What Counts as a Roof Emergency?

When something goes wrong with your roof, it is hard to know how serious it is. Should you call for emergency service right away? Or can it wait until regular business hours? With emergency repairs costing significantly more, it’s important to know the difference.

At Equity Roofing, we’ve gotten our fair share of emergency calls, but the issues often aren’t true emergencies. We don’t think it’s right to take advantage of homeowners who don’t know better, so we always take the time to listen and explain when a roof problem can wait.

We’re passing that conversation along to you. Included in this guide is a roof problem tier chart, what counts as an emergency and what doesn’t, and how to handle roofing emergencies when they do come up. The best thing you can do as a homeowner is to educate yourself on your home, so let’s begin.

Is This Roof Leak an Emergency or Can it Wait?

Not every roof leak, or roof problem in general, is an emergency. It helps to think about damage in three tiers, based on how fast it is causing harm to your home.

Roof Problem Tier Guide

Are Missing Shingles From My Roof an Emergency?

A few missing shingles from your roof are not automatically an emergency. If the underlayment underneath is still intact, your roof is still doing its job. That said, you shouldn’t let it go for months. Getting it on the schedule within a couple of weeks is a smart move.

When missing shingles do become an emergency:

• There is no underlayment on the roof and a large section has blown off
• The plywood decking underneath is exposed
• A major rainstorm or snowstorm is coming in the next day or two

Weather matters a lot here. If the forecast is clear for the next few days, you have more time. If heavy rain or snow is on the way and your roof has exposed wood, that becomes urgent. When you find damage, don’t wait until a storm is coming to deal with it. Emergency repairs cost more, and that extra cost is avoidable.

Is a Missing Ridge Cap on My Roof an Emergency?

While a missing ridge cap or hip cap often concerns homeowners, it’s not considered a roofing emergency. These shingles cover the angles and peak of your roof. When they blow off, there is a direct opening into your attic. Water does not run to those spots the same way it runs down a flat section of roof.

Consider this a priority repair, i.e., they should not sit for multiple rainstorms. Replace your ridge or hip caps within two to three weeks at most.

When Is My Metal Roof Issue an Emergency?

A full metal panel that is visibly loose or flapping is an emergency, especially if high winds are in the forecast. A loose metal sheet can become airborne and cause serious damage to your property and anyone nearby. That one should be secured the same day if at all possible.

Minor metal roof issues—a loose screw or a small area of surface rust—are not emergencies. Rust typically starts as a pinhole and can take a year or two to open up enough to cause a real leak. Plan to address those within a week or two at your standard rate.

How Soon Should I Replace Missing Fascia?

While the exposed wood on your house might look alarming, fascia and soffit repairs can usually wait for regular scheduling. Even in the event of rain, a 2x4 piece of wood can handle getting wet for a short time without any lasting harm.

Siding is similar, with one important exception. If siding blows off in a spot where a roof ties into a wall, and the house wrap behind it is not installed correctly, water can get in. In that case, the siding repair becomes a priority and should be scheduled soon.

What Should I Do When My Ceiling Is Leaking, Sagging, or Bubbling?

If you notice damage on your ceiling, you should call a roofer for an inspection. How quickly this needs to happen, however, depends on your unique situation.

Ceiling Damage Guide

A roof that has been leaking for several weeks is not automatically an emergency. The damage is already done up to this point. Unless it is leaking heavily or threatening immediate harm, it is probably urgent rather than an emergency.

Should I Check My Attic For Leaking?

You should routinely check the attic, as it’s the best place to catch a roof leak before it causes damage to your living space. When a shingle roof starts to fail from age, the first place you will see evidence of water is on the bottom side of the roof decking. After a rain, you might notice wet spots or staining on the boards.

In the attic, you can look at the bottom of the decking and see exactly where the water is coming in. That spot on the deck points directly to the problem area on the roof above. Catching moisture in the attic early can prevent it from ever reaching the living spaces below.

What to Do When You Think You Have a Roof Emergency

Here are the steps to take when you discover roof damage:

• Do not panic. Most problems are not as severe as they look at first glance. Take a breath and assess the situation calmly.
• Take photos. A picture is worth a thousand words when you are talking to a roofer. Good photos of the damage, both inside and outside, help the contractor understand what they are walking into.
• Tarp it if you can. If you are comfortable getting on a ladder and can safely cover the damaged area, a tarp can buy you time. A properly secured tarp or underlayment patch can protect your home for a month or more in many cases.
• Call a roofer and describe the situation. A good contractor can help you figure out how urgent your situation really is. It is fine to ask whether your situation can wait until the next day.
• Still check reviews. Even in an emergency, do not skip vetting your contractor. A roofer who responds fast but does poor work will cost you more in the long run. Look for someone with a solid track record, even if the turnaround is tight.

Keep in mind that emergency repairs are usually temporary, meant to protect your home until a full fix can be made. Make sure you schedule the permanent repair as soon as possible.

Do You Need to Leave Your Home During a Roof Emergency?

Typically, you don’t have to relocate due to a roofing emergency. Most roof emergencies affect one area of the house, and moving to another room is usually enough to stay safe while you wait for a repair crew. If there is possible structural damage to the rafters or framing (such as from a fallen tree) stay elsewhere until an inspection can confirm the home is safe.

What to Expect From Your Roof Inspection

Knowing the difference between a roofing emergency and an urgent or priority repair can save both your wallet and your blood pressure. While you shouldn’t ignore damage to your roof, not every repair needs to happen right away. Always consult with a roofer if you’re unsure just how urgent your repair is; a description of the damage and photos is often enough for a recommendation.

Your next step is to review our guide on what to expect from your roof inspection—complete with questions to ask your roofing contractor.

Equity Roofing believes that homeowners deserve to understand their roofs, which is why we dedicate our time to creating these educational guides. If you’re in Central Pennsylvania, Indiana, or Michigan, and need guidance on your roof, give our crew a call. We will help you figure out where your damage falls and what your next best step may be.