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No one wants to deal with a roofing emergency. Yet, when they happen, it is important to know what to do. Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected leak or there has been significant damage to your roof, knowing how to respond can save you time and money. It also helps you remain calm and collected in the moment and give you peace of mind.
At Lyons Roofing, we are committed to helping our customers deal with whatever roofing problems come their way. We also know how empowering it can be to know exactly what to do in a crisis. Below we review how to respond to several common roofing emergencies.
Examples of roofing emergencies include:
- Roof leaks
- Trees falling on your roof
- Pest damage
Keep reading to learn more.
Roof Leaks
The number one roofing emergency that we deal with is roof leaks. Roof leaks, even when they seem small, are serious and should always be responded to promptly. Ignoring a roof leak not only damages the structural integrity of your roofing system but can also cause significant damage to the rest of your home. Furthermore, when moisture is allowed to get into your roofing materials, crawlspace, attic, or elsewhere in your home, dangerous mold can develop, posing a serious health risk.
The signs of a roof leak include:
- Water staining on your ceiling or bulging drywall
- Water actively dripping from your ceiling
- Excess moisture in your crawlspace or attic
- A musty smell or finding mold or mildew in your home, attic, or crawlspace
- You see moss, algae, or other plant life growing on your roof
- Your roof shingles are warped, distorted, or peeling
- There is excess rust and water damage on roof flashing or around roof installations
If you think your roof is leaking, what do you do? If water is actively dripping into your home, place a bucket or pot under the leak to catch the water, clean up any excess water, and cover or move anything that is in the way of the leak. This will help limit the amount of water damage you are dealing with. Do your best to dry any areas that are wet or damp, and if necessary, set up fans to help dry carpet or upholstered furniture. This will help reduce your chances of mold forming.
If you know where the leak is coming from, you can put a plastic tarp over the area to stop more water from getting in. However, before going up on your roof, make sure that it is safe to do so. Often roof leaks appear during bad weather and going up on your roof in bad conditions is never a good idea.
Once you have contained the leak and mitigated the immediate water damage, call a professional roofer like Lyons Roofing. Our experienced roofers will inspect your system, determine the cause of the leak, and provide you with fast, reliable repairs. It is important to not ignore roof leaks and to always have them repaired by a licensed, insured professional like Lyons Roofing.
A Tree Fell on Your Roof
When a tree (or another large object) falls on your roof, it can do significant damage. Trees and their branches are very heavy and depending on the type of roof you have they can damage shingles, puncture roofing materials, and even damage the structure of your roofing system. This can be a very shocking experience and you may not know what to do when it happens.
If a tree falls on your roof, the first thing you should do is see to you and your family’s safety. From a distance, see if the tree has affected any nearby power lines or electrical equipment. If it has, call your utility company’s emergency line right away to report the damage. Do not try to fix or move any damaged electrical equipment or power lines on your own. Depending on the situation, you may also need to call your city’s emergency line or 911 (such as when the falling tree causes a fire or gas leak).
After you have seen to your safety, you should call a professional roofer right away. At Lyons Roofing, we have been providing Arizona residents with expert-level roof repairs since 1993, and we can help you repair your roof no matter what has happened. We also know how stressful it is to deal with catastrophic damage to your roof, and we work hard to provide you with exceptional service and high-quality work that brings you peace of mind.
Pest Infestations
Many people are surprised to learn how much damage pests can do to a roof. Birds, rodents, and even larger pests like raccoons can get into your roof and not only damage the roofing materials but contaminate your attic or crawlspace. If you see signs of pests living or roosting in or on your roof, you need to deal with it right away.
Your first step should be to reach out to your local pest control company. They can help you eradicate the pests themselves and clean up the mess the pests left behind. After you have handled the immediate pest infestation, call our professional roof repair specialists for help assessing and repairing any damage left behind. Our roof repair and maintenance experts can figure out how the pests got in and help you keep them from coming back.
Performing annual roof maintenance is an important preventative step in keeping pests at bay. A well-maintained roof leaves little room for pests to set up shop. It is also recommended that you schedule routine pest control each year. This can help you stay on top of the pest situation and ensure that your roof remains protected.
Will My Insurance Cover Roof Repairs?
In many cases, your homeowners’ insurance will cover emergency roof repairs. When your roof is damaged, make sure you take pictures and note all damage. It is also recommended that you schedule a roof inspection with a professional roofer, like Lyons Roofing, to ensure that you have a detailed account of all damage. It is important that when filing your claim you are as thorough as possible and that all damage is accounted for.
For help with a roofing emergency, reach out to Lyons Roofing. With over 30 years of experience, we can help you deal with whatever roofing problem you are facing.
