Roofing Emergencies and How to Fix Them
If this is a medical emergency, please dial 911.If you are experiencing a roofing emergency, here’s how to fix it: Call us now at 412-218-7082.
If you are struggling with emergency roof damage in the Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania, we want to encourage you NOT to fix the damage yourself, but to find a professional roofing contractor you trust.
You are not alone, and your safety is our number one priority. M&Y Pittsburgh Roofing is certified, insured, and a Preferred Contractor through Owens Corning.
We respond ASAP to emergency situations.
What Causes Emergency Roof Damage?
The National Weather Service conducted a climatology study for the Pittsburgh County areas from 1950 to 2018. They noted a history of tornadoes, severe winds of 48mph or higher, and large hail 0.75” in diameter or larger.
Although past history can detail weather patterns, we cannot predict when a calamity or accident may happen to your home. The shingles on your roof are no exception.
Roof damage, particularly from the weather, can put the whole family at crisis. That is why most of our customers here in the Pittsburgh counties and the surrounding areas know they can count on us for emergency roofing assistance to locate and fix the damage during catastrophes. More than anything, it’s vital to assess for roof damage after:
- Torrential Downpours
- High Winds
- Hurricanes
- Hail
- Tornados
- Blizzards
According to CertainTeed, founded in 1904 as a General Roofing Manufacturing Company, it is highly recommended you hire a professional roofing contractor if you require any kind of roof repair, let alone emergency roof repair in Pittsburgh, PA.
Obvious Signs Your Roof is Damaged After an Emergency
Regardless of the weather, there are many signs your roof needs to be fixed.
Brown or gray discoloration of your walls or ceilings.
Most of the time, this comes from roof damage and broken pipes. Water pouring
in your ceiling. When you are looking for buckets to catch leaks coming down
from your ceiling. Chances are, you have a leak in your roof.
Missing shingles.
Absent or misplaced shingles are another culprit that comes from storms and
high winds. In such a case, you need to call a roofing contractor you trust to
provide you their service. The safety of you, your home, and your family depend
on it.
Damaged Shingles from Fallen Trees or Debris.
Falling
trees or debris is a no-brainer that your roof has sustained damage. This
typically happens during ice and windstorms.
Here at M&Y Pittsburgh Roofing, we have the experience needed to quickly and promptly identify where the problems are so that we can fix the issue. We are insured, licensed, and trustworthy.
If you are suffering a roofing emergency, here’s how to fix it: First call, 412-218-7082. You will then want to review our tips on what to do before help arrives.
4 Important Things to do Before Help
Arrives During a Roofing Emergency
If you are having a roofing emergency, here’s how to fix it (or at least get on the path to it being fixed) #1 – Turn off the power supply.
This action should be
the most important thing you do to avoid electrical hazzards because of major
leaks.
#2 – Catch leaks from the ceiling.
Grab a bucket or pot
you can use to directly catch water leaking from the ceiling to avoid accidents
caused by slippery or wet floors.
#3 – Cover your valuables.
Ensure protection of your
valuables. Cover the affected appliances and furniture to shield them from
damage caused by water. A plastic tarp or any plastic covering material works
well.
#4 – Call your insurance company.
Your insurance
may cover the cost of the roof repair. It is important to contact them. Their
coverage will depend on a variety of factors, including your premium and where
the damage is coming from.
How to Document Losses During a
Roofing Emergency in Pittsburgh, PA
Reporting the losses from emergency roof damage to your insurance company will be a crucial step during an emergency. We’ve created a simple step-by-step process.
Take pictures and videos.
One of the best things to do
when documenting your losses for insurance purposes is to take pictures and
videos. Make sure to capture those areas where the destruction most affected
your house.
Possible areas that you can easily take pieces of evidence are in the attic of the house and on top of the roofs themselves.
Should you decide to use a ladder to view the roof, make sure you have someone with you to ensure your safety. In fact, you’ll want to review the National Safety Council’s guide on ladder safety.
Make a detailed list of the damages.
By creating a list
of all damages or concerns will help the professional roofing contractor
determine your needs by priority.
Well-documented lists will also ensure a better conversation with your insurance company.
2 Top Tips to Maintaining Your Roof
We might not be able to predict when these calamities and emergencies will happen, but we can prevent the possible destruction that mother nature causes our roofs by following a simple, twice yearly maintenance program.
#1 – Clean the Gutters.
Just as your home needs a good
spring cleaning, all gutters need yearly cleaning. Without the deep cleaning,
there would be nothing to carry the water away from your home or business
because there is nothing preventing them from becoming clogged over time.
Pittsburgh roof emergencies can occur when:
- Ice Damming causes water seepage into interior walls and ceilings.
- Wet leaves and twigs cause mold.
- Sagging gutters give way to overflowing water seeping into the roofing structure, causing rot and decay if not caught early on.
- Clogged gutters give pests and birds the perfect environment to build their homes.
- The list goes on.
Other methods to maintaining your roof are:
- Keep Overhanging Branches Trimmed
- Regularly Check for Missing Shingles – Especially After Big Windstorms
#2 – Regular Inspections and Maintenance from an Insured Roofing Contractor Even if you maintain the integrity of your roof by the tips above, you still need professional inspections and maintenance.
If you are having a roofing emergency, here’s how to fix it: Contact us now and schedule a free consultation. Discover more about the Importance of Roof Maintenance.At M&Y Pittsburgh Roofing, we provide roof maintenance, repair, and emergency services in the following areas of Pittsburgh, PA:
- Bethel Park
- Bridgeville
- Coraopolis
- Fox Chapel
- Franklin Park
- Green Tree
- Jefferson Hills
- McCandless
- McMurray
- Mt Lebanon
- Pittsburgh
- Robinson Township
- Ross Township
- Scott Township
- Sewickley Hills
- South Park Township
- Upper St Clair
