How to Handle a Roof Emergency

When you are dealing with a leaking roof during a storm, you want to get that roof fixed fast. You don’t have time to wait until you can hire a roofing company. After all, you need to do your research before you hire any licensed roofers. But, what do you do in the meantime? Climbing onto the roof can be dangerous even in fair weather. So, placing a tarp yourself is not the best option.

Protect Your Belongings and Contain the Water

Interior leak

The first thing you’ll want to do is protect your belongings. Quickly clear the floor under the leak or bulging ceiling. Then, place a large container under the leak. For small amounts of water, an empty trash can or bucket will do the job. For faster flowing water, an outdoor trash container is ideal. Not only can it hold large volumes of water, but it also has wheels for easy removal. Place towels in the area to absorb water on the floor.

If you have a bulge in the ceiling but no water is flowing yet, take a screwdriver and puncture it in the middle. The hole will allow the water to drain and release the weight that could cause the ceiling to fall through.

Finding the Entry Point of the Water

Now that you’ve prevented your home from becoming a flood zone, you can search for source of the water. Finding the cause of the leak can be challenging because water can travel and is not always directly above the problem area. Along with roof leaks, plumbing, heating and cooling units and gutters are also common causes of leaks.

You’ll need to look around and investigate. Remove damaged or wet drywall or follow the water back to the source. If the source of the leak is the roof, grab a flashlight, some towels and a measuring tape and head up to the attic. Continue to follow the water where it leads. Use the towels to soak up any standing water as you go. Don’t limit your search. Water can travel along rafters and the underside of the roof decking, so the entry point into the attic could be on the opposite side of the house from the ceiling leak. Water spots, stains and mold growth can also be important clues to help lead you to the entry point.

Emergency Tarps

emergency roof tarping
Once the water is contained, you many need an emergency tarp. It is possible to find do-it-yourself instructions for placing the tarp yourself, but accessing the roof can be dangerous. We recommend contacting a professional roofer who will use proper safety equipment and protocols. Assurance Residential provides 24-hour emergency tarp services. Call us now at 404-600-ROOF if you need immediate assistance in the Lawrenceville, GA and surrounding areas, including Duluth and Buford.

Final Tips for a Handling a Roof Emergency

It is important to permanently repair your leaky roof. Leaky roofs don’t get better on their own, and often continue to worsen as time goes on. Water damage and stains can lead to more severe problems, such as rotten supports and mold. You will want a licensed roofing company to repair your roof. Assurance Residential will provide a free roof inspection, a complimentary consultation, high-quality roofing materials and best-in-class professional roofing services. Call us today at 404-600-ROOF or fill out our form to request a free inspection.
Ryan Calder

Ryan Calder

Ryan Calder is the owner of Assurance Residential, based out of Lawrenceville, GA. He is a licensed general contractor with over 20 years in the construction industry.​

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About Assurance Residential

Assurance Residential is a family-owned general contractor in northeast Georgia that has been in business for over a decade. We specialize in roof repair, roof replacements, metal roofs and gutter installations.

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