Emergency Roof Repair: When to Call a Professional

Most roof problems can wait a few days for a scheduled repair. A few can’t. Here’s how to tell the difference and what to do while you wait for help.

What counts as a roof emergency?

Call for emergency help if you see any of the following:

• A tree or large limb on the roof, especially if it broke through the decking
• Missing sections of shingles or decking after high winds, where you can see bare wood or the attic
• Water pouring or streaming in, not just a slow drip
• Water near electrical fixtures, like ceiling lights, fans, or outlets
• A sagging or bulging ceiling, which usually means water is pooling above it
• Fire or lightning damage to the roof

These all let large amounts of water into the home quickly, and the damage to insulation, drywall, flooring, and belongings grows by the hour.

What can wait until a normal appointment?

These are worth calling about, but usually aren’t emergencies:

• A small, slow drip into a bucket
• A water stain that isn’t growing
• A few missing or lifted shingles with no leak inside
• Granules in the gutters or worn-looking shingles

If the weather is clear and nothing is actively leaking, schedule an inspection instead. Our article on roof repair vs. replacement can help you think through what comes next.

What should you do in the first hour?

1. Stay safe. Don’t go onto the roof or into the attic during a storm. If water is near electrical fixtures, turn off power to that area at the breaker if you can do so safely.
2. Move people and belongings. Clear furniture, electronics, rugs, and valuables away from the leak.
3. Catch the water. Use buckets, trash cans, and towels. If a ceiling is bulging with water, keep everyone out of the room below it.
4. Take photos and video. Capture the damage inside and anything you can see outside from the ground. Note the date and time.
5. Call a roofer who offers emergency service, and then call your insurance company or agent.

What does emergency tarping involve?

Emergency tarping is a temporary repair to stop water from getting in until the roof can be fixed for good. A crew will:

• Remove loose debris and, if needed, branches from the damaged area
• Cover the damaged section with a heavy-duty tarp that extends past the damage and over the ridge where possible
• Secure the tarp with boards or fasteners so wind can’t get under it
• Document the damage with photos for your insurance claim

A good tarp job protects the house for weeks. It’s not a permanent fix. Sun and wind wear tarps out, so permanent repairs should follow as soon as possible.

Does insurance cover emergency roof repairs?

If the damage came from a covered event like wind, hail, or a fallen tree, your policy will often cover emergency tarping along with the permanent repair, minus your deductible. Many policies actually require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Keep every receipt and photo. For more on coverage, see does insurance cover roof damage?

How do you avoid storm chasers after an emergency?

After a big storm, some out-of-town contractors knock on doors offering quick fixes. In an emergency it’s tempting to sign with the first person who shows up. Don’t sign a full replacement contract on the spot. An emergency tarp is a small, separate job. Get the home protected first, then take your time choosing who does the permanent work. Our guide to hail damage has more warning signs.

24/7 emergency roofing in Morgan County

Boxwood offers 24/7 emergency roofing and tarping in Hartselle, Decatur, Priceville, Falkville, Somerville, Trinity, and nearby communities. We stop the water, document the damage for your insurance company, and then plan the permanent repair with you once the weather clears.