Tips on Handling Roofing Emergencies

The hours that follow a storm’s aftermath are critical. For homeowners, handling roofing emergencies can be a tough balancing act between protecting the family and getting the roof fixed as soon as possible. The residential and commercial roofing contractors at US Roofing share tips on handling a roofing emergency, following a storm or a similar event.

Ensure Safety and Shelter for Your Family

If the roofing emergency makes it unsafe for your family to stay at home—as is often the case after a storm—you have to make sure your family has shelter. Your family can stay with trusted friends or relatives, or perhaps at a nearby hotel. Pets can be temporarily housed at a local daycare or kennel. Since you will have to oversee restoration and/or repairs, you need to be near your home for the duration of the repair work.

Make Your First Two Calls

After making sure your family has shelter, make your first two calls: your insurance provider and your residential roofing contractor. Your insurance provider will send an insurance adjuster, who will determine the extent of the roofing damage. They will take pictures and record their observations on the condition of your home.

Your roofing contractor, on the other hand, will independently document the damage, assess required repairs, and provide an estimate on the repair costs. These will be submitted to your insurance adjuster as supporting documents for your insurance claim. Working with a knowledgeable roofing contractor can help minimize delays in processing your claim, which is often due to incomplete documentation.

Avoid DIY Repairs

Some homeowners would rather perform roof repairs themselves than go through the process of filing an insurance claim. As professional roofers, we strongly advise against doing any DIY repairs for many reasons. For one, it places the homeowner at risk of injury if improper safety equipment is used. There is also no guarantee that the repair work will last, and costs to correct said repair work will have to come out of the homeowner’s pocket. Lastly, DIY repairs will likely void any existing roofing warranties.

US Roofing is your leading provider of roofing services, including seasonal roof jobs. Give us a call at (978) 532 6300 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.