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Emergency Roof Repair: What to Do First

When a roofing emergency hits your Kansas City home, every minute matters. Whether it's a fallen tree, a powerful hailstorm, or a sudden leak after heavy rain, knowing what to do first can save your home from serious structural damage—and save you thousands in repair costs. Here’s a step-by-step guide for homeowners in the KC Metro area to act fast and smart when the unexpected happens.

1. Prioritize Safety Above all else, ensure the safety of everyone in your home. If water is coming in through the ceiling, avoid the area and stay clear of anything electrical. A wet ceiling can collapse without warning, and water near electrical wiring is a serious fire risk. If necessary, evacuate the home and call emergency services.

Do not attempt to climb on the roof during a storm or if there’s visible damage. Falling debris, unstable surfaces, and slippery shingles are dangerous even for professionals.

2. Minimize Interior Damage Once you’re sure everyone is safe, do what you can to contain the interior damage. Place buckets under leaks to collect water and prevent further damage to your floors and furniture. Use plastic sheeting or towels to cover electronics and valuables. If you have a wet/dry vacuum, use it to clean up pooled water quickly.

Also, remove rugs or carpet if they’re soaked. Letting moisture sit increases the risk of mold and mildew.

3. Call a Local Emergency Roofing Contractor Time is of the essence. Reach out immediately to a professional roofing contractor that offers emergency services. In the KC Metro area, PACT KC is available 24/7 and specializes in emergency roof repairs. Their team can assess the damage, provide immediate solutions, and help you take the next steps to secure your home.

Look for contractors who are licensed, insured, and experienced with storm damage. Avoid storm-chasers or unverified contractors that show up at your door.

4. Avoid DIY Repairs (Unless You're Trained) It might be tempting to fix the issue yourself, especially if it's something like placing a tarp over a hole. But without the right equipment and experience, you could cause more harm than good—or put yourself at serious risk. Let the professionals handle the dangerous work.

That said, if you’re able to safely place a tarp over a section of the roof from the attic or through a window, and weather permits, it can help mitigate water intrusion until help arrives.

5. Document the Damage Thoroughly Before cleanup or repairs begin, take detailed photos and videos of the damage. Capture wide shots and close-ups of affected areas, including both interior and exterior damage. Note any structural issues, water intrusion, broken shingles, or debris.

These records will be critical for filing an insurance claim. Keep a log of events, such as the date and time the damage occurred, when you contacted your roofer, and what actions you took.

6. Contact Your Insurance Company Reach out to your homeowner’s insurance provider as soon as possible. Explain the situation and submit your documentation. Many providers will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine your coverage.

PACT KC can help facilitate the claims process by providing professional assessments and written estimates. They’ve worked with major insurers and understand how to navigate the system effectively.

7. Get a Full Roof Inspection Emergency damage is often just the tip of the iceberg. Once immediate repairs are completed, schedule a full inspection to ensure no underlying issues remain. Hidden problems like compromised underlayment, weakened decking, or damaged flashing can cause long-term damage if not addressed.

A proper inspection includes a review of shingles, vents, gutters, flashing, attic ventilation, and insulation. PACT KC provides comprehensive inspections and clearly outlines their findings so you can make informed decisions.

8. Plan Permanent Repairs or Replacement Based on the severity of the damage, your roofing contractor may recommend full repairs or even a complete roof replacement. They should walk you through your options, material choices, warranties, and timelines.

If a replacement is needed, choose durable materials suited to Kansas City’s weather, such as impact-resistant shingles and high-performance underlayment.

9. Prevent Future Damage Now that you’ve weathered a roofing emergency, it’s time to prepare for the next one. Schedule regular roof inspections, especially before storm season. Keep your gutters clean, trim trees near your roof, and watch for early signs of wear and tear like missing shingles or granule loss.

You should also have a list of emergency contacts handy—including your roofer, electrician, and plumber—and create a basic disaster response plan for your family.

10. Partner with a Trusted Roofer Emergencies are unpredictable, but having the right team on your side makes a huge difference. PACT KC has built a reputation for fast response times, honest service, and long-term solutions. They’re not just there for the storm—they’re your go-to for all things roofing year-round.

Act Fast. Stay Safe. Call PACT KC. If your roof has been damaged in a storm or emergency, don’t wait. Every minute counts when it comes to protecting your home. PACT KC is standing by to help Kansas City homeowners with expert emergency roof repairs and full-service restoration.

Call now or visit www.pactkc.com to schedule your inspection and get the protection your home deserves.