When a storm rolls in, it doesn’t always give you a warning, and if your roof takes a hit, knowing what to do in the moment can make a big difference. While some damage will need a professional to fix for good, there are a few smart things you can do right away to help protect your home. Whether you’re dealing with heavy winds or unexpected leaks, quick thinking can save your home from bigger problems. These emergency tips are especially helpful for homeowners dealing with roofing in Elm Grove, where storms can show up fast and cause sudden damage.
What Counts as a Roofing Emergency?
Not every drip or loose shingle needs a rush repair, but certain things do. Here’s what might count as a real emergency:
- A tree limb or heavy debris crashes onto your roof
- Rainwater starts leaking through your ceiling
- Large parts of the shingles or flashing are missing
- You notice part of the roof is sagging or looks like it could fall in
- Water is spreading fast inside your home
If anything makes your home unsafe or opens the door for more serious damage, it’s an emergency.
Safety First: Don’t Take Risks
The most important thing? Keep yourself and your family safe. Before you do anything else:
- Make sure everyone is away from wet areas, electrical wires, or unstable parts of the ceiling
- If water is dripping, place buckets or containers underneath to catch it
- Move electronics, rugs, and valuables out of the way if you can do so safely
And here’s the golden rule: don’t get on the roof during a storm. It’s too risky. Focus on what you can do from inside or from the ground.
Tarp the Trouble Spots
If it’s safe and the storm lets up a bit, one of the most helpful things you can do is cover the damaged part of your roof with a tarp. Here’s how:
- Use a tarp that’s big enough to stretch beyond the hole or tear
- Anchor it with heavy objects like bricks or sandbags, no nails or staples
- Make sure it’s tight so water can’t sneak in underneath
This is just a short-term fix, but it can keep the rain out until help arrives.
Find the Leak Inside
Sometimes it’s not easy to see where water is coming in. It might drip from one place, but the actual hole in the roof could be somewhere else. Check for:
- Wet spots on ceilings or walls
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Water pooling in attic spaces
The more info you can gather now, the easier it’ll be for professionals to find and fix the problem later.
Remove Debris From the Ground
Branches, leaves, or even broken shingles might clog your gutters or pile up on the roof. If you can safely reach any of this from the ground or from a sturdy ladder after the storm settles a bit, try to clear it away. Blocked gutters can cause water to back up and leak into your house, even if your roof itself is okay.
Use Roofing Tape or Sealant If You Have It
If you have roofing tape or sealant in your emergency kit, and you’ve found a small hole or gap, you might be able to seal it from inside your attic. It’s not a permanent fix, but it can help slow down a leak. Just remember, this only works if it’s safe to be in your attic and the leak is easy to reach.
Call Your Insurance ASAP
Don’t wait to call your insurance company. Most policies cover storm damage, but there’s usually a time limit on when you can report it. The sooner you call:
- The faster they can send someone out to assess the damage
- The easier it is to get help with the cost of repairs
- The less stress you’ll feel trying to figure it all out on your own
Take clear photos of everything inside and out. Keep records of when the damage happened and any temporary fixes you made.
After the Storm: Call the Pros
Once it’s safe and the worst of the storm is over, it’s time to bring in a roofing expert. They can check for hidden damage, make the permanent repairs, and help prevent future problems. A good roofer will know exactly what to look for and how to fix it right the first time.
Final Thoughts
Storm damage can be scary, but you don’t have to panic. Start with safety, make small temporary repairs if you can, and get help as soon as possible. Your home is your safe place, and by staying calm and acting quickly, you can protect it when the weather turns rough.
