Steps to Take During an Emergency Roof Leak

All homeowners fear that inevitable day when some part of their home is struck with the need for an unexpected, expensive repair. Maybe it’s during a thunderstorm when heavy rains and winds tear the shingles off of your roof. Or, maybe you just noticed that the squirrel you see every day has been gnawing away at a part of your roof, causing a hole to form. 

Whatever the cause, if water is entering your home from a roof leak, it needs to be dealt with quickly to limit erosion and interior damage to your home. Your most effective course of action for an emergency roof leak is to hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect and repair your roof before the damages get worse. 

If you just noticed an emergency roof leak, there are some immediate steps you can take to protect your home from the outside elements and water damage that it is already vulnerable to. 

Dealing with Emergency Roof Damage

Those of us living in New Jersey know that our houses are susceptible to damage caused by nature’s elements all year round. Whether it’s high-speed winds during hurricane season, the weight of excessive snowfall during the winter months, or endless amounts of rainfall tapping away on our roof in springtime, we are rarely surprised when weather impacts our homes. 

Despite knowing rain, snow, wind, and ice leave our houses, particularly roofs, at risk for damage, it is rare for an emergency to occur that causes the immediate need for a roof repair. Yet, emergency roof leaks do happen, and it is best to be prepared by knowing what to do if you notice water entering your home due to a leak. 

What Causes a Roof Emergency? 

Here are the common causes of roofing emergencies that need immediate attention: 

• Fallen trees or branches
• Fire damage
• Lightning strikes
• High-speed winds 
• Storms
• Ice dams
• Structural issues
• Damage caused by wildlife

Are Roof Leaks an Emergency? 

Yes, a leak in your roof is an emergency situation and needs to be handled swiftly and responsibly. If you notice a leak in your roof, contact a New Jersey roofing contractor to come to assess the damage and offer solutions for repairs. 

Finding a roof leak is not only frustrating it is also a hazard to your home and everything in it– including to you and your family.

When dealing with an emergency roof leak, your home is at risk of the following things happening: 

• Mold and mildew: water escaping to the interior of your house via a roof leak can develop into mold or mildew, causing a health concern for anyone living there and the potential for long-term, expensive damage to the materials in your home. 
• Fire and electrical hazards: if water leaks into electrical wiring inside the walls, your home becomes a fire hazard and will open up the potential for inhabitants to experience electrocution if water-soaked wiring is exposed or touched. 
• Attic and ceiling damage: water damage can be detrimental to the insulation and ventilation in your attic, walls, and ceilings. Unsightly water stains may develop, causing paint and drywall to chip, bubble, or crack. 
• High electric bills: if insulation is damaged, it will take more energy to heat your home, causing your bills to increase in monthly costs. 

Whether your roof leak is extreme, pouring tons of water into your home or it’s less severe and you’ve noticed just a drop or two of water trickling in, it is best to have us come inspect the damage sooner rather than later. We offer free estimates for necessary roof repairs so you can avoid the long-term risks associated with roof leak damage to your home. 

Steps to Take for an Emergency Roof Leak

Unfortunately, a roof leak is not the type of situation that can go ignored. The longer time goes on without handling a roof leak, the more destructive the water entering your home will become. So, what should you do once you notice your roof is leaking? 

First, stay calm and collected, and try your best to assess and respond to what is immediately in your control: containing the water, covering the point of entry, and hiring a licensed and skilled New Jersey roofing contractor to perform a free roof inspection and the necessary roof repairs. 

Step 1: Clear the Path of the Roof Leak

It’s bad enough that your roof is damaged– you certainly do not need to add furniture and belongings to the list of things affected by the roof leak. Move furniture, area rugs, clothing, or other items in the water’s path out of the way. Water damage causes moisture to become trapped, leading to the potential for mold or mildew to build up. 

Step 2: Contain the Water

Grab buckets, trash cans, towels, or whatever is at your disposal to trap and contain as much of the water that entered your home as possible. This will aid in stopping water from reaching other parts of the floor that are not in the direct path of the leak and protect the other materials in your home from corrosion. 

Step 3: Consider Your Insurance Options

A crucial step that people sometimes overlook is taking pictures of the damage to your roof, the leaks themselves, and any interior damage caused by the leaking roof. You will need to file a claim with your insurance company so they can help cover the costs caused by emergency roof leaks. 

With the pictures you took of the roof leak and any destruction caused by the roof leak, your insurance company gets a full picture of what is happening at your home. It is much more likely to have roof repairs and full roof replacements covered by your insurance if you have visual proof of damage. 

Step 4: Tarp Your Roof

If water is still entering the home and to avoid future rainfall from leaking inside, it’s best to get a tarp to cover the holes in your roof until you can get your roof repaired. Never make the mistake of just leaving the opening uncovered, as it will not only allow for more rain and water damage, but animals, insects, and other debris will enter the home. 

Step 5: Contact a Professional Roofing Company

A roof leak is a huge undertaking that can result in more and more damage if not handled quickly and efficiently. Even if you are skilled in most home improvement areas when it comes to a roof leak you want to ensure the best possible care is taken of your roof. 

There are some instances where quick, DIY fixes are appropriate, but when it comes to potential fire hazards, the safety of your home is the top priority, and there may be smaller leaks that are not easily detectable to non-professionals. Protect the interior of your home, the integrity of your roof’s structural system, and all of the other types of roofing materials that can be affected by a leak by calling an expert roofing contractor to assess the damage to your house. 

Does Your Roof Have a Leak? Avoid Further Damage by Calling Us Today

Sometimes being a homeowner can get stressful, particularly when a part of the home is quickly, unexpectedly damaged. The moment you notice you have an emergency roof leak, take the precautionary steps outlined above and reach out to Allied Roofing Solutions to schedule a free consultation for your roof repairs.  We serve New Jersey residents in Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Somerset County.  Please call us at (201) 773-0633 or fill out our free roof estimate form to schedule an appointment so we can help protect your home from further damage caused by a leaking roof.