How to Prepare for a Roof Emergency

A sudden roof collapse, leak, or blow-off is a disaster you don't want to experience. Unfortunately, you might experience such roof emergencies if you don't prepare for them. Inadequate preparation also leads to more complications and costly damages in case a disaster strikes.



Below are some of the things you should do to prevent and minimize the effects of roof emergencies.

Maintain the Roof

Prevention maintenance will reduce both the severity and occurrence of roof emergencies. For example, during a storm a roof with loose shingles is more likely to leak than a roof with sound shingles.

Roof maintenance depends on the roofing material and design. In general, you should.

• Ensure the drainage channels are clear.
• Fix or replace damaged sections of the roof.
• Keep the roof clean.
• Ensure the gutters are clean and functional

Regular, professional inspections will help you identify problematic areas of the roof. That way, you can fix them and avoid sudden damage.

Know How to Shut Off Utilities

Sudden roof damages, which usually call for emergency repairs, might affect other parts of the house other than the roof. For example, a leaking roof can affect your electrical wiring, and collapsed support beams can damage your plumbing system. In such cases, you need to turn off the utilities to prevent further damage.

You should know how to switch off the utilities fast before an emergency arrives. Know the respective locations of your water's main shutoff valve and the main electrical panel.

Prepare an Emergency Repair Kit

Have an emergency repair kit you can immediately use if something goes wrong. Such emergency measures can help you avoid catastrophic damage. For example, a sudden leaking roof can cause severe water damage if you have to wait for a roofing contractor to fix it. You should have the materials necessary to plug the leak temporarily while waiting for the roofer.

Some of the resources you should have in your emergency kit include:

• Sealants
• Adhesive patches
• Rubber sheets
• Tarps

Note that an emergency kit is only as helpful as your knowledge of how to use it. You will benefit by practicing before the actual emergency occurs.

Buy Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance will help you get timely roof repairs even if you don't have cash. You never know when an emergency will strike. Many roofing companies also have working relationships with insurance companies and may help you file relevant claims. Understand your roof's value and the risks it faces to help you buy adequate insurance.

Budget for a Roof Emergency

Ensure you have an emergency fund stashed somewhere if you don't have homeowners insurance. An emergency budget can also help you with repairs that homeowners insurance excludes.

Know the Danger Signs

Many roofing emergencies are only emergencies because homeowners don't know the telltale signs of impending disasters. Know the danger signs so that you can preempt disasters. Examples of danger signs include:

• Ceiling stains that might indicate leaks
• Clogged gutters that might indicate shingle granule loss
• Foundation cracks that might indicate an overloaded roof
• Excessive creaks or noises that might indicate a shifting roof

Contact a contractor to diagnose such signs for timely intervention.

Save an Emergency Contractor's Contact

Don't wait until an emergency arises to start looking for roofers. Many contractors work on a first-come-first-serve basis. Prompt contact is especially useful in emergency situations that affect widespread areas, such as storms.

Regular roof inspection and maintenance may prevent emergencies, but sometimes disasters occur no matter what you do. All American Roofing promises to be there for you if that day ever comes. Give us a call and benefit from our responsiveness and quality services.