Owning a building, whether it’s your home or a business, comes with responsibilities and requirements. One of those responsibilities is ensuring that the roof over your head keeps the interior of your building safe and dry.
Here in Virginia, it’s no secret that the weather can—and will—change fast. This can bring heavy rain, damaging wind, and even hail! If your roof cracks under the pressure, Tidewater Roofing is here in Hampton Roads and ready to help you!
If your roof has sprung an unexpected leak, don’t panic! Let’s discuss how to identify roof-related emergencies and what to do if you’re faced with one.
Learn more about our residential roof repairs and commercial roof repairs. When it comes to emergency roof repair services, Tidewater is always available when you need us.
What to Do for Emergency Roof Repairs
An unexpected leak or sudden burst of water into your home can be stressful and chaotic. Do your best to stay calm. After you’ve made sure you and your family are safe, follow these steps to help your home get back to being dry and comfortable.
First, Call Us!
Our roofing experts will provide you with the appropriate next steps on the phone. If your repair is an emergency, we will arrange for a roofing team to come to your residence or business and assess the damage. They will determine how quickly the repair can be addressed.
Tidewater Roofing is available 24/7 for emergency roofing repairs. Contact us now!
Next, Take Photos of the Affected Interior Areas
Take as many photos as you can and from different angles. Do not put yourself in danger, but document damage as thoroughly as possible.
Photographs of your roof and interior damage serve multiple purposes:
- They help our repair crews identify where the roof is likely damaged (it’s not always obvious).
- They come in handy should your insurance company get involved.
Protect the Building Interior
In the short term, use buckets (or other containers) to capture leaking water to minimize further damage to your premises. Remove perishable and valuable items from the areas affected by the damage.
Help Is Coming… But It May Not Be Immediate
Even if you call us during the first sign of an emergency, we may not arrive until after the emergency has passed. There are a few reasons for this, but the biggest one is safety. During an active storm, there’s little (if anything) our roofers can do. It’s unsafe to be on the roof during high winds and rains, and if there’s lightning, it’s out of the question.
We know this part (waiting) is hard, but know that the damage to your roof is already done. As soon as it’s safe for us to be on-site, you can rest assured that our roofers will get to work to identify the problem and get your roof repaired!
Are You Experiencing an Emergency Right Now?
When water starts falling from the ceiling, it’s natural to assume the worst. However, a leak is not necessarily the same thing as an emergency. In many cases, while a leak may in fact be present, it isn’t severe enough to require emergency service.
Wait, Isn’t Every Roof Leak an Emergency?
Well, yes and no. Make no mistake: a leaking roof requires repair, and sooner is always better than later. However, there are situations where you may be better served to avoid an emergency call and instead wait for regular repair services.
Signs You Need Emergency Roof Repair
Knowing the difference between a leaking roof and a full-blown emergency can be tricky. But some things are sure-fire signs that your roof needs professional attention. If you notice any of the following, call us immediately to have a professional roofer evaluate your home’s roof.
There Are Multiple Leaks
If it’s “raining” in your home or business, and there are multiple sources of entry, call us immediately. A severe leak can cause big problems if not repaired quickly.
Multiple leaks are also much harder to manage yourself, especially if these leaks are constant.
Water Is Entering Your Building
When a considerable amount of water is entering the building, you’ll need an emergency repair. An occasional drip and a steady stream are two very different things. An intermittent drip often doesn’t require the expense of emergency service and can be repaired during normal operation, a consistent stream of water is another story entirely.
A single drop of water falling every few seconds amounts to over 2 gallons of water each day. Imagine the volume of water a constantly running leak is pouring into your building!
Displaced Roofing Materials
Shingles or other roofing materials on your lawn are also a reason for an emergency repair. If parts of your roof have been blown off due to a storm (or other events), the damage caused to your roof can be difficult to ascertain from the ground. Winds over 50mph are known to tear shingles off the roof, especially in older homes.
However, one thing is for sure: if you’re looking at pieces of your roof on the ground, it’s time to call Tidewater Roofing!
Water Damage in Your Attic
One way to determine the severity of a leak is to poke around your attic. Look at joists, floorboards, walls, and insulation. If they have significant damage, or if you can see obvious signs of water intrusion, like wet drywall or insulation, call us ASAP.
Considerable water damage to your attic can threaten the integrity of your building structure. This should be considered an emergency and dealt with by a professional immediately.
Your Roof Has an Animal Infestation
Here’s a situation you may encounter that doesn’t revolve around a torrential downpour: animals. To a raccoon or squirrel, your roof looks like a great place to call home. As animals get comfortable in their new digs, they often create holes in water barriers that become a conduit for intruding water once rain hits.
Our roofers can evaluate the severity of rodents on your roof or any other animal-related infestation. Here are some signs that there may be animals living above your home or business:
- Animal sounds
- Strange or foul smells coming from your roof
- Nests, or evidence of torn or shredded materials
- Animal droppings
Emergency Roof Repairs & Insurance
In many cases, your homeowner’s or business insurance will provide some level of coverage for natural disasters or other types of emergencies that require repairs. Due to the range of policies available, we are unable to speak to your individual coverage. However, we encourage you to reference your policy and clarify provisions and exclusions with your insurance advisor.
We’re Here to Help
So follow the steps above, take lots of pictures, and call Tidewater Roofing 24/7 for emergency roof repair services. Many roof leaks and constant streams of water entering your home are considered an emergency. Let us help you protect your belongings and your family. We’re available 24/7 for you here in Hampton, Virginia.