Making Emergency Roof Repairs: 5 Steps to Keep Your Family Safe

Your roof does an amazing job of protecting your loved ones from the elements. Whether it is rain, snow, or strong winds, your roof is strong enough to withstand them all. However, some unexpected events, like severe storms, fallen trees, or sudden leaks, may lead to major roof damage. In these scenarios, knowing how to perform emergency roof repairs can make all the difference in preventing further damage. 

At Premier Roofing, we understand how detrimental unexpected roof damage can be to your home. Without the proper tools or preparation, it can lead to larger-than-expected repair bills. Keep reading to learn more about emergency roof repairs and how to protect your roof and home from severe damage. 

1. Identify the Problem

Before you can begin emergency roof repairs, it is important that you assess the situation carefully. During this assessment, try to identify the cause and extent of the damage. Look for any signs of the following: 

• Missing Shingles: While it isn’t unheard of to lose a shingle or two during a storm, this can quickly spiral into a much larger problem for your home. If you lose one or more shingles, this may allow water infiltration. Check for signs of missing shingles, including gaps in your roofing materials, to determine if the shingles are the cause of your troubles. 
• Visible Leaks: Some roof damage may lead to leaks in and around your home. These leaks won’t always appear in living spaces, so it is important to check your attic, as well as ceilings and walls, to determine if you have a leak. 
• Sagging Areas: While inspecting for signs of damage, look for signs of sagging. Your roof, in good condition, should never sag. However, if you notice large portions of your roof sagging, this is a clear sign of structural damage to the roof. 
• Debris Accumulation: You might not realize it, but small debris can cause big problems for your roof. While assessing your roof, look for signs of fallen branches, leaves, and man-made debris that may scrape up and damage your roof. 

By identifying the cause and extent of the damage, you can begin to take appropriate steps toward making necessary repairs. 

2. Take Safety Measures

While making emergency roof repairs is incredibly important for protecting your loved ones, it should be done safely. Before making repairs, make sure your roof is dry and there are no strong winds or large storms coming your way before assessing the roof. Also, remember to wear appropriate safety equipment, including gloves and non-slip footwear, while walking across the surface of your home. Finally, it is best to perform roof repairs when more than one person is home. By performing these repairs with a partner, you can trust that they can offer assistance if anything happens to you while on the roof. 

3. Temporary Fixes

While it is important to rely on help from professionals for emergency roof repairs, there are some temporary repairs you may need to make before they come out. Some of the most common and reliable temporary fixes for your roof emergency include: 

• Patch Leaks: Using roofing cement, roofing tape, or temporary patching materials, seal any leaks you’ve noticed in your home. Once you’ve performed the necessary repairs, place a bucket or container under the leak to collect any additional water.
• Secure Loose Shingles: If you notice any loose or missing shingles, use roof nails to secure them back into place. If the area is severely damaged, it might be best to cover it with a tarp to keep your home protected. 
• Clear Debris: Remove any large debris, including branches, leaves, and other objects, from the roof to prevent further damage. 
• Reinforce Weak Areas: If your roof is weakened or sagging, use temporary supports such as wooden braces or boards to provide additional reinforcement while you wait for your roofing professional to arrive.

4. Calling the Professionals

While performing emergency roof repairs might provide you with temporary support, you shouldn’t consider these long-term solutions. If your roof has recently been damaged, it is best to call the professionals for help. They can assess the extent of the damage and make repairs or replacement suggestions that your emergency roof repairs didn’t address. In situations where your roof is sagging, it is absolutely essential that you contact a reliable roofing professional as soon as possible. Failing to do so may result in extreme damage to your home, which is much more costly than emergency roof repairs. 

5. Prevent Future Damage

Once the emergency has been addressed, it is in your best interest to take proactive steps to prevent future roof damage. Schedule regular maintenance with your trusted roofing company to prevent minor issues from escalating into emergencies. Additionally, it is important to invest in roof replacements when necessary. An asphalt shingle roof has a 15- to 30-year lifespan and should be replaced when damage becomes too substantial or you are making frequent repairs. When you make this investment, ensure you are choosing a high-quality roofing material to ensure the reliability and durability of your roof for years to come.  

Call Premier Roofing for Emergency Roof Repairs

If you are looking for a reliable roofing company to help you perform emergency roof repairs, look no further than our team at Premier Roofing. With years of experience helping homeowners across the Idaho Falls area make necessary repairs to their roofs, we are confident that we can do the same for you.

In addition to our repair services, our team provides new roofing and rain gutter services to ensure everyone’s home looks its very best. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about necessary emergency roof repairs or you have more questions about the services we provide, don’t hesitate to contact us today.