Protecting Your Home When Every Second Counts
A sudden roof failure is one of the most stressful events a homeowner can face. Whether it’s from a severe Boise windstorm, a fallen tree, or a catastrophic leak, significant roof damage requires immediate action to protect your property and family. When water is pouring into your living room or you see daylight through your attic, you don’t have time to waste. The decisions you make in the first few hours are critical for minimizing damage and ensuring a smooth recovery process.
This guide provides Boise homeowners with a clear, step-by-step plan for handling a roofing emergency. Knowing who to call and what actions to take can transform a chaotic situation into a manageable one, safeguarding your home from further harm while setting the stage for a professional, lasting repair.
Is It a True Roofing Emergency?
Not every roof issue demands an emergency response, but certain situations cannot wait. A true roofing emergency involves active and significant threats to your home’s structural integrity or interior. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to call for immediate help:
Active Water Intrusion
If water is actively leaking into your home, whether through the ceiling, walls, or light fixtures, it qualifies as an emergency. Uncontrolled water can lead to widespread damage to insulation, drywall, electrical systems, and promote dangerous mold growth.
Significant Structural Damage
A visibly sagging roof deck, a hole from a fallen tree, or extensive damage from fire are clear emergencies. These issues compromise your home’s safety and require an immediate professional assessment and structural stabilization.
Major Storm Damage
After a severe storm with high winds or hail, large sections of missing shingles can leave your roof’s underlayment exposed. This vulnerability makes your home susceptible to the next rainfall. Prompt action is needed to prevent leaks before they start.
If your issue is less severe, like a few curled shingles or a stain with no active drip, you may not need an emergency call. However, scheduling a professional roof inspection promptly is still crucial to prevent the problem from worsening.
Your Immediate Action Plan: 5 Steps to Take After Roof Damage
Once you’ve identified an emergency, follow these steps to ensure safety and minimize damage.
1. Prioritize Safety Above All
Your family’s safety is the top priority. If you see major structural damage or hear creaking sounds that suggest instability, evacuate the house immediately. If water is leaking near electronics or outlets, shut off the power at the main breaker to prevent electrical hazards.
2. Mitigate Interior Damage
If it’s safe to do so, try to control the water inside. Place buckets or pans under active drips. Move valuable items like furniture, electronics, and keepsakes out of the affected area. If the leak is widespread, plastic sheeting can help protect floors and belongings.
3. Document the Damage Thoroughly
Before anything is moved or repaired, take photos and videos of the damage. Capture wide shots of the affected rooms and close-ups of the leaks and damaged property. If you can do so safely from the ground, take pictures of the exterior roof damage. This documentation is vital for your roof insurance claim.
4. Call a 24/7 Emergency Roofing Professional
Do not attempt to get on a damaged roof yourself—it’s incredibly dangerous, especially during or after a storm. Contact a trusted, local company that offers 24/7 emergency roofing services. A professional team has the training and equipment to safely assess the situation and perform temporary measures to stop further damage.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you have a professional roofer on the way, contact your insurance provider to inform them of the situation and begin the claims process. Your roofing contractor can often provide the detailed report and estimate your insurer will need.
The Professional Emergency Repair Process: What to Expect
When you call Sawtooth Customs for an emergency, our priority is to secure your home. Here’s what the process looks like:
- 1. Immediate Dispatch: Our team is available 24/7. We’ll gather essential information and dispatch a crew to your Boise-area home as quickly as possible.
- 2. Safety Assessment & Temporary Repair: Upon arrival, our first step is to make the site safe. We will then apply a temporary solution, such as securing a heavy-duty tarp over the damaged area, to prevent any more water from entering your home. This is a critical step to protect your property while a permanent solution is planned.
- 3. Comprehensive Damage Inspection: Once the immediate threat is contained, we perform a thorough inspection to assess the full extent of the damage to your roof, decking, and structure. This allows us to create a detailed scope of work for the permanent roof repair or replacement.
- 4. Detailed Estimate & Insurance Support: We provide a clear, detailed estimate for the necessary repairs. With over 20 years of experience, we are experts at navigating the insurance claim process and can work directly with your provider to ensure your claim is handled correctly and you receive the coverage you deserve.
- 5. Permanent Restoration: After approval, our skilled craftsmen will complete the final repairs, whether it’s replacing a section of shingles or a full roof replacement. We use quality materials designed to withstand Idaho’s weather and restore your roof to its optimal condition.
Boise’s Climate Demands a Local Expert
Living in the Treasure Valley means your roof has to endure a unique set of challenges. The intense summer sun can cause materials to become brittle, while heavy winter snowfall can lead to dangerous ice dams that force water under your shingles. Add in the seasonal high winds, and it’s clear why you need a roofing contractor who understands how to protect against local conditions.
At Sawtooth Customs, we are more than just roofers; we are your neighbors. We build and repair roofs specifically designed to stand up to the Boise climate, ensuring long-term durability and peace of mind. From proper ventilation to prevent ice dams to securing shingles against wind uplift, our local expertise makes all the difference.
Roofing Emergency in the Boise Area?
Don’t wait for damage to spread. Sawtooth Customs offers 24/7 emergency services to protect your home immediately. Our expert team is ready to provide fast, professional support when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will my homeowners insurance cover an emergency roof repair?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage from sudden and accidental events like wind, hail, or fallen trees. This typically includes the cost of emergency tarping and subsequent repairs. It’s important to document everything and contact your provider quickly. We can help you navigate the details of your claim.
How quickly can you respond to an emergency in Boise?
As a local company offering 24/7 services, our goal is to respond as swiftly as possible. We prioritize emergency calls to ensure a crew is dispatched to secure your home and prevent further damage right away.
Is a temporary tarp a sufficient fix?
A tarp is a critical but temporary measure designed to stop water intrusion until a permanent repair can be safely made. It is not a long-term solution. You must schedule professional repairs to restore the integrity of your roofing system and prevent future issues.
What if I have damage to my siding as well?
Storms that damage roofs often harm siding, gutters, and windows. As an exterior construction company, Sawtooth Customs is equipped to handle all aspects of storm damage restoration, including professional siding repair. We provide comprehensive solutions to restore your entire home exterior.
Glossary of Roofing Terms
Flashing
Strips of metal or waterproof material used to seal joints on a roof, such as around chimneys, vents, and valleys, preventing water from entering.
Ice Dam
A ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, which prevents melting snow from draining properly and can cause water to back up under shingles.
Roof Deck (or Sheathing)
The layer of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) that serves as the foundation for the roofing materials and is attached to the roof trusses.
Underlayment
A layer of water-resistant or waterproof material installed directly on the roof deck before the shingles are applied, providing a secondary barrier against moisture.