Has your roof sustained damage from recent extreme weather conditions? No matter how old or new your roof is, it can still be damaged by high winds, hail, or heavy rains, all of which are a part of Nebraska weather. If your roof has been damaged, it’s critical that you take some emergency measures to minimize the damage and ensure the safety of your home and its belongings. Here are six immediate steps to take in an emergency roofing situation.
Step 1: Wait Until the Weather Clears
It may sound like obvious advice, but don’t get up on the roof while it’s still raining, blowing, or when there’s lightning. Even if you have a big leak, there’s no reason to risk your safety. Not only is it not safe to try to inspect your roof during a storm, but it’s also not very effective. You need good weather conditions and plenty of light to properly see the damage, so waiting is a necessity.
Step 2: Do a Visual Inspection
Once the weather has cleared, you can give your roof a good once-over. Of course, a professional inspection from a knowledgeable inspector like those at A&A Roofing & Exteriors is the best option as they know what to look for and how to fix it. However, if you have to wait a few days to get a professional on your roof, you can take a quick look yourself.
Step 3: Control Any Leaks
If you have water seeping into your home from a leak in your roof, you need to control the spread of it to prevent further damage to your roof and the rest of your home. If water is coming into your house, it means it’s damaging the internal structure of it and it’s imperative to control that leak as much as you can until a professional can come fix it.
Step 4: Remove Standing Water
If there is standing water or puddles forming on your roof, you need to get rid of it as soon as possible. If these are allowed to stay on your roof, they could cause further leaks and damage the integrity of your roof and other structures.
Step 5: Look for the Source of the Leak
It might be difficult to determine the source of the leak if you have water coming into your home. Often, the leak is not located anywhere near where you see water inside. However, you can try to look for clues to determine where the leak has originated.
Step 6: Plug the Leak if Possible
If you can identify the source of the leak, use sealants, duct tape, tarps, or whatever you can find to temporarily plug it. Though this is not a long-term solution, it can help to minimize damage until a professional can come and fix the problem.
If you’re uncomfortable trying to identify a leak or patch it yourself, don’t attempt to as you could harm yourself or cause further problems with your roof. Call the professionals at A&A and let us know that you have an emergency situation and we’ll send an inspector out as soon as we can. The best way to treat leaks is to be proactive! Schedule a free inspection of your roof today to find out if any repairs need to be made before more severe weather arrives.
