Noticing damage on your roof can be incredibly devastating. It can make you feel overwhelmed and not sure what to do next. Unfortunately, if you notice that your ceiling has water damage or you have missing shingles, you may need an emergency roof repair.

It is important to know that not all damage to roofs needs to be addressed immediately. However, it is important to recognize what qualifies as an emergency in order to get a roof repair performed as soon as possible.

What Is a Roof Repair Emergency?

There are many ways to define what qualifies as an emergency roof repair. Unfortunately, there are several common problems that plague homeowners across the nation. Here in the Chicagoland area, if you notice that your attic or the top of your home is exposed to harsh weather conditions, most likely you recognize that there is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed.

Water damage can cause significant structural issues, which is never a good thing. There are several signs that indicate that you need to call a roofing professional in order to have an emergency roof repair performed. 

If You Notice Any Pests or Animals in Your Attic or Roof 

Noticing any unwanted pests in your attic or living on your roof can indicate that you have an emergency situation that needs to be addressed. When pests and animals invade your roof, they can create large holes or openings in its surface. This can expose your water to the elements, which can result in severe water damage that can completely destroy your home. Although not every past or animal in your attic or roof indicates that you have an emergency situation, it is best to get it checked out before it is too late.

If the Roof Has Been Neglected

Without having biannual yearly inspections on your roof or performing regular maintenance, there is a chance that problems can occur over time. Without going up on the roof to check, there is a significant chance that you may develop leaks in the valleys and flashing on your roof, which could cause significant damage that may warrant an emergency roof repair.

If There Is Any Fire Damage

Although the majority of modern shingles are flame retardant, exposure can still have a damaging impact on the shingles themselves. It could also result in damage to your underlayment, trusses, and decking. If your roof was exposed to fire, it is important to contact a skilled professional for a roof inspection to determine if you need an emergency repair.

If You Have Any Tree Damage

Trees are notorious for wreaking havoc on the roofs of homes. When trees fall down, they can cause significant structural damage and damage to your roof. You should never take damage to the roof from fallen trees or branches lightly. You need to have a roof inspection as soon as possible to determine if you need a roof repair.

If Your Roof Was Exposed to High Winds

If a major storm has blown through your area, it can result in shingles being ripped off or other damage to your roof. This can leave your roof completely exposed to the elements. This can also increase the risk of your roof suffering water damage, which can, in turn, damage your entire home. If you had high winds in your area recently, it is important to inspect your roof to determine if you need an emergency roof repair.

If Your Roof Was Struck by Lightning

If lightning strikes your roof, it can cause severe problems. Aside from having a hole in the loop roof, it can leave your home vulnerable to severe weather conditions. It is crucial to contact a roofing professional to schedule an emergency roof repair if it is struck by lightning.

If Harsh Weather Conditions Came Through

Hurricanes, tornadoes, high winds, and other adverse weather conditions can cause significant damage to your roofing system. For this reason, it is crucial that you schedule an emergency inspection to determine if you need a roof repair performed immediately. This is not something that you will want to ignore, as harsh weather conditions and rain can cause significant damage in a short amount of time.

If You Notice Mold Growing On Your Roof

If you notice any mold or mildew growing on your roof or in your attic, this is a sign that you have a severe problem. Any mold or mildew growth growing inside of your home can indicate that there is excess condensation. 

Condensation can cause bacterial growth to spiral out of control quickly. This can create a condition that is hazardous to your health. It is important that you contact a roof professional to perform an emergency roof repair. A roofing company will need to inspect your roof and potentially add more ventilation in order to clear up the problem.

If Your Gutters Are Clogged

Clogged gutters can have an immediate impact on your roof. When gutters do not function correctly, it can result in water pooling up and causing significant damage. When water is not able to drain properly, it can add weight in moisture to your, which can quickly lead to other problems.

Signs of a Non-Emergency Problem

There are cases where you will notice problems on your roof. However, they do not warrant an emergency roof repair. Some of the signs of roof leaks and damages that do not require emergency treatment include:

  • Small skylight leaks
  • Roof vents that become plugged
  • Minimal condensation in your attic
  • One or two missing or broken shingles
  • Hail damage
  • Gaps or small leaks in the flashing
  • A small amount of moss or algae growth

Although these signs of damage do not require emergency attention, it is in your best interest to take action in the near future to prevent these problems from growing out of control. Seeking help from a roofing professional can help to ensure your roof is able to last for several years to come.

Let Canga Restoration in Schaumburg, IL, Help

If you have problems with your roof and need to schedule an emergency roof repair, you can depend on our team at Canga Restoration to provide you with top-quality services that you can depend on. Contact our team at your earliest convenience to make an appointment to get started.