5 Tips For Emergency Roof Repair
Roofs protect your home from the elements, so when they start to deteriorate it’s important to get them repaired right away. If your roof has been damaged by high winds or tree branches, you may be worried about having to pay an expensive repair bill and wonder how you’ll cover that cost. When this happens, here are some tips for emergency roof repair that may help you save money and get back to enjoying your home as soon as possible.
1) Secure your safety
If a storm is coming, don’t wait until it starts to rain before you take steps to secure your home. If you live in an area known for high winds and/or hail, check your home’s roof at least once a year. Even if you have no immediate concerns about its condition, it’s better to be safe than sorry. In addition to inspecting your roof, be sure that any trees or shrubs around your house are trimmed back so they won’t hit your roof during a storm.
Why Secure your safety?
The first step to take when it comes to emergency roof repair is to be sure you and those around you are secure. This means that if there is any danger of a collapse, or even peeling or buckling, then no one should go under the roof. You need to make sure your emergency exit points are safe as well. Just because you’re performing emergency roof repair doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous to work! Keep all people away from danger while you fix whatever has happened.
2) Call an expert
If you’re dealing with a serious roof problem, don’t try to fix it on your own or wait for roofing companies that are open over Christmas. Contact a professional who can advise you about fixing leaks, replacing shingles, and other issues before they become more serious and expensive problems. A professional should also be able to recommend maintenance steps that will help keep your roof in good shape for years.
What advantages of calling an expert?
One common mistake people make when it comes to roof repair is calling someone to fix it who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Instead, you should first identify a contractor that is highly rated and has experience with your specific type of roofing material. This will give you peace of mind as well as provide you with a solution that doesn’t involve risk.
3) Consider your insurance coverage
Most homeowners insurance policies include some sort of coverage for roof damage, but you should check with your provider to ensure that. Also, your policy may require you to file a claim before it will cover any repairs. Finally, unless you’re a contractor yourself, it’s often easier and more cost-effective to hire someone else to complete emergency repair work. Your insurer may even require that you hire a licensed professional.
How Consider your insurance coverage?
Before you make any repairs, it’s always a good idea to call your insurance company and make sure that you’re covered for any damage. If your roof has suffered an extensive amount of damage (i.e., it won’t be able to protect you from further water damage), many insurers will cover roof replacement without any hiccups.
4) Stay inside
Never underestimate a big storm. In case your roof has been damaged by falling trees or branches, it’s safer to stay inside rather than walk around outside and risk injury. Ideally, you should wait until morning when you can see clearly and call in professionals to inspect your roof. Then, they can recommend ways to repair it. Whatever you do, do not put out tarps or fix them yourself if you have any doubt about their safety! Rather, immediately contact emergency roofing repair contractors near Rochester for help.
Importance of Staying inside
The first thing to do is stay inside. Do not go out on your roof or even walk around on it, as winds could push you off. If your property is prone to flooding, seek shelter with family or friends who aren’t affected by flooding. If a flash flood warning has been issued for your area, wait in an interior room of your home until emergency crews clear you to leave.
5) Contact your insurance company
If you have insurance on your home and your roof was damaged during a hurricane, you must contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report damages. Insurance companies are more likely to believe that an insurance claim is valid if a homeowner reports damage right after a disaster strikes. It will also give you time to hire local roofing contractors near Rochester NY in case there’s extensive damage.