How to Deal With a Roof Leak During a Storm: Immediate Steps + Long-Term Fixes

Even the strongest roofs can take a beating when bad weather hits Northern Michigan. Heavy rain, wind, hail, and flying debris can expose weak points and cause sudden leaks, often at the worst possible time. That’s where Big Rapids Roofing comes in. We’re a trusted residential roofing contractor serving Northern Michigan and surrounding areas, offering reliable solutions to protect your home when the unexpected happens.

From Michigan emergency roof repairs and roof tarp services to hail and wind damage restoration and insurance claim assistance, we’re here to help you handle any roofing crisis quickly and professionally. We specialize in asphalt, metal, and slate roofing, with metal options including aluminum, steel, and copper in styles like corrugated metal, standing seam, exposed fastener, and metal shingles. Whether you’re facing a roof leak during a storm or planning long-term improvements, our mission is to protect your most important investment, your home.

Quick Steps to Take During a Roof Leak

A roof leak during a storm can feel overwhelming, but acting quickly can minimize damage until help arrives. Here’s what to do:

1. Stay Safe and Protect What You Can

First and foremost, never climb onto your roof during a storm. High winds, slick shingles, and lightning make it extremely dangerous. Instead, focus on keeping your family and belongings safe inside. You should remove any furniture, electronics, and valuables from the leak and cover the area with plastic or waterproof tarps to reduce interior water damage.

2. Contain the Water

Use a bucket or large container to catch dripping water and prevent it from spreading. If water is pooling and bulging behind paint or drywall, poke a small hole with a screwdriver to release the pressure and let the water drain safely, preventing a full ceiling collapse.

3. Identify the Source (If Possible)

While it’s not safe to go outside during severe weather, you can sometimes trace the general area of the leak from inside. Look for water stains, damp insulation, or wet spots along ceilings and walls. Noting these areas will help your roofer locate the issue faster once the storm passes.

4. Call for Professional Help

Once everyone is safe and the storm begins to ease, contact Big Rapids Roofing for Michigan emergency roof repair services. We respond promptly to storm-related damage and can dispatch a crew to assess the situation and take action quickly. If the weather is still too dangerous for full repairs, we’ll install a temporary roof tarp to stop the leaks and stop further damage until conditions allow for a permanent fix.

roof leak repair

How Roof Tarping Helps Prevent Further Damage

A roof tarp is one of the most effective short-term solutions after a storm. It creates a strong barrier that keeps out rain, wind, and debris, lowering the risk of additional interior water damage or mold growth.

At Big Rapids Roofing, we provide fast, professional roof tarp services designed to secure your home safely and effectively. Our technicians use heavy-duty, weather-resistant tarps anchored properly to ensure they hold up even in continued rough conditions. This gives you peace of mind while we prepare for more permanent repairs or assist with your insurance claim.

Long-Term Fixes for a Lasting Solution

Once the weather clears, the next step is a thorough roof inspection and permanent repairs. Roof leaks can have many underlying causes, such as damaged shingles, cracked flashing, clogged gutters, or compromised sealant around vents or chimneys. Addressing the root of the problem is key to preventing it from happening again.

1. Professional Roof Inspection

Our experienced team will inspect your entire roof system, both inside and out, to pinpoint the specific source of the leak and evaluate the overall condition of your roofing materials.

2. Quality Roof Repairs or Replacement

Depending on the extent of the damage, we’ll recommend the best course of action, whether that’s repairing specific sections or replacing all of the entire roof. We offer durable, high-performance materials like asphalt shingles and metal roofing systems (aluminum, steel, and copper) in multiple styles, so you can select the look and longevity that fit your home and budget.

3. Storm Damage and Insurance Assistance

Taking care of insurance claims after a storm can be overwhelming, but we make it easier. Our team provides detailed damage reports and assists you through the claims process to help you get the coverage you deserve for your repairs.

4. Preventative Maintenance

After the repairs are done, we recommend scheduling periodic roof inspections and maintenance to stay ahead of future issues. Simple steps like cleaning gutters, checking for missing shingles, and inspecting flashing can help protect your home year-round,  especially before Michigan’s stormy seasons.

Why Choose Big Rapids Roofing

At Big Rapids Roofing, we do more than just patch up leaks; we deliver peace of mind. We take pride in keeping your needs at the forefront of every project, ensuring clear communication, honest recommendations, and top-tier workmanship. From emergency fixes to complete roof replacements, we treat every home as if it were our own.

Call Big Rapids Roofing Today

If you’re dealing with a roof leak during a storm, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact Big Rapids Roofing for prompt Michigan emergency roof repair and roof tarp services you can trust. Our friendly, knowledgeable roofing team is ready to answer your questions, assess your roof, and help you protect your home, today and for years to come.

Call us now or schedule your free estimate to get started!

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