Roof emergencies happen all the time and when they do you need to know how to handle them immediately.
In the Niagara Region, we have seen incredible amounts of snow and temperature variability as well as wind storms in particular that have been punishing on the home’s exterior, so we caught up with local expert Wayne Jeffreys of Class EH! Roofing in Niagara-on-the-Lake to gather some important information about the issues.
Says Wayne: ” I see roof emergencies all the time, this year it has been hundreds of folks calling me about ice dams. Extreme winds have also been a real issue. Once a roofing system is compromised, it will allow water infiltration. A quick roof repair or protective cover must be installed to stop further interior and structural damage. In most cases, we will emergency tarp the hole in the roof or damaged area until the weather system passes and we can assess damage and perform a permanent roof repair.”
What Causes Roof Damage Most?
Jeffreys says that in most instances, the roofing system was compromised due to a weather event like snow, rain, wind or lightning.
He says for example that, winds that exceed 80 km/h have the force to tear shingles from the roof and expose the substrate. Trees limbs can be torn off trees and penetrate the structure. Lightning can strike and literally blow a hole through the roof.
Animals are also a source of roof emergencies. Raccoons and squirrels love to chew through rotted wood and create sizable holes in the roof.
Another common reason for roof damage Jeffreys notes is that the roof has broken down over time, lost its integrity and no longer is properly sealing the structure.
What Happens When Roofers Get a Call for Emergency Repairs?
If it’s in the middle of a storm, Jeffreys says his team will wait until the storm subsides and then mobilize in a quick fashion.
“Safety for my workers is my first priority. There’s often nothing we can reasonably do when there’s high wind, heavy rain and lightning during a storm. However we will come out immediately when able and as mentioned above either perform an emergency tarping or perform the repair if we are able to upon arrival.”
What Should I Do About the Roof Damage?
Says Jeffreys: “First of all I cannot stress this enough: Don’t panic. The damage to the roof is already done. Contact your insurance provider and a professional roofing contractor to help immediately. Take your time to consider your repair or replacement options once a contractor has secured the roof and protected your home from further damage. Do NOT attempt to repair the roof on your own. There’s too much risk of being injured, and a homeowner will not properly assess the actual damage. REMEMBER: Roofs and ceilings can be repaired easily, broken bones cannot. Document your loss and damages, in writing and with photos when necessary and if possible.”
Below, Wayne Jeffreys from Class EH! Roofing.
Final Thoughts
We are in a challenging time as the weather is still not perfect for roofers to handle projects the way that they would like to, BUT, there are still important things that you can do to minimize damage on your home’s exterior.
If you need advice or information about a current roofing emergency for your home or business the team at Class EH! Roofing would be glad to assist.
They have 24-7 emergency service, are highly qualified and insured and offer peace of mind with experienced staff and free estimates. Call now at: 289-687-6924 or fill out an online form for a free estimate.
ABOUT CLASS EH! ROOFING IN NIAGARA
Class EH! Roofing is a leading roofing and home exterior renovation company located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON founded by Niagara resident Wayne Jeffreys over 15 years ago.
With thousands of installations to their credit in the Niagara Region, an exceptional level of service and products as well as unbeatable warranties, the team at Class EH! Roofing are ShingleMaster™ certified and dedicated to excellence in everything they do.
Four Mile Creek Road, N-O-T-L, ON., L0S 1J0
Website: www.classehroofing.ca
Call: 289-687-6924
