Emergency Roof Repair: What to Do When Disaster Strikes

Roof emergencies don't wait for convenient timing. Whether it's a tree crashing through your roof during a storm, sudden major leak, or severe wind damage exposing your home to the elements, knowing what to do in those critical first hours can mean the difference between manageable damage and catastrophic loss.

At River City Roofing Solutions, we've responded to hundreds of emergency calls across Decatur, Huntsville, and North Alabama. Here's what you need to know.

Defining a Roof Emergency

Not every roof problem is a true emergency. Understanding the difference helps you respond appropriately.

True emergencies requiring immediate action include:

Major penetrations—tree through the roof, large holes exposing interior to weather.

Structural damage—visibly sagging roof sections, collapsed areas.

Active severe leaks—water pouring in, multiple areas flooding.

Fire damage affecting roof structure.

Situations that are urgent but not immediate emergencies:

Minor leaks during rain that stop when rain stops.

Missing shingles without active water intrusion.

Storm damage that doesn't penetrate to the interior.

These urgent situations need prompt professional attention but don't require middle-of-the-night response.

Immediate Safety First

Before anything else, ensure safety.

Evacuate if there's any question about structural stability. A partially collapsed roof can collapse further.

Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is coming in near electrical fixtures or wiring.

Avoid standing water inside the home—it may be electrically charged if wiring is compromised.

Don't climb on a damaged roof, especially during a storm or in the dark.

Keep people and pets away from the damaged area.

If a tree is on your roof, don't attempt removal yourself—it may be supporting compromised structure.

Minimizing Interior Damage

Once safety is assured, focus on protecting your belongings and interior.

Move furniture and valuables away from the affected area.

Place buckets, trash cans, or any containers under active leaks.

Use towels and mops to manage water.

If you have a wet/dry vacuum, use it to remove standing water.

Move electronics and important documents to safe areas.

Open windows slightly in unaffected areas to help equalization if a large hole exists.

Emergency Tarping

Tarping is the primary emergency response for roof damage. While we recommend professional tarping for safety, here's what's involved:

Standard blue tarps from hardware stores work for temporary coverage.

The tarp must extend past the damaged area in all directions and be secured to prevent wind lifting.

Professional tarps are heavier weight, properly sized, and secured to resist wind.

Tarping is dangerous work, especially on wet, damaged, or unstable roofs. If you must DIY, wait for the storm to pass, work with a helper, use proper ladder safety, and stay off the roof surface if possible by securing the tarp from ladders at the edges.

What NOT to Do

Avoid these common mistakes during roof emergencies.

Don't attempt permanent repairs during the emergency—focus only on preventing further damage.

Don't remove debris that might be supporting the structure (like a fallen tree that's also holding up part of the roof).

Don't climb on a wet or damaged roof—falls cause more emergency room visits than the original emergency.

Don't ignore the emergency hoping it will improve—water damage escalates rapidly.

Don't throw away damaged items before documenting for insurance.

Don't sign contracts with unknown contractors who appear offering immediate service—storm chasers often appear after major events.

Documenting for Insurance

Even during the emergency, documentation matters.

Take photos and video of all damage before any cleanup or temporary repairs.

Document the interior damage, exterior damage, and any property damage.

Save any receipts for emergency supplies or services.

Make a list of damaged personal property.

Note the date, time, and weather conditions.

Keep damaged materials if practical—adjusters may want to inspect them.

Contacting Your Insurance Company

Report the emergency to your insurance company promptly.

Most insurers have 24-hour claim lines for emergencies.

Ask about emergency repair coverage—most policies cover reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage.

Get a claim number and adjuster contact information.

Ask about advance payment for emergency expenses if needed.

Don't wait for adjuster approval to make emergency temporary repairs—preventing further damage is expected and covered.

Selecting an Emergency Repair Contractor

Choosing who responds to your emergency matters.

Use established local contractors you know or can verify.

Be wary of storm chasers—contractors from out of area who appear after storms, often going door-to-door.

Ask for proof of insurance and contractor license.

Get written estimates and don't sign anything under pressure.

Avoid large deposits—reputable emergency contractors don't require significant money upfront for tarping and emergency work.

Our Emergency Response

River City Roofing Solutions provides emergency response throughout North Alabama.

We have crews available for after-hours emergencies.

We provide professional tarping that will withstand weather until permanent repairs.

We document all damage for insurance purposes.

We coordinate with insurance adjusters.

We complete permanent repairs when approved.

After the Immediate Emergency

Once the emergency is stabilized:

Maintain documentation and a file of all communications.

Follow up with your insurance claim.

Get a comprehensive inspection and permanent repair estimate.

Understand your repair options and timeline.

Don't rush into permanent repairs—take time to ensure proper scope and quality work.

Being Prepared

The best time to prepare for a roof emergency is before it happens.

Know your insurance coverage and deductible.

Have your contractor's contact information accessible.

Keep emergency supplies on hand—tarps, buckets, flashlights.

Know how to safely turn off utilities.

Have a plan for temporary relocation if needed.

Roof emergencies are stressful, but proper response minimizes damage and gets you back to normal faster. At River City Roofing Solutions, we're here when you need us most—and we're here to do the job right.