Emergency Roofing: What Qualifies & Who to Call

Emergency roofing covers extremely urgent repairs for sudden and severe damage to the roof, thus ensuring the safety, structure, or livability of the property. Typical roofing emergencies include storm damage by high winds or hail, heavy leaks because of broken shingles or flashing, fallen limbs from trees, or partial collapses of roofs. Such damages, if left unattended, allow water to come in and cause further deterioration and sometimes lead to mould, thereby increasing the structural deterioration of the property. 

A roofing disaster has to be given the utmost attention so that help and support are rendered without further delay. It helps to prevent colossal damage from occurring. Temporary fixes can be applied while waiting for a long-term solution, especially when adverse weather conditions are on the horizon.

Common Causes Of Roofing Emergencies

The common roofing emergencies are caused by the ever-fluctuating weather and atmospheric conditions in Canada. Here are some chief causes explained in detail:

• Severe Weather (Snowstorms, Hail, High Winds):

Canada winters are brittle cold, such that there would be heavy snowfall or a violent windstorm trying to dislodge the asphalt shingles, or worse, exposing the underlayment or even completely tearing off whole sections of a roof. Hail can also produce punctures or cracks that allow water to intrude with speed, hence weakening the structure.

• Fallen Trees or Branches:

These pose a heavy risk from wind or decay. A large branch could puncture through the roof, or it could crash into it enough to collapse sections of it, while even smaller debris could damage the shingles or gutters, setting them up for vulnerabilities that will surely grow.

• Ice-Damming and Freeze-Thaw Cycles:

Heat escapes from the attic, melting the snow on the roof, which refreezes at the eaves and becomes ice dams. These prevent water from draining and force water underneath the shingles into the house. Going back and forth between freezing and thawing leads to the deterioration of roofing materials and the accumulation of wear.

• Fire or Structural Damage:

Thunderbolts from heaven can break down roofs, and so can aged recreational roofs. Poor area construction can sometimes go further and become a threat to the structure itself by way of sagging and, in some cases, complete collapse.

• Sudden Roof Leaks or Collapses:

Reports of sudden and loud leaks with intense water outpouring could be perfectly normal if it is an extreme weather occasion accompanied by a lack of maintenance and some hidden wear and tear. In other instances, especially on flat or very old roofs, snow or water accumulation becomes a reason that parts of the roof fall without notice.

Knowing these causes will hopefully enable every homeowner to minimize damage or repair costs by taking preventive actions or a prompt reaction to an already existing problem.

Signs You Need Emergency Roofing Services

• Water Is Pouring Through the Ceiling: This is the most urgent independent sign of a roof emergency, where water is actively leaking or pouring through the ceiling. It compromises the roof's integrity to a severe degree and has to be immediately attended to by professionals to prevent damage to the structure and mould development.

• Sagging Roof Structure or Compromised Structure: Since houses claim high value over a period of time, your house may suddenly develop a sag in the roof structure or find a compromise. This happens because of many things, such as moisture trapped, wet decking, or some structural members growing weak. This is a collapse-prone position.

• Missing Shingles After a Storm: Violent winds, hail, or heavy snow can peel shingles off the roofing. Missing shingles expose the materials beneath to rain; with this rain intrusion, the probability of interior damage, mould growth, and structural decay all increases.

• Holes or Large Cracks Visible: Any visible hole, a large crack, or daylight coming through the roof from the attic side indicates a massive stage of deterioration. Such openings could allow water, pests, and debris inside. This spells doom to the safety and energy efficiency of the home.

If you notice any of the signs listed above, give no second thought and call in an emergency-licensed roofer who can minimize further damage and restore the protectiveness of your home.

What To Do In A Roofing Emergency

Stay Safe and Evacuate if Needed

One's safety is a paramount concern during a roofing emergency. If there is a threat of a roof collapse, structural damage, or if there is bad water pouring in, one should evacuate the premises immediately. Do not enter rooms having possible ceiling sagging or electrical hazards.

Temporarily Contain Leaks

If it is safe, try to minimize further damage to the interior by putting buckets or containers where leaks can drip. Also, try covering valuable furniture or electronics with plastic sheets or tarps. Never try to go onto the roof during bad weather.

Avoid DIY Repairs on Unstable Structures

Avoid going up and trying to do major repairs if the roof structure is slippery or unstable and damaged by a storm, fire, or fallen trees and debris. DIY works may worsen the situation or cause injuries to you.

Call a Professional Immediately

Hire your respected emergency roofing contractor as soon as you possibly can. Those certified know how to use the tools and approach the problem safely with some meaningful temporary solution and full repair or replacement effort. The sudden act will diminish more possibilities of damage and costly repairs.  

Being calm and accountable for your actions during a roofing emergency will at least give protection to the house and the family at the right time.

Who To Call For Emergency Roofing In Canada

Licensed Roofing Contractors (24/7 Services)

• The first person to call in a roofing emergency should be a roofing contractor offering a 24-hour emergency service.


• They respond to all manner of incidents, from storm damage to leaks, structural issues, and repairs.


• Always make sure that the company has the appropriate license and insurance and, ideally, that it has a very good local reputation.


• Most of the roofing companies in Canada offer urgent roof repairs with installation within the same day or the next day.

Local Emergency Services (If There Is Danger to Life or Property)

• If damage presents an immediate danger to life or property, do not hesitate to call 911 or your local emergency services, such as a Risk Of Roof Collapse, Electric Hazards, and Fire.


• Fire departments may provide service where it concerns an electrical fire risk or a dangerous structural collapse.


• Police or municipal services may also come to assist in fallen tree interference with power lines, or neighbourhood-wide storm damage situations.

Insurance Provider

• After that roofing emergency, you need to call your house insurance provider.


• They will walk you through the claims process, tell you what documentation is needed (photos, estimates, receipts), and recommend contractors approved by them.


• It is important to act fast so as not to make the delay longer for the claim, covering the emergency repairs or temporary shelter.

Property Management or Landlord (For Tenants)

• Immediately contact your property management or handyman if you are living in a rented property or condo.


• They are the ones to coordinate emergency work and deal with contractors and insurance.

Roofing Associations and Online Directories

• You can also find certified roofers through the Roofing Contractors Association of Canada (RCAC) or provincial directories, especially if in doubt about whom to trust in an emergency.

Quick, intelligent action will secure safety from damage by acting with the right professionals.

Choosing The Right Roofing Professional 

• Verify the License and Certification

Always work with a roofer who is licensed to operate in your province. This guarantees they qualify under certain standards and codes locally. Get proper documentation of their license or certification.

• Confirm Insurance Coverage

The contractor must procure liability and workers' compensation insurance. This insulates you from legal entanglements or financial liabilities due to injuries or damages.

• Read Reviews and Ask for References

Read online reviews about the contractor on Google and other authentic sources. It is especially vital to ask the contractor for past clients' references to discuss the quality of their work.

• Look for Emergency Services

The roofer must run emergency services 24/7, mostly in areas prone to heavy downpours. The faster they can get there in an emergency, the better.

• Ask About a Warranty

They should offer warranties on materials and workmanship, so you will have a long-term assurance. 

• Discuss Time Frames for Repairs

Request a complete estimate and timeline for the project. A professional should be able to tell you exactly when they will be starting the work and when it will probably be finished.

• Confirm Local Knowledge

An individual must be hired who is conversant with the local ambiance and building codes to offer worthy and fully weatherproof roofing solutions.

Insurance And Emergency Roofing 

Coverage: Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage to a roof caused by storms, hail, fire, or falling trees and not the eventuality of wear and tear.

Documentations: Take pictures or videos of the damage as soon as it is safe. Keep weather reports and receipts for emergency repairs.

Temporary Repairs: Set a tarp or put a bucket to prevent further damage, and keep receipts for the materials used.

Claims Process: Contact your insurer immediately to file a claim and adhere to their instructions.

Contractors: Do not work with any other roofing contractor than those vetted or recommended by your insurer to ease claim processing and guarantee your repairs.

Preventing Future Roofing Emergencies

Regular roof inspections: At least two roof inspections should be carried out by experts anytime between spring and fall for any early signs of wear or damage. 

Maintain gutters and clean them: Keep flushing out leaves and other debris from shower gutters, downspouts, etc., regarding anything that might cause an obstruction to water flow and ice damming.

Remove snow buildup: During winter, heavy snow should be removed, keeping in mind that the formation of ice dams will put the roof under more stress, which might make it leak or collapse.

Get cracked sealant fixed right away: Whenever any small leak, missing shingle, or crack is noticed, it should be fixed immediately so it will not be a big issue later on.

Cut back limbs overhead: This action limits the potential hazard of limbs falling during a storm.