Experiencing a severe roof emergency can cause panic in anyone. However, feeling helpless and hopeless in this situation won’t be of any assistance. Following the preventive steps recommended by the experts can give you the confidence to handle emergency roof repairs in NJ safely. Therefore, instead of panicking, read this blog post for guidance.
If your roof has sustained damage from a heavy tree branch falling on it, or a severe storm knocking out shingles that resulted in water leakage, contact local emergency roofers in NJ immediately to save time.
Signs Of An Emergency Roof Repair
Many forms of roof damage may not require prompt action to repair them. However, some signs that roof repair is necessary include the following:
Water Leaks
Water stains on your ceiling or walls indicate a leaky roof. Roof leaks can cause damage to your home’s structure and electrical system, so you should address them as soon as you see them, and find the underlying cause.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
If you notice missing, cracked, or damaged shingles, it could be a sign of a more serious roof problem. Damaged shingles allow water to seep into your home and cause damage to the interior.
Sagging Roof
A sagging roof indicates structural damage and can be a serious problem that requires immediate attention. This type of damage can compromise the integrity of your entire roofing system and put your safety at risk. Therefore, it is crucial to address this issue as soon as possible by consulting a professional roofer.
Storm Damage
If your roof has been damaged by hail or a severe storm, it is important to be aware of the signs of storm damage. These signs include missing or broken shingles, dented or cracked roof vents, and dents on gutters or siding. In some cases, the damage may not be immediately apparent, and it is important to have your roof inspected by a professional to determine if any repairs are needed. If left untreated, storm damage can worsen and lead to more costly repairs in the future. Therefore, if you notice any signs of storm damage, it could be an emergency situation that requires immediate repair.
Fallen Trees Or Debris
A fallen tree on your roof can cause significant damage to the roof structure. This type of damage should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage.
If you own a flat roof, read our blog post, particularly meant for flat roof repairs, tips, and tricks.
Practical Tips For Emergency Roof Repair In NJ
If you experience an emergency roof repair situation in NJ, follow these practical tips to address the issues safely and efficiently:
1. Protect Yourself And Your Family Members
Remain calm and gather your family, then move safely from the damaged area to prevent injuries from falling debris or water leaks. Panicking won’t help, so take deep breaths and think critically.
2. Document Damages For Your Roof Insurance Claim
Assess the damage and contact your roof insurance provider. Purchasing an insurance policy is an investment in your roof’s long-term health and will come in handy in the case of an emergency. Your roof insurance provider should offer coverage for natural disaster damage, such as fire, storm, wind, and hail damage.
It’s also necessary to document damage by taking photos and videos to claim your insurance benefits. Send these documents to your insurance company, who will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and guide you on necessary repairs.
3. Contact Professional Roofers
While you may perceive a problem as easy to handle yourself, emergency roofers may not view it the same way. Attempting to perform repairs yourself without the proper skills and training may increase the risk of damage to the roof, as well as to yourself. Hence, immediately contact professional roofers to avoid further damage.
4. Cover The Damaged Area
Temporary repairs can be made after documenting damages, and while waiting for the insurance claim process to be complete.
After a major storm, your roof may have holes and damaged shingles that can lead to water leaks and further damage. To prevent water leaks and falling debris, cover the damaged area as a precautionary measure. As a temporary fix, you can put buckets and other containers under roof leaks.
This is how you place a tarp over your roof to protect it from further damage:
Choose the right tarp: Choose the right tarp large enough to cover the damaged area with a few extra feet on each side to allow for secure fastening. Polyethylene tarps are a good option for emergency roof tarping.
Gather the necessary tools: You’ll need a ladder, roofing nails, a hammer, and a rope to secure the tarp in place.
Prepare the roof: Clear any debris from the damaged area and ensure the surface is dry.
Place the tarp: Position the tarp over the damaged area and drape it over the roof. Leave a few feet of tarp hanging over the edges of the roof on each side.
Use anchor boards: Wrap the edges of the tarp around 2×4 anchor boards to secure it and add weight to the tarp so it doesn’t flap around. Depending on the size of the damage, you may need to use several anchor boards
Secure the tarp: Use roofing nails that are long enough to drive through the tarp, anchor board, and roofing materials, and secure the tarp in place
Add additional anchor boards as needed: Use a screw gun and screws to secure the remaining sides of the tarp with additional 2×4 boards.
Tie down the tarp: Tie a rope around the edges of the tarp, or use sandbags to further secure it to the roof.
5. Check For Roof Flashing
Roof flashings are an integral component of a roofing system. They are installed to divert the water from the roof where it meets vertical intersections, such as chimneys, walls, and skylights.
Read our comprehensive guide on how to repair roof flashing.
6. Repair Damaged Shingles
As mentioned earlier, damaged shingles can indicate that your roof has been hit by a strong storm or a fallen tree. If left unaddressed, these conditions may lead to more significant problems and incur higher repair costs. However, attempting to fix the damage yourself may not be a reliable solution. In the meantime, you can make temporary repairs to prevent roof leaks until professionals arrive. To fix broken or damaged shingles, apply sealants, adhesives, or roof cement around the edges of the shingles.
Emergency Roof Repair Cost
The cost of emergency roof repair in New Jersey is not one fixed quote. It depends on various factors, such as the type of repair needed, the extent of the damage, the roofing material, and the location of the property. Although your insurance policy may cover roof repair costs, obtaining multiple quotes from different roofing contractors is essential. Also, the cost depends on whether your roof needs an emergency repair or a complete replacement. It may not be feasible to simply repair roofs that have reached their age limit but to instead do a complete replacement. Therefore, it is crucial to call a professional roofer for an inspection and consultation to determine the necessary steps to take.
Choose Us For Your Emergency Roof Repair In NJ
Champion Exteriors comprises a team of skilled and experienced roofers who can assist you in emergencies. We are trained to handle roof-related emergencies and offer various services, including roof repair, replacement, and installation for commercial and residential buildings. We are always ready to help, so contact our expert and trusted team of roofers today, at (609)-845-3576!