Especially during certain times of the year, unexpectedly strong storms often appear almost out of nowhere, move quickly, and then dissipate almost as quickly. If your home is one of the unlucky few that’s directly in the path of the storm, some roof damage is almost inevitable.
What do you need to do in these situations, and how will an experienced Toronto roofing company respond to your call?
Roofing Emergencies
Once the roof is even slightly compromised, serious problems begin almost straightaway. Some of the more prominent ones include:
- Ceiling and Attic Damage: In the minutes and hours following the breach, a water leak expands the plaster and often ruins the paint. Moreover, ceiling fixtures, like lights and fans, may also be adversely affected.
- Fire Hazard: Affected appliances often short out, creating an imminent fire hazard in that area. It’s normally a good idea to turn off the electricity and leave it off until the damage is completely repaired.
- Mold: Over the longer term, mold grows in the moist area. Mold quickly spreads to the HVAC system, putting everyone’s health at risk, especially vulnerable populations like children and old people. Additionally, mold remediation is difficult and expensive, but it must be done to preserve your home’s resale value.
- Slip and Fall: Leaky roofs create wet spots, and young children do not always look where they are going, especially if the room is dark.
Typically, a roofer places a large plastic tarp over the damaged portion of the roof, and after the storm or other emergency passes, fully assesses the situation.
Wind gusts of 50mph are enough to damage roofing tiles, especially if there is any pre-existing damage whatsoever. Such damage might come from squirrels, raccoons, and other small animals. Lightning strikes, house fires, and falling trees often damage roofs as well.
The Company’s Response
Obviously, the company cannot put workers at risk during a severe storm or a raging fire. Usually, when the call comes in, the company mobilizes workers and has them ready to arrive on the scene once it is safe to do so.
What to Do in the Meantime
Since the professionals may not arrive for several hours after the damage occurs, it’s often important to minimize losses to the greatest extent possible. A temporary patch may last for several hours or even several days. Most hardware and home improvement stores have a variety of pastes, plastic tarps, and patches that are easy to apply. Cordon off the area and, as mentioned earlier, turn off all the electricity in the room.
Once the storm or other emergency passes, it’s usually possible to temporarily reattach loose shingles. More adventurous do-it-yourselfers can also create their own temporary shingles out of copper or sheet metal. But again, such fixes are only temporary.
Most importantly, do not panic. The damage has already been done, and if it’s timely and properly repaired, the damage will remain localized to the affected area. So, take a deep breath, break out the emergency supplies, and call an experienced local roofer.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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