Emergency Roof Repair: 7 Steps to Stop the Damage in the First 24 Hours

Ryan Tucker
2 days ago
4 min read

Infographic illustrating 7 essential steps to manage emergency roof repairs within the first 24 hours, including safety, water containment, calling a roofer, and scheduling permanent repairs

Emergency Roof Repair: 7 Steps to Stop the Damage in the First 24 Hours

Roofing emergencies can strike at the worst possible times—during a storm, in the middle of the night, or just before a major home improvement. When it happens, quick and informed action is critical. At Advanced Roofing Specialists, we’ve seen firsthand how acting swiftly in the first 24 hours can prevent a minor problem from turning into a major disaster.

Based in Norfolk and Suffolk, we’re often the first point of call for homeowners dealing with sudden roof leaks or storm damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you manage an emergency roof situation until professional help arrives.

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

The most important thing during any roofing emergency is safety. Avoid the temptation to climb onto the roof in poor weather or darkness. If water is leaking indoors, switch off electricity in the affected areas to prevent electrical hazards.

If there is significant internal damage, evacuate the room or home until it is safe. Roofing emergencies, especially those involving structural compromise, can pose serious risks.

Step 2: Contain Interior Water Damage

Once you’re safely indoors, your priority should be containing any water entering the property. Place buckets, towels, or large containers under leaks to catch water. Move any valuables, electronics, or furniture away from the leak area.

For ceilings that are bulging with water, carefully poke a small hole using a screwdriver to release the pressure. This may prevent a ceiling collapse and direct the flow into a controlled container.

Step 3: Cover the Affected Roof Area (If Safe to Do So)

If the weather has calmed and it’s safe, you can attempt a temporary fix using a waterproof tarp or heavy-duty plastic sheeting. Secure it with nails, bricks, or roofing tape to prevent it from blowing away.

Make sure not to walk on a wet or damaged roof—use a ladder only if absolutely necessary and never alone. This is a temporary measure and not a replacement for a professional repair.

Step 4: Document the Damage

Photograph the damage from inside and outside (if visible). This documentation will be important for any insurance claims you may need to make. Include pictures of the leak, damaged roofing materials, affected ceilings, and any water-damaged belongings.

It’s also a good idea to write down the date, time of the incident, weather conditions, and any temporary measures you’ve taken.

Step 5: Call an Emergency Roofing Specialist

Time is critical. Contact an experienced roofing professional such as Advanced Roofing Specialists immediately. Our team is NVQ-qualified and available to respond quickly to roofing emergencies across Norfolk and Suffolk.

We handle everything from storm damage and roof leaks to emergency flat roof repairs. In one recent case, we even attended a Sunday morning call-out to help a customer just days before a new kitchen install—an example of how we go the extra mile when time is tight.

📞 Call us on 07861700195🌐 Visit: www.advancedroofingspecialists.co.uk

Step 6: Contact Your Insurance Provider

Once you’ve contacted a roofer and contained the damage, notify your insurance company. Provide them with the photographs and notes you've gathered. They may send an assessor to inspect the damage or request quotes from your chosen contractor.

Some insurance policies cover emergency repairs, particularly if caused by weather events or accidental damage. It's worth checking whether your policy includes such cover.

Step 7: Schedule a Permanent Repair

Once the emergency is under control and weather conditions allow, your roofer will return to carry out a permanent fix. At Advanced Roofing Specialists, we offer full repair services including:

Re-roofing for damaged tiled or slate roofs
Flat roofing repairs with premium materials
Lead work and waterproofing
Replacement of fascia, soffits, and guttering

We’ll also advise on preventative measures, such as regular inspections and maintenance, to avoid repeat problems.

Why Choose Advanced Roofing Specialists?

We’re more than just a roofing company—we’re part of the local community. Whether it’s an urgent flat roof replacement or securing a skylight post-storm, we respond quickly, professionally, and affordably. Our customers consistently praise our reliability:

“These guys are fantastic! Got me out of a pickle with a leaking flat roof… they even came out on a Sunday morning to come to our rescue.” – Rowan Nichols ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Our work is visible across Norfolk and Suffolk, including high-profile projects like the Arc Cinema (Royalty) in Great Yarmouth.

Final Thought: Prevention Is Better Than Cure

While not all roofing emergencies are avoidable, regular roof inspections, especially before winter, can help spot weak points before they become hazards. Contact us for a no-obligation inspection or roof health check.