A storm strikes. The windows rattle, the trees blow wildly, and rain pounds the roof. Before long, the rain turns to hail, and suddenly you’re worried about whether your roof will hold up. You hear something crack, and as the storm passes, your living room ceiling starts to drip. This scenario is something we’ve seen countless times. It’s something we know how to handle.
But, for you, it’s new, and it’s terrifying. You start to panic. Do you need emergency roofing repair?
The area around Knoxville and Nashville sees its fair share of storms. Our state is also no stranger to tornadoes, with 16 touching down in Knox County since the 1950s. Severe storms can easily lead to catastrophic damage. But a leak doesn’t necessarily mean you have an emergency. Sometimes—if not quite often—roofing repairs can wait until the weather clears.
So what constitutes a roofing emergency? Do you need a 24/7 roofer in Knoxville or can service wait until morning? We’ll explore those questions as well as what to do if you need to sit tight a bit after a storm.
Repairs on a damaged roof should always be prompt, of course, particularly in Knoxville’s wet climate. That said, they may not always be emergencies. When we say “emergency,” here’s what we mean:
Put simply, if there’s no immediate threat to your home or family’s safety, it’s not a roofing emergency. On the other hand, if it looks like there’s a real danger to your well-being, then you should call for emergency roofing repairs.
There are several factors to consider when planning roofing repair in Knoxville. We strive to plan all roofing calls as soon as possible; however, there are some practical limitations to this. When determining timelines for your emergency roofing repairs, we take the following into account:
First, the severity of the damage determines the priority it has. After all, a few missing shingles or a minor leak isn’t going to be a higher priority than a home with the ceiling caved in. When a storm hits Knoxville, we often get dozens of calls, so less urgent repairs may need to wait a day or two.
Working on a roof is always dangerous, even in good weather. While our Knoxville roofing company does everything possible to minimize fall risks, safety is our top priority. That’s why it’s ill-advised to perform roofing repairs while it’s still raining. Once conditions become safer, we can then cover the affected area to keep rain out until repairs are completed.
Finally, the more extensive the damage, the more costly and time-consuming it will be to repair. A fallen tree, for instance, will require more than just a quick patch. Those emergency roofing repairs can cost thousands of dollars, especially when significant structural damage is involved.
We ensure that all emergency roofing repairs are completed correctly. Sometimes, that means same-day service isn’t realistic. Getting the right materials and dimensions is vital, as is securing the right permits in the event that you need total roof replacement.
If you’re in a situation where you need to wait for roofing repair, what do you do? It depends on the damage. The first step is always to get to safety. Then, contact your insurance company. Also, take photos and videos of the damage for your insurance company. This documentation is crucial for faster claims processing. What you do next depends on the nature of your problem:
If a tree falls on your roof, make sure everyone is accounted for and evacuate your house. Even if your home in Knoxville looks intact, there may be unseen structural damage. Then call 911 and seek shelter. Once the storm clears, you’ll need to get the tree removed before any roofing work can begin. And, because we’ve cleared everything from small branch failures to big willow collapses, you can start with Mobley Brothers. Emergency repair timeframes ultimately depend on when the tree is removed and the severity of the damage. Our team coordinates with local first responders and tree-removal partners, so you’re not left to manage it alone.
If at all possible—and if it’s safe to do so—do what you can to contain the water. Pans, plastic tubs, and similar containers may be able to handle moderate amounts of water intrusion. When full, they can be emptied in the yard. If you suddenly have waterfalls inside your home, you’re likely dealing with structural damage. In those cases, it’s best to find a more secure place to wait out the storm. Maybe make the best out of a bad situation with a stay at The Quest Hotel and Waterpark.
A less severe leak can usually be contained by placing a container, such as a pan or bowl, under the leak. Doing so can prevent water damage to your floors and carpeting as you wait for roofing repairs in Nashville and Knoxville. Given that water remediation in East and Middle Tennessee can cost thousands of dollars, every bit of prevention helps.
If the roof catches fire, the first thing to do is evacuate and call 911. Once the flames are out and things are settled, you’ll likely need roof replacement. Fire will typically leave your roof with significant damage. A quick patch job is probably not sufficient. Once we get the needed permits, our Knoxville roofers can get started on replacing it.
Animals can damage roofing materials. Often, this occurs over an extended period. If left unattended, the cumulative damage left by woodpeckers, termites, and other animals can result in an emergency situation. Concentrated termite damage can cause a roof to collapse if severe enough. If that occurs, you’ll need to address the pest problem while also contacting a Knoxville roofing professional.
In the event of a true roofing emergency, you need emergency roofing service that you can trust. With 18 years of experience serving East and Middle Tennessee, our team has seen every type of roofing emergency imaginable. We’re also GAF certified. Our Knoxville roofers will get to your home quickly to help mitigate any damage your roof has sustained.
Mobley Brothers is ready and able to help when you have a true roofing emergency. Regardless of the cause of the damage, we’ll make sure it’s taken care of.
To be clear, it’s usually not possible to repair or replace a roof immediately. There’s a process that needs to be followed before your roof damage in Nashville or Knoxville can be remedied. When you call Mobley Brothers, you can expect the following steps:
If there’s a hole in your roof, we’ll make sure it’s securely tarped to keep the elements out. We’ll also inspect the damage in detail to determine the types of repairs needed. Roof access will be necessary, so there may be some wait time for safe conditions. At this stage, we’ll collect photos and put together a report for your insurance company.
As soon as we have a clear understanding of the nature of your roof’s damage, we’ll create a detailed repair plan and provide you with an estimate and timeline. We make sure all associated costs are presented to you upfront. You’ll know the exact scope of the work required to handle your emergency roof repair in Knoxville.
Once we have obtained the necessary permits and a plan is in place, we’ll proceed with your emergency roofing repair. Our dedication to quality work and industry-best warranties ensures your roof will be able to withstand East and Middle Tennessee’s storms for years to come. Rest assured, everything we do is compliant with building codes in Knoxville and Nashville.
After all work is completed, we conduct a thorough inspection. We hold our work to the highest standards, and this inspection is meant to ensure we’ve done our best work. We’ll verify that each problem has been properly addressed and confirm your roof’s structural integrity. After the final inspection, our Knoxville roof review the work with you to ensure you’re satisfied.
You likely found us, and this page specifically, when searching ‘emergency roofing repairs near me’ because your Knoxville roof has been damaged by a severe storm or other disaster. If so, it’s important to address roof damage as soon as possible, so a bad problem might become a worse one. While not every instance of roof damage constitutes an emergency, Mobley Brothers works hard to address all service calls in a timely manner. Typically, we’ll get you on the books in just a couple of days. Our crews have helped homeowners throughout Knoxville, Nashville, and Lebanon recover quickly after major storms. We’re ready to do the same for you!
It depends on the damage, though emergency repairs are often more expensive. Severe structural damage typically requires a total roof replacement, which can cost upwards of $14,000 in Knoxville. Ideally, your insurance should cover those costs, but we have financing options available if not.
We can assist with any situation that requires prompt roofing repairs. This is true for both residential and commercial buildings. Once conditions are safe, we can inspect your business’s roof and tarp it to keep the rain out. From there, we’ll determine the types of repairs needed and write up an estimate.
Storm damage and falling debris are among the most common causes of roof emergencies in Knoxville, Nashville, and Lebanon. Fire and neglect are also fairly common. Neglect in particular can result in extensive water damage and rot that undermines your roof’s structural integrity.
Be sure to contact your insurance company before scheduling your emergency roofing repair in Knoxville. Doing this early helps ensure they classify your claim as emergency damage. As we plan your emergency roof repairs, we’ll do what we can to work with your insurance company. Though sometimes, an especially obstinate insurer may require legal pressure to do the right thing.
We do! Once it’s safe to work on your roof, we’ll cover the affected area with plastic sheeting. Tarping keeps moisture and wind out of your home until we can perform the needed renovations. In most cases, your insurance company will reimburse you for this part of the emergency roof repair.
It’s best if you’re present for the initial inspection. Once we’ve tarped the area and given you a plan and estimate, it’s up to you whether you want to be home while we work on your roof. Roof work can be very loud, so you may want to avoid being around during it. Ultimately, it’s your decision.