Key takeaways
– Stay safe first. Protect people and belongings before you worry about the roof, and stay off a wet or damaged roof.
– Temporary tarping can limit further water damage until a proper repair is made, and it’s best done by trained crews.
– SmartHome offers emergency roof repair from 9 AM to 5 PM. Outside those hours, protect your home and reach out when we open.
A roof emergency never comes at a good time. Maybe a storm tore off shingles, a limb came down on the roof or water is dripping through the ceiling. It’s stressful, and it’s easy to feel unsure about what to do first.
At SmartHome Roofing, we help homeowners and businesses across Kentucky when roofs fail. Here’s a clear, calm plan for the first steps, how temporary tarping works and what to expect from us.
What Counts as a Roof Emergency?
Not every roof problem is urgent, but some are. Active leaks, large missing sections of shingles, a fallen tree or limb on the roof, and storm damage that leaves part of the roof open to the weather all call for quick action. A single loose shingle or a slow stain usually doesn’t, though it still deserves attention.
If you’re not sure which category you’re in, take photos and contact your nearest office. We’ll help you sort out what needs attention now and what can safely wait.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Before anything else, check on the people and pets in the home. If there’s any sign of structural damage, a sagging ceiling, an electrical hazard or downed power lines, stay clear and contact your local emergency services. Don’t go into an area that doesn’t feel safe.
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If water is near outlets, light fixtures or your electrical panel, don’t touch them.
Step 2: Contain the Water Inside
You can limit interior damage while you wait for a repair. Move furniture and valuables away from the leak and put a bucket or container under any drip. Lay towels or plastic sheeting to protect floors.
If a ceiling is bulging or sagging with water, stay out from under it and keep others away. It can give way without warning.
Step 3: Document Everything
Photos and notes are valuable. Take dated photos of the damage inside and, from the ground, outside. Write down when you first noticed the problem and the weather at the time.
This helps us understand what happened. It also helps if you decide to file an insurance claim.
Step 4: Stay Off the Roof
It’s tempting to climb up and look. Please don’t. A wet, damaged or icy roof is slippery, and decking that has been weakened can fail underfoot.
You can check a lot from the ground, or with binoculars. Look for missing shingles, displaced flashing, fallen limbs and debris.
Need help with a damaged roof? Schedule your free roof inspection with your nearest SmartHome team
Step 5: Contact Your Nearest SmartHome Office
Reach out to your nearest office for emergency roof repair. Our teams in Glasgow, Bardstown and Somerset serve their local areas, and we’ll prioritize active leaks.
Emergency roof repair is available 9 AM to 5 PM. We don’t have crews standing by outside those hours. If a leak starts outside those hours, protect your home with the steps above and contact us when we open.
What Is Roof Tarping?
A tarp is a temporary cover that keeps rain and snow out of an exposed area. Done well, it’s a short-term fix that buys time until permanent repairs can be made. It isn’t a substitute for repair.
Our crews work to tarp and secure the damaged area where it’s safe and practical. That includes anchoring the tarp properly so wind doesn’t tear it loose. Conditions on the roof, like ice or heavy wind, can affect what’s possible.
Why Not Tarp It Yourself?
It’s a common impulse, and the risks are real. Falls from roofs and ladders are a serious danger. A poorly secured tarp can also flap in the wind and tear shingles.
Keep your efforts inside the home, where it’s safe, and let a trained crew handle the roof itself.
After the Emergency: The Permanent Fix
A tarp is the first step. Next, we inspect the roof and document what we find with digital photo evidence and a typewritten summary. Then we recommend a permanent solution, which may be a roof repair or, if the damage is widespread, a larger project.
If the damage came from a storm, we can walk you through our insurance claim process. Your insurer makes the final decision on any claim, and we can’t promise an outcome. A Free Pre-Claim Inspection can help you decide whether to file.
What If the Leak Starts Outside Our Hours?
If water comes in outside our emergency repair hours, don’t panic. Contain the leak, document the damage, and keep everyone safe. Your insurance policy may also have instructions for protecting your property after damage, so check it or ask your agent.
Then contact your nearest SmartHome office when it opens, and let us know what happened and when it started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SmartHome offer emergency roof repair?
Yes, from 9 AM to 5 PM. We’ll prioritize active leaks and work to tarp and secure the area where it’s safe and practical.
What should I do if my roof leaks outside your emergency repair hours?
Protect people and belongings, contain the water and document the damage. Contact your nearest SmartHome office when we open.
Will a tarp fix my roof?
No. A tarp is a temporary cover. It helps limit damage until a permanent repair is made.
Is a roof inspection after an emergency free?
Yes. Your initial consultation, quote and professional inspection report are provided to homeowners free of charge.
Need Help With Your Roof?
If your roof has been damaged, our local teams are ready to help. Schedule your free roof inspection with your nearest SmartHome team. To find your office, visit our Glasgow, Bardstown or Somerset pages.
Want to be ready before the next storm? Read our guide to getting your roof ready for winter.
