergency, where time is of the utmost importance. If the shingles have been ripped away or compromised in any way, the sheathing becomes exposed to the elements, allowing rain, snow, and whatever else Mother Nature throws at you to penetrate the roofing system. Severe roof damage can impact the overall stability of the home—and of course, a roof leak can cause expensive interior damage to your home and your belongings. Here are three scenarios and what homeowners can do.
You Know Your Roof is Damaged
If water is pouring through the ceiling, or you see a large number of shingles on the ground, you can bet that your roof has suffered damage from the storm. When a true emergency repair is needed, homeowners should first contact an experienced roofing company. The roofer will assess the damage and be able to quickly provide a long-term solution, be it a roof replacement or a repair.
You Suspect Your Roof is Damaged
If you aren’t sure if your roof was damaged, but you suspect that it was, someone will have to take a look at it to find out. Think twice before climbing on top of the roof yourself, unless you are extremely adept at climbing ladders higher than 6 feet. Besides the potential of falling off the ladder, you can also run the risk of being hit by lightning or knocked over by the high winds, especially if you attempt to inspect your roof while the storm is still raging. Plus, it will be difficult to conduct a thorough roof inspection in darkness and/or unfavorable weather conditions.
It’s best to wait out the storm before embarking on a roof inspection of your own, but be especially careful not to inadvertently cause additional damage to your roof while up there. Things to look for are missing shingles, shingles that seem buckled, torn, bent or worn, debris from the storm, and any other type of damage. You will also need to get into your attic to look for signs of damage and/or leaks. When in doubt, get your roof inspected by an accredited roofer.
It’s Not an Emergency
If you know there is a roof leak, but it’s not an emergency (like a small slow drip), there are some temporary repairs you can make to limit the potential for damage while you wait for professional help. Then, an experienced roof contractor can finish the job to make your temporary work more permanent. Depending on the exact situation, here are some stopgap measures a homeowner could possibly take on.
- Try to control the water coming into the home by sweeping away puddles that have formed on the roof. Left unimpeded, pooling water can do more than just leave unpleasant-looking water stains on the ceiling. They can also damage the entire structure of the roof.
- Next, try to find where the leak is coming from. Admittedly, this task can be a bit difficult, because the water source can be at least a few feet away from the drip or stain.
- Once you locate the source, you might be able to do a temporary fix, depending on the severity of the leak. Tools may include duct tape, tarps, patches, sealants, and rubber sheets. Be sure to secure the tools to avoid them from slipping away and clean the section all around the leak before applying the patch materials. Any water, dirt, and other debris by the leak could cause the patch to come undone or at least decrease its overall effectiveness.
Experts in All Roofing Emergencies
For emergencies and routine repairs, the experts at DryHome Roofing and Siding can handle all your needs, from roof leaks to damaged, cracked, or missing shingles, to damaged flashing around skylights, vents, and chimney eaves. Contact us today for a free evaluation.
