Emergency Roof Repair: What to Do First

Roof Emergency Action Plan

When your roof fails, quick action can prevent thousands of pounds in damage. Here's exactly what to do in the critical first hours.

Step 1: Ensure Safety (First 5 Minutes)

Immediate Safety

Get everyone away from affected areas

Watch for falling debris

Don't go on the roof

Avoid standing water (electrical risk)

Turn Off Electricity

If water is coming in:

Turn off main electrical supply to affected circuits

Don't touch electrical items in wet areas

Use torch, not candles

Check for Structural Issues

Look for:

Ceiling sagging (could collapse)

Cracks appearing in walls

Doors/windows sticking

If structural damage suspected, evacuate

Step 2: Minimise Damage (Next 15 Minutes)

Contain the Water

Put buckets/containers under drips

Use large containers – they fill fast

Put towels around container bases

Set up in shifts if needed

Protect Your Belongings

Move furniture away from wet areas

Roll up carpets and rugs

Lift items off floor

Cover furniture with plastic sheets

Create Drainage

If water pooling on ceiling:

Puncture small hole at lowest point

This prevents ceiling collapse

Direct water into container

Step 3: Document Everything (15 Minutes)

For Insurance

Photograph all damage

Video the leak if active

Note date and time

Photograph any fallen materials

Document what you moved/protected

Record Details

When damage discovered

Weather conditions

What caused it (if known)

Actions taken

Step 4: Temporary Measures (If Safe)

What You Can Do

From inside:

Place plastic sheeting under leak points

Use wet/dry vacuum

Run dehumidifiers if available

From outside (ground level only):

Cover obviously damaged areas with tarp

Secure with weights (not nails into roof)

Tape plastic over accessible windows if damaged

What NOT to Do

Don't go on the roof

Don't use permanent fixings

Don't throw away damaged items

Don't start major repairs yourself

Step 5: Call for Help

Emergency Roofing

Call us: **020 8528 3900**

Be ready to tell us:

Your address

Nature of damage

How urgent (water actively coming in?)

Access details

Insurance situation

What We'll Do

Attend within hours

Make roof safe and weatherproof

Assess full damage

Provide documentation

Quote for permanent repairs

Step 6: Insurance Contact

When to Call Insurer

After immediate emergency dealt with

Before permanent repairs (usually)

Within 24-48 hours

Information Needed

Policy number

Date and time of incident

Description of damage

Photos/video

Emergency repair details

Tips

Note claim reference number

Get names of who you speak to

Follow up in writing

Keep all receipts

Step 7: Ongoing Management

Until Repaired

Check containers regularly

Monitor for new leaks

Watch for damp spreading

Keep affected areas ventilated

After Emergency Repair

Plan permanent repairs

Get quotes (usually 2-3)

Consider upgrades while repairing

Review insurance cover

When Is It an Emergency?

Definite Emergency

Active water ingress

Structural damage

Large area of missing roof

Storm damage ongoing

Urgent (Same Day)

No active leak but roof open

After storm, damage visible

Threat of further weather

Can Wait

Small cosmetic damage

Single displaced tile (dry weather)

Minor gutter issues

Be Prepared

Keep Accessible

Our number: 020 8528 3900

Insurance policy details

Stopcock location

Torch and batteries

Basic tools

Regular Maintenance

Best emergency is one that doesn't happen:

Annual roof inspection

Regular gutter cleaning

Fix small issues promptly

Tree maintenance

We're Here for Emergencies

Day or night, storms or calm – we respond to roof emergencies across West London.

Emergency Line: 020 8528 3900