What qualifies as an emergency roof repair?
Sudden storm damage, structural sagging, or active leaks qualify as roofing emergencies requiring immediate attention.
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Strong Storms in San Antonio Often Require an Emergency Roof Repair
A roofing emergency can strike at any time. Severe storms with high winds or large hail in San Antonio can cause sudden, severe damage to your roof, necessitating an emergency roof repair. These repairs should be completed quickly, minimizing the time that your home is left exposed to the elements.
At Dolan Roofing & Construction, our storm restoration services include emergency roof repairs available at a moment’s notice. If your home was in the path of a major storm or if you’ve noticed a severe or dangerous situation with your roof, here’s how to respond in a timely manner.
Signs You Need an Emergency Roof Repair
Generally, an emergency roof repair is required when there is sudden, unexpected, and severe damage to your roof, or when it becomes apparent that your roof is failing or structurally compromised. Common signs that you need an emergency repair include:
- Widespread storm damage to your roof, such as missing shingles or other major issues visible from the ground
- Fire damage or a fallen tree/limb
- Visible sagging, suggesting structural problems
- Sudden, unexplained leaks or water intrusion. Particularly if high volumes of water are entering your home
All of these signs point to a situation where homeowners should act immediately to address the problem. Leaving severe roof damage unaddressed means your home will be exposed to the elements, while a sagging roof is a sign that your roof is in dangerously poor condition.
What to Do Immediately After Damage
If your roof was damaged by one of San Antonio’s many major storms, here’s how you should respond in the aftermath.
- Walk Your Property – Take a look around your property and take note of damage. Take pictures as best you can without climbing on your roof.
- Call a Trusted Roofer – Work with a known, licensed, local roofing contractor with a strong track record.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider – If damage is severe, alert your insurance provider and begin the process of filing a claim.
- Complete Your Roof Repair – In an emergency situation, your roofer may come and install a tarp or make immediate preliminary repairs before replacing or repairing the full scope of damage.
While homeowners may be tempted to tarp over their roof, this can do more harm than good if done improperly. It’s best to wait for a roofer to arrive and provide emergency repairs or tarping.
Identifying a Trusted Roofer: Important Questions to Ask
Unfortunately, the aftermath of storms is a common time for shady individuals to run roofing scams. The best way to avoid getting scammed is to vet roofers before hiring anyone. Some important questions to ask include:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Can you provide me with contact information?
- How long have you been in business?
- How quickly can you complete an inspection?
- What kind of experience do you have with emergency roof repairs and replacements?
- Do you have experience working with insurance companies?
The right roofer for an emergency roof repair should be based in San Antonio, fully licensed and insured, and experienced in navigating the roof repair and insurance process.
Any roofer who isn’t licensed and insured, can’t provide clear contact information (or isn’t based locally), and hasn’t been in business for more than a year or two is not a good choice for the job.
Storm Damage vs. Wear and Tear: What’s Covered?
When it comes to whether insurance will cover your emergency roof repair, it depends on your policy and the cause of the damage.
Many emergency roofing situations will be covered by insurance. This includes most types of storm damage, such as hail or high winds, fires, falling trees, and similar events. Leaks or structural issues arising from neglect or wear and tear over a long period of time, however, are unlikely to be covered.
To maximize your chances when filing a claim, ensure damage is carefully documented. Your roofing partner should also be present when your insurance adjuster visits your property,* as they will be able to help establish the cause of the damage.
Reach Out for an Emergency Inspection & Repair
At Dolan Roofing & Construction, our team is always ready to respond to an emergency roofing situation. We employ an after-hours answering service to ensure that someone is ready to take your call, no matter when severe storms strike. We also work hard to prioritize severe damage to ensure your home is not left vulnerable for long.
If you’re facing a roofing emergency, reach out to our team today to schedule an inspection.
*NOTE: Dolan Roofing & Construction and its authorized representatives are NOT acting as Public Insurance Adjusters and will not negotiate with insurance on the Customer’s behalf.
