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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.

What does metal roofing look like today?

Well, it can look like the metal on an old barn if you want, but most municipalities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area won’t approve of that.  Today, metal roof installation can be done in a wide range of colors and styles, including looking like architectural asphalt shingles, clay tiles, slate tiles, or wood shakes.

What makes a metal roof installation better than those other types of materials?

 The first thing you should know, a metal roof installation is going to be more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof installation.  However, that upfront cost will give you an ROI with these benefits:

• It won’t break, crack, curl, flake, split, or warp
• It is extremely durable and long-lasting, between 40 and 70 years
• It is fire-resistant, hail-resistant, and wind-resistant
• It weighs up to one-third as much as an asphalt shingle roof installation making it easier and faster to install and doesn’t put as much stress on the house
• The warranty on a metal roof installation is typically around 40 years or longer
• Metal roofing comes in over 20 colors
• A metal roof installation is low-maintenance
• A metal roof installation can be done over an existing shingle roof
• A metal roof installation can get a discount on homeowners insurance
• Metal roof installation is aesthetic and a value-add
• Metal roofing reflects heat, essential in Texas, and is an energy and money saver

What should go under a metal roof installation?

A metal roof installation should start with a vapor barrier first under the external roofing components, i.e. the metal. The underlayment/vapor barrier is directly attached to the roof decking. The three choices of underlayment for a metal roof installation are:

• Felt
• Self-adhering membrane
• Synthetic sheet

An experienced roofing contractor will discuss the differences between these underlayment materials and help you choose the right one for your metal roof installation.

Is a metal roof installation a DIY project?

It can be if you’re handy with the tools needed for a proper metal roof installation. However, a metal roof installation can be complicated depending on the scope of the roof and the brand of the metal.

Are furring strips required under a metal roof installation?

That can depend on what the metal roof installation is going over.  If it is installed over existing asphalt shingles, furring strips are needed to provide ventilation and a base in which to attach the metal panels.

Can you put metal roofing directly on plywood?

With a metal roof installation, you could install it directly to the metal, but it is recommended to install a layer of roofing felt first at the minimum. Many contractors will recommend they install a slip sheet as well for extra protection.

What are the downsides to having a metal roof installation?

A metal roof installation will offer you many different benefits we have covered here.  But not everything is perfect, including a metal roof. Some disadvantages to consider and review with your roofing contractor include:

Despite their many advantages, metal roofs have some potential drawbacks.

• The Cost. A metal roof installation will cost as much as 3 times more than an asphalt shingle roof. The offset benefit to this is the durability and longevity, and in most cases, a discount on homeowner’s insurance.
• Sounds. A metal roof installation has a history of being noisy when it rains or in a  hailstorm. This can be minimized by having quality decking and insulation installed before the metal. This will make the job more expensive, but more enjoyable for years to come.
• Contraction, Expansion, Fasteners. A metal roof installation is done with materials that contract and expand with the temperature, wearing the fasteners out, and requiring them to be replaced throughout the lifespan.
• Color Matching. If a metal roof needs repairs that require replacing any of the metal panels, it can be difficult to match the color exactly.

Staying On Top

Once you get past the initial cost of a metal roof installation, you’ll have many years of enjoyment. You’ll know your home is better protected against fire and varying weather elements. Your home will have a value-add that will be attractive to possible buyers should you decide to sell – home buyers are always looking for upgrades that can save them money on energy and delay when they need to replace expensive components like a roof. Call our team today at (863) 445-5155 if you are interested in metal roof installation or repair.

What kind of damage do hailstorms cause to a roof?

Hail damage roof repair is often noticeable, like big dents and dings on the roof and surrounding property when the hail stones are larger than 1” in diameter. Other signs of hail damage include:

• Broken, cracked shingles
• Dented gutters and downspouts
• Cracked roof caps and vents
• Dented metal flashing
• Cracked skylights
• Chipped paint on fascia, house, and window trim
• Cracked windows
• Dented siding

But just because you don’t see these dents and dings, doesn’t mean you don’t need hail damage roof repairs.  Hail damage can be found under the shingle. Hail stones coming down hard and at the right angle can break the seal on asphalt shingles. This leaves the roof susceptible to leaking as water can get under the shingles and penetrate the roof decking and into the attic.

This is why it is important to get a professional roofing contractor to inspect your home after any extended weather event.  They have the experience and training on what to look for when checking for hail damage roof repairs needed.

How much damage does a roof need to be replaced?

Depending on where the hail damage is located will depend on what your insurance company declares the need for hail damage roof repair or replacement.  In general, they require that a minimum of 25% of the roof surface be damaged before they grant full roof replacement.

It is important to use the funding received from the insurance for the purpose intended. By using the money for other purposes and ignoring the hail damage roof repair, you’re compromising your relationship with your insurance company. They will most likely deny any future claims due to homeowner neglect. In some cases, it can be grounds for your policy to be canceled.

What size of hailstone causes hail damage roof repairs?

The level of hail damage roof repairs needed after a weather event can depend on several factors. One being the size of the hailstone, the angle and velocity the hailstones come down, and the condition of the roof. And of course, the size of the hailstones is a factor too, such as:

• Pea-sized hailstone: A small hail may not directly cause damage unless it is accompanied by strong winds in abundance. However, after several hailstorms of pea-sized hail, the damage can add up over time and be unnoticed unless you have a professional roof inspection.
• Golf ball hailstone: Golf ball-sized hailstones will damage the flashing, shingles, and other components of the roof that may not be visible to the naked eye. Again, this is why a professional roof inspection is recommended.
• Larger hailstones: When hailstones are larger than a golf ball, there will be significant hail damage roof repairs needed. Because they are larger, they come down faster and hit harder.

What should you do when you suspect hail damage?

Roof repairs are important and should be done immediately. Your first call should be to 2 or 3 roofing contractors. Most will offer a free roof inspection, those that charge will deduct that amount from the job if you choose them.  Get a written estimate that states all the materials that will be required as well as their guarantee and material warranty.

Next, call your insurance company and file a claim for hail damage roof repair or replacement. They will assign a company insurance adjuster who will contact you to schedule an appointment.  If possible, have the roofing contractor you plan to use there at that time too. 

It is recommended to review your homeowner’s insurance policy once a year. Review the deductible and what method of insurance coverage you have. There are two options for coverage:

• Actual Cash Value: Pays the cost to replace the roof less the depreciation of the roof.
• Replacement Value: Pays whatever amount it takes to replace it in a just-like material.

With an ACV policy, the monthly premiums are lower but the deductible is higher. This means paying more money out of pocket at the time of hail damage roof repairs. With an RCV policy, the monthly premiums are a little higher, but the out-of-pocket expense for the deductible is less at the time of hail damage roof repairs.

In Conclusion

No matter how slight you think the hail damage roof repairs are, they should be inspected by a professional roofing contractor. If they deem the damage is minimal, and the out-of-pocket cost is less than your deductible, you’ll be better off not filing a hail damage roof claim. If you need hail damage repair, call our team today at (863) 445-5155.