Common Causes Of Emergency Roof Repairs & How To Prevent Them

A roof emergency is one of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner. A damaged roof can lead to leaking, which can put your home’s interior at serious risk. Roof emergencies require immediate action to prevent major damage from occurring, and the proverbial saying, ‘prevention is better than cure’ couldn’t be more true when it comes to your roof.

In this article, we look at the common causes behind emergency roof repair and how you can prevent them. If your roofing emergency can’t wait, be sure to get hold of emergency roofing services fast.

Acts Of Nature

Living in South Florida comes with its share of tropical storms and hurricanes with high winds and heavy rain causing havoc on your roof.

High Winds

Hurricane winds can be more than 155 mph! Prolonged, strong winds can easily lift loose tiles or shingles off your roof. Within minutes, your underlayment can be exposed to the rain and other elements. An unprotected roof will quickly lead to leaks and an increased risk of structural damage. Booking a roof inspection will ensure that your tiles or shingles are secure and strong. High winds also lead to falling debris from trees. Falling branches can damage your roof and clog up your gutters.

Water Damage

South Florida is no stranger to rain, with an average of over 50 inches of rainfall a year. The more rain that falls, the higher the chance of a roof leak. Roof leaks occur because of:

• Inferior roof installation
• Damaged shingles or tiles
• Poorly maintained joints
• Deteriorating roof

The best place to look for emergency signs of water damage is to check around your roof intersections. Your roofer will check gutters, flashing, and skylights to identify signs of damage. It’s also good to inspect your ceilings for any brown water stains, as these are signs of water infiltration. The best way to waterproof your home is to book a professional roof inspection with a South Florida roofing professional.

Pest Damage

Roof rats, or black rats, are an invasive species that live in South Florida. Roof rats are known to invade South Florida homes in the summer to escape the heat. They’re nimble enough to climb trees and find their way into your attic and ceiling. Apart from the unsettling scuttling sound in your ceiling, roof rats can gnaw through roofing materials and cables, causing significant damage. This damage can increase the risk of fire or water damage. It’s best to take emergency roof repair action to remove and prevent pests from entering your roof.

Neglected Roof Maintenance

Your roofing materials will weather and degrade over time. Your roof requires routine inspections and maintenance to keep it in good shape. Roof maintenance ensures that damaged tiles or shingles are identified, replaced, or secured. Cracked flashing, which leaves your joints and intersections exposed, is quickly repaired or replaced. Clogged gutters are cleared out and secured. Good maintenance starts with a routine roof inspection.

Inferior Roofing Installation

Cutting corners by compromising on roofing materials and quality workmanship almost always leads to issues down the line. Inferior roofing materials tend to wear down prematurely, leaving your roof’s integrity in question. Beware of using non-certified roofing companies that make promises that sound too good to be true. Be sure to check out your roofing company’s Google reviews to find out how others have experienced their service and workmanship.

Emergency Roof Repair Prevention Tips

Following these preventative measures can help future-proof your roof against roofing emergencies.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Roofing professionals suggest investing in a roof inspection at least once a year, and ideally every 6 months. Inspections help to identify any deterioration that can be rectified with a small repair before it becomes a major issue. Roof inspections make way for ongoing roof maintenance, which means you’ll never be on the back foot when it comes to maintaining your roof. Investing in a roof inspection is a great way to protect your home during hurricane season.

Insist On A Quality Installation

You’ll never regret going with a specialist roofing company. Be on the lookout for an experienced company that fields highly trained roofing professionals. You can request a list of previous jobs and references from them. Quality roofers use quality materials that are backed up with warranties. Remember to ask about any warranties or guarantees that comes with your roof repair.

Check For Compliance & Certification

It’s essential to use a roofing company that’s compliant and certified, adhering to the Florida Building Code is a must. Necessary permits and licenses should always be available upon request. These certifications give you peace of mind that your roof will be compliant and structurally sound.

Emergency Roof Repair In South Florida

At STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing, we’re ready to attend to your emergency roof repair. Whether it’s a leak, a cracked gutter, or a pest issue, our roofing team is ready to assist in repairing your roof. Beyond your emergency, our roof maintenance services will help prevent the next emergency from happening. Our comprehensive roofing services include:

• Emergency Post-hurricane/Storm Repair
• Roof Replacement
• Roof Repair
• Weatherproofing
• Roof Maintenance

With over 25 years of industry experience, we’ve built a solid reputation with extensive coverage around South Florida. Chat with our team at 561-763-1675 to arrange a preventative inspection or emergency roofing repair.