Storms, accidents, and other incidents can cause detrimental damage to your roof. If damage impacts the function of the roof, tarping may be necessary to prevent water from seeping into your home. As roof installation can take days, weeks, or even months to complete depending on various factors, it is vital to invest in emergency roof tarping to prevent the damage from escalating. Learn more about emergency roof tarping, the consequences of avoiding roof tarping, and how to determine if tarping is necessary.
Signs That You Need Roof Tarping
An accident can happen at any time. A blizzard can cause a tree to fall on your roof, leaving a significant hole on impact. Or high winds can rip the shingles off your roof, leaving the wood sheathing exposed to wet weather conditions. When situations like these occur, emergency roof tarping is often needed. What exactly qualifies as an emergency roof tarping situation? First, any type of damage that permits water infiltration should be either repaired immediately or tarped until the problem can be fixed. Water is one of the most dangerous elements that can cause serious damage.
If you roof has been compromised by a severe weather event, fire, or animal, roof tarping services can prevent the existing damage from worsening. Tree limbs can be torn off trees, penetrating the surface of the roof. Squirrels and raccoons can chew their way through rotted wood, creating holes in the roof. Fire can quickly penetrate every layer of the roof leaving behind substantial damage that affects the stability and safety of the structure. If you are not able to have these types of damage repaired immediately, having a roofing contractor temporarily patch the roof can save you time and money in the future.
Roofing contractors often receive calls for emergency repairs in the middle of storms. However, worker safety is a top priority and repairing a roof in the middle of a blizzard or wind storm is not an option. However, roof tarping can be accomplished in a timely manner when the storm lets up, allowing the workers to remain safe without causing more harm to the home. Emergency roof tarping is also a common occurrence after a house fire. As the structure of the roof may be compromised, contractors can create a watertight barrier until the structural integrity of the roof can be more closely examined.
On the inside of your home, there are several signs you should look for to determine if emergency roof tarping services may be needed. These include:
- Dark spots on walls or ceiling
- Sagging
- Areas where outdoor light shines through
- Peeling paint on walls
- Musty or moldy odors
- Increased energy bills
On the outside of the home, you may see other signs that indicate the need for emergency roof tarping, such as:
- Wood rot
- Broken, missing, warped, or buckling shingles
- Clogged or slow-draining downspouts or gutters
- Wear and tear or loose materials around vents or chimneys
- Roof penetrations
Harmful Effects of Roof Damage
Homeowners often put off roof repairs to save money, because of time restraints, or for some other reason. Unfortunately, delaying your roof repair can have both short-term and long-term effects that impact the structure, safety, and comfort of your home. When a roof cannot be repaired immediately due to poor weather conditions or similar reasons, emergency roof tarping services can be used to protect your home until repairs can be completed. If you fail to acquire emergency roof tarping services, your home and family may suffer the consequences. It is important to remember that even a small leak in your roof can become a much bigger and more costly problem over time.
One of the first things you may notice if your roof is compromised and you fail to undergo roof tarping is increased energy bills. The same holes that allow water to infiltrate your home also lets cold air out in the summer and warm air in the winter. This can lead to increased energy bills until the problem is remedied. Mold growth is another concern to consider when uncontrolled moisture is present. If mold spores land on any surface that is wet, fungi can grow and eventually spread.
When you have holes in your roof caused by a storm or other damage, you risk your home becoming infested with pests. Insects and rodents can fit through tiny holes and cracks in your roof wreaking havoc in their path. If the holes are more substantial, you risk having larger animals enter your home, such as birds, bats, raccoons, and squirrels. If the animals reproduce, you may have a bigger problem on your hand. The longer you let the roof go unprotected, the worse the damage will become. In addition to facing decreased property value, you will likely be looking at increased repair costs later on.
Schedule Emergency Roof Tarping Services
Despite how simple the concept seems, roof tarping is generally not a do-it-yourself project, especially for homeowners with little to no roof repair experience. In fact, trying to tarp your roof yourself can be dangerous. Roofing contractors have many years of experience and know how to approach damaged roofs in a safe manner to avoid injury. Professional roofing contractors are also fully insured and licensed to repair your home and can typically have your home protected within 24 to 48 hours following the incident.
During emergency roof tarping, highly skilled roofers will securely fasten a tarp over the damaged area. Once it is safe to make the repairs, the tarp can be removed to allow the necessary roof repairs or replacement to be made. While tarping the roof, roofing contractors can examine the roof’s condition to determine the extent of the damage. This can prepare you for any financial obligations you may be faced with in the near future. For more information about emergency roof tarping services or to schedule an emergency roofing service, contact the professional roofing contractors at Beyond Exteriors today.