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Roofing

How to Tell if Your Roof Needs Emergency Repairs

Short answer

Your roof needs emergency repair when water is getting inside, shingles or decking are missing or torn open, flashing has lifted, or a storm has left visible damage. In North Texas, hail and wind are the usual causes. Protect what's inside, photograph the damage from the ground, and call a roofer to inspect and dry-in the roof.

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, which is why problems need to be repaired as soon as they show up. Regular maintenance catches a lot, but it won't catch everything, and a single North Texas hail or wind storm can turn a sound roof into a leaking one overnight. If you notice any of these problems, call Roof Experts for an emergency roof repair right away.

Leaking and Water Stains

Water stains on your ceiling can be a sign of a leak that's been around for a while. For a leak to stain your ceiling, it needs to get through the roofing, the decking and the insulation in your attic. The location of the water stain isn't necessarily where the leak is in your roof, because water runs along rafters and decking before it drips, which can make repairs more difficult. If you notice water stains on your ceiling, we don't recommend trying to locate and repair the leak on your own. Call your roofing team and have it inspected and repaired before the next rain.

Shingles are Missing or Damaged

As your roof ages, your shingles endure a lot of wear and tear. Rain, storms and humidity can weaken them, and the Texas sun can dry them out until they're brittle. Granules collecting in your gutters can mean your shingles are wearing out. You might also notice cracked or broken shingles, or shingles that have blown off completely. Shingles are the first line of defense against rain, storms, humidity and other rough conditions, so call Roof Experts right away if you notice missing, damaged or badly aged shingles.

Flashing is Lifting or Failing

Flashing is thin metal installed where the roof meets a wall, chimney, skylight or vent, the places water would otherwise find its way in. It's easiest to spot at the base of a chimney, but it's also in valleys, along walls and around pipes that come through the roof. If your flashing starts lifting, those areas are open to water and it needs to be fixed promptly. Water damage around a chimney or wall can also mean the flashing or its sealant has failed even if it looks fine from the ground. Flashing is a vital part of your roof, which is why we don't recommend repairing it yourself.

Damage Right After a Storm

Hail and high wind are the most common reasons North Texas roofs need emergency work. After a storm, look from the ground for shingles in the yard, dented gutters and downspouts, damaged vents, and tears or exposed decking on the roof. Hail damage on shingles is often hard to see from the ground, so a free inspection is worth it even when nothing looks wrong. If the roof is open, a tarp keeps water out until the permanent repair. Our storm damage page covers what we check, and if you plan to file a claim, our insurance claim guide explains how documentation works.

Emergency Roof Repair With Roof Experts

Roof Experts handles inspections, maintenance and emergency repairs. We're based in Arlington and have served homeowners across Dallas-Fort Worth since 2017. We keep you informed throughout the repair process, and we inspect the whole roof so we fix the cause, not just the drip. For a free inspection, call (817) 754-9484 or contact us online.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a roofing emergency?

Water coming through a ceiling or light fixture, a section of shingles or decking torn off, a tree or limb on the roof, or flashing pulled loose after a storm. Anything that lets rain into the house during the next storm is an emergency, because the damage inside grows with every rain.

What should I do while I wait for the roofer?

Stay off the roof, especially when it is wet or windy. Move furniture and electronics away from the leak, put a bucket under the drip, and photograph the ceiling and anything damaged. If a ceiling is bulging with water, keep people out of that room and call us before you do anything else.

Can I find and patch the leak myself?

We don't recommend it. Water travels along rafters and decking before it shows up on a ceiling, so the stain is rarely right under the hole. Walking a damaged roof is also how people get hurt. A roofer can trace the leak, tarp it if needed and tell you whether it is a repair or a bigger problem.

Will homeowners insurance pay for an emergency roof repair?

If the damage came from a covered event such as hail or wind, most policies cover reasonable steps to prevent further damage, like tarping, plus the repair itself after your deductible. Wear and tear usually is not covered. Read your policy and keep receipts and photos of any emergency work.

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