Your roof provides protection to your house and everything inside of it. What would you do if it got ripped apart by extreme weather conditions or storms? How would you know that your roof needs emergency roof repair? You might wonder whether missing shingles or broken gutters or cracked caulk would qualify for emergency roof repair… The worst way to find out that you need emergency roof repair would be by finding water damage in your home. Your roof effectively acts as the first and last barrier between your home’s interior and the weather outdoors. Any sort of breaks or damage to the roof’s surface can cause a huge amount of damage to your home. In such situations, you must be aware of the most common signs of roof damage. Being knowledgeable about your roof will help you to determine whether or not you need an emergency roof repair.
Emergency roof repair is something that depends on several factors which we’ll discuss.
Curling or Uneven Shingles| Missing Shingles | Broken Shingles
Thanks to getting a regular inspection of the roof, you can keep an eye on the condition of your roofing shingles. Closely observe the shingles to see whether they have begun to curl upwards, shift to the side, or otherwise create an uneven surface that is visible from a ladder or the ground. Generally, roof shingles work by layering over each other. Any sort of change in the shape or positioning of shingles opens up a pathway for water to soak into your roof and attic. Moreover, shingles that have shifted can cause the layer underneath to begin to shift as well, as they are now more exposed to the elements. If you notice a large number of missing shingles then you must address this problem right away. An occasional shingle that is damaged or missing is not a big concern, although this issue should be addressed as soon as possible in order to prevent a bigger issue later on.
Water Leaks Should Not Be Ignored As They Can Cause Further Damage If Left Unchecked
Leaks may or may not need an emergency roof repair, but they are also not something that you want to ignore for a long period of time. If the leak is severe or a large amount of water is coming in on a regular basis, then it may be worth the extra cost to have your problem addressed immediately. If you only have a small drip once in a while, then the roof can probably wait until regular working hours to be repaired.
Rotting in the Roof Deck Can Pose a Structural Hazard
In addition to numerous missing shingles, another situation that may require an emergency roof repair is rot in your roof deck. This can be caused by moisture getting in, improper ventilation, and other problems. If your roof deck is rotted, this can pose a structural hazard– it needs to be handled right away.
An unsafe structure is dangerous for anyone in the building, and if your roof deck has rotten areas, then structural damage is a real possibility. Roofing materials can be heavy, and rotten wood loses strength. If your roof deck has damage, then this could cause the roof to cave in and fall down, posing a risk to anyone in that area of the home.
Ice Dams
In the winter, your roof is at particular risk for developing leaks. If your attic is not properly insulated, warm air can rise to the top of your roof and melt snow. That water will flow down your roof, refreezing into what is called an ice dam.
Ice dams are problematic because they will hold water against your roof, preventing it from draining properly through your gutters. This can degrade your shingles and increase the risk of a leak developing. You can remove an ice dam by breaking it apart by hand, but you have to be careful to not damage your roof underneath.
If you’ve experienced a water leak in the winter because of an ice dam or can see an ice dam forming on your roof, you should talk to a roofer. They’ll be able to safely remove the ice dam, assess your roof for signs of damage, and begin the process of insulating your roof and attic to prevent future dams from forming.
What Constitutes an Emergency Roof Repair?
An emergency roof repair is a repair to your roof that cannot wait several days or even several hours in some cases. If your roof starts leaking severely, if part of the roof or ceiling caves in, or if severe storm damage has caused one or more large areas of your roof to be weakened or exposed to the elements in any way, then it’s time to call the roofer immediately.
Summary:
Your roof is your stalwart defender. In the face of adversity—weather, pests, and intruders—it stands strong and protects all that you’ve built and acquired. It’s the first line of defense. But, after a while, even the strongest roofing materials require repairs. Today’s roofing systems are vulnerable to stress, unexpected damage, and severe weather. We know the curse of a terrible storm all too well. Your roof does, too. Hire professionals for emergency situations as they have the experience to deal with such circumstances. Regular maintenance of the roof is recommended as it will be helpful in avoiding certain damages.