Is a Leaking Roof an Emergency?

While we hate to sound the alarm bells, a leaking roof in your Austin home could be cause for immediate action. 

Even if an emergency repair is not needed, a roofing professional should always address a roof leak as soon as possible. Small leaks can quickly become urgent if the root problem is not addressed.

What Constitutes an Emergency?

One person’s emergency might be considered another person’s mere inconvenience. Still, in terms of a leaking roof, we generally consider any leak or damage affecting the home’s living conditions an emergency. 

It is likely not an emergency if you can go about your daily routines without the leak affecting you. However, if you can’t use your kitchen or a large swath of your roof is exposed, that requires immediate service. 

What To Do While You Wait

While you wait for your roofing professional to arrive, here are some steps you can take:

• Do what you can to contain the leak – This may include grabbing a bucket to catch the drips and putting down a waterproof tarp or plastic sheets to prevent further damage. 

• Clear the area of any valuables – Water damage can have a lasting impact on your personal possessions. If it doesn’t outright damage an item, mold could have a chance to take over. To prevent this from happening, clear the affected area of whatever you can – photos, books, rugs, and furniture. If an item can’t be removed, try to elevate it if the room is prone to flooding.

If your roof is leaking, get in touch with us at Storm Guard of SW Austin right away. We will assess the situation and ensure that your leaking roof is fixed as soon as possible. 

What Happens if My Roof Continues Leaking?

Roof leaks can develop overnight. For example, a significant roof leak can occur if a major storm or other emergency event causes damage. These situations are obvious and require an immediate call to a professional roofer.

However, roof leaks often go undetected—sometimes for weeks or months without you noticing any issues. By the time you discover the leak, however, there may be additional problems that need to be addressed.

Looking Beyond the Leak

When water breaks through your roof and starts noticeably leaking, it’s likely left a trail of damage in its wake. This could be mold growth, damaged insulation, and other serious hazards, including damage to your electrical wiring. 

If your roof is leaking, the first step is to identify the leak’s source. This is often easier said than done. Roof leaks can be difficult to detect if you don’t know what you’re looking for. A small gap in shingles could be enough to cause water damage problems. 

Take Action to Repair the Leak

If you find the leak, do what you can to temporarily patch it while waiting for roofing experts to repair it. A leaking roof is cause for concern, no matter how minor. It’s best to take action as soon as possible, regardless of the level of damage. The longer you wait, the more severe the issue will become. 

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaky Roof?

A roof leak is never a welcome expense, so when you’re faced with a repair situation, you want to know upfront what you can expect it to cost. As with any kind of service, the cost will depend on the type of repair needed, the roofing materials involved, and the severity of the roof damage. 

While some people may be tempted to hold off on making minor repairs to avoid the immediate cost, we caution you against this approach. Trying to save $500 today could cost you $5,000 down the road—all for a situation that could have been avoided. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

What to Expect a Roof Repair to Cost

That said, what does it really cost to fix a roof leak? Here in Austin, our homes’ roofs are susceptible to storm damage, and they take a daily beating from the sun. All of this can amount to costly roof damage, especially if routine maintenance measures aren’t taken. 

Below is a breakdown of the costs you can expect for average roof repairs here in Central Texas. For an estimate based on your specific situation, call us at 512-960-4090 to schedule a roof evaluation. 

• Minor repairs: Generally, you can expect to pay around $500 for minor repairs.
• Moderate repairs: These repairs require a bit more time and effort, and their average cost is between $500 – $1,000.
• Major repairs: If you need major roof repair, you can expect to pay between $1,000 – $3,500.

While these repair costs might sound expensive, it’s important to remember that the cost of a new roof can be well over $20,000. With most roof repairs costing less than $1,000, you should be able to extend the life of your roof by several years or more. 
If you’re concerned about a leaky roof, the best thing you can do is call a roofing professional right away to have it evaluated. At Storm Guard of SW Austin, our priority is to keep you safe and dry while protecting your home and roof for the long haul. For questions or immediate roofing assistance, get in touch.