The short version
- Water entering the house is an emergency
- Missing roofing over a deck is an emergency
- Sagging, cracking or a fallen tree is a safety emergency
- Cosmetic damage can usually wait
Active water entry
If water is dripping, running or pooling inside, the roof is open somewhere. Every rainfall adds damage to insulation, ceilings and walls, and moisture can lead to mold. This is an emergency even when the leak looks small.
Protect belongings, contain the water where it is safe and call for help.
Open or missing roofing
When shingles or sections of decking are gone, the underlayment and wood below are exposed. They are not meant to be rained on for long. Covering the area before the next storm is the priority.
A tarp or board-up is the usual first step.
Structural signs
A sagging ridge, new cracks in ceilings, doors that stick and cracking sounds suggest the structure is stressed. A tree on the roof is the same. These are safety issues first, and the building may need to be vacated.
Do not go on the roof or under a sagging area.
Damage that can wait
A few lifted shingles, minor granule loss and small dents in metal usually do not need an emergency visit. They still should be inspected and repaired, because small damage grows.
If you are not sure, take photographs and call. A short conversation can sort it out.
General information, not engineering, legal, insurance or safety advice. Roofs, policies and local requirements vary, and every situation should be judged on its own facts. If anyone is in danger, call emergency services first.
