Need Emergency Roof Repair Fast?
Without fail, massive storms can rip through our area without much warning. And that means business owners and homeowners may need emergency roof repairs. While a roof on any type of structure is there to provide protection, there are different types of roofs. With that being said, emergency roof repairs may be different too.
What is a roof emergency?
It doesn’t matter if it is your business or your home, if there is a lot of rain pouring into the structure, you need emergency roof repair. If there is water dripping and can be contained in a bucket, it is not an emergency. If there is a hole in the roof, or if the roof is missing and leaving the interior exposed, you need emergency roof repair.
Any time the interior of your business or home is exposed to the elements. Any time your employees and customers, your family, and possessions are exposed to the elements. These constitute an emergency roof repair need.
How do you temporarily cover a damaged roof?
As we mentioned at first, the roofing for commercial structures and residential structures can vary. With that, permanent roof repairs are going to vary too. However, when it comes to a temporary emergency roof repair, no matter the type of structure, the plastic tarp is key!
If you can get on the roof, take a tarp, 2×4 boards cut in half, screws, and a waterproof roof sealant with you. Spread the tarp over the damaged area and position the cut pieces of the 2×4 around the damaged area and fasten down with the screws.
You can also use a sheet of plywood instead of the tarp for a temporary emergency roof repair. You won’t need the cut pieces of 2×4 boards, but you will need the screws and waterproof sealant. Spread the sealant along the edge of the plywood board and position it down over the damaged area. Screw it down to secure it and then spread more sealant along the edges and over the screws.
What to do while waiting for roof repair?
First, whether it is your business or your home, you want to make sure everyone is safe and evacuate if there is any pending danger like downed power lines or leaking gas lines. Next, take the following steps until your emergency roof repair service arrives:
- Remove everything under the damaged area. This includes clothing, electronics, furniture, and personal items.
- Place a plastic tarp on the floor directly under the damaged area.
- Place a bucket on the tarp directly under the damaged area. You’ll need to check it periodically and empty it as needed.
- Take pictures or videos and make notes of all damage.
- Call a roofing contractor for inspection and estimate.
- Call your insurance company and file a claim.
What is the life expectancy of roofs?
This can depend on the roofing material installed. Some examples of residential asphalt roofing include three different versions:
- Three-tab asphalt shingles are the most basic and least expensive with a lifespan between 15 and 20 years.
- Architectural asphalt shingles are a step in quality and have a lifespan between 20 and 30 years.
- Premium asphalt shingles are the top of the asphalt class, they are the most expensive, and have a lifespan between 25 and 40 years.
Other materials used for residential roofing include ceramic tile, metal, slate tile, and wood shakes or wood shingles. Each of these has different lifespan expectancies from 15 years to 70 years or longer. The climate, weather events, and quality of material and installation process can have an impact on the lifespan. The chances of needing emergency roof repairs are greater with the wood shake or wood shingles, with three-tab asphalt shingles being next.
In the commercial roofing materials, the most commonly used ones in this area are:
- Built-Up Roofing
- EPDM Roofing
- PVC Roofing
- TPO Roofing
- Metal Roofing
- Green Roofing
For a temporary emergency roof repair on these, the above-described tarp option works, but only temporarily. A commercial roofing contractor should be consulted for making permanent repairs as soon as possible.
Going Forward
Roof damage happens in this part of the country. It is almost a given that your business or home will need emergency roof repair at some point. However, you can do things to minimize the chances, starting with routine roof inspections of the roof, gutters, and any connecting components. Keep the trees cut back and the gutters clean.
After any roof inspection, if small issues are brought to your attention, have the needed repairs or replacements done. Even the smallest loose flashing or shingle can leave the roof on any structure in jeopardy of needing emergency roof repairs. Staying alert and aware of the roof’s condition is important for any business or residential property. When you need emergency roof repair, call our team at (863) 445-5155 today.
