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What Makes a Roof Problem an Emergency
Missing shingles you spot from the driveway may not need same-day work if the weather is dry. Water coming inside does. Once water reaches insulation and drywall, it spreads, soaks and starts to feed mould, so the goal of an emergency visit is to stop more water getting in until a permanent repair can be done.
Structural damage, such as a tree through the roof or a sagging roof line, is a true emergency. Keep everyone out of the rooms underneath, and call your insurer as early as you can.
Ice Dams in Canadian Winters
Ice dams form when heat escaping from the house melts snow on the upper roof. That water runs down and refreezes at the colder eaves, building a ridge of ice. Meltwater then backs up under the shingles and leaks into walls and ceilings, sometimes far from where the ice is visible.
Don't chip at ice with a hammer or axe; it damages shingles. A roof rake can safely pull snow off the lower few metres from the ground. Roofers can remove ice dams with steam equipment, and the long-term fix is usually better attic insulation and ventilation to keep the roof deck cold.
- Icicles that are thick and run along the whole gutter line
- Water stains on ceilings near exterior walls
- Damp or frosty attic insulation
- Peeling paint or swelling around upper windows
Wind and Storm Damage
High winds can lift shingle tabs, peel off ridge caps and tear flashing around chimneys and vents. Even if a roof doesn't leak right away, lifted shingles lose their seal and become a leak waiting for the next heavy rain. Hail can bruise asphalt shingles and dent metal, which shortens the roof's life.
After a storm, walk around the house and look for shingles on the ground, bent vents or debris in gutters. Binoculars help. If you see damage, book an inspection before the next storm rolls through.
Need someone today? Describe the problem and we'll put it in front of local pros.
Post my jobTemporary Repairs Versus Permanent Fixes
Emergency roofing usually means tarping, sealing flashing, or replacing a handful of missing shingles to make the roof watertight. In winter, permanent work may have to wait, because shingles need certain temperatures to seal properly and roofs can be unsafe in snow and ice.
That's normal. Ask the roofer to explain what's temporary and what still needs doing, and get the follow-up work quoted separately. Keep receipts for emergency work, since insurers often cover reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
Working With Your Insurer
Sudden damage from wind, hail or falling trees is commonly covered under home insurance, while wear and tear and long-term leaks often aren't. Call your insurer early, share photos, and ask whether they want to send an adjuster before permanent repairs are done.
Ask your roofer for a written description of the damage and the work. Clear documentation makes claims smoother.
Reducing the Chance of Another Leak
Have the roof inspected every couple of years and after major storms. Keep gutters and downspouts clear so water drains away, trim branches overhanging the roof, and have the attic checked for insulation and ventilation problems if you've had ice dams before.
If your roof is near the end of its life and keeps leaking, it may be time to plan a replacement for the warmer months rather than paying for repeated emergency calls.
What Affects the Cost of an Urgent Call
Every job is different, so we don't publish a flat emergency price. Ask for the total before work starts. These are the things that usually move the number:
- Weather and timing: winter and after-hours work can cost more
- Roof pitch, height and how safely it can be accessed
- Roofing material: asphalt, metal, flat or cedar
- Size of the damaged area and whether decking is affected
- Ice dam removal equipment, if needed
- Temporary tarping versus a permanent repair