Emergency Roof Repair Near Me – What Texas Homeowners Should Do After Storm Damage

The storm just passed through Lubbock, and now you're standing in your living room staring at a growing water stain on your ceiling. Or maybe you heard a loud crash during the night and discovered a tree branch pierced your roof at dawn. Perhaps you're in your attic watching daylight stream through a hole that wasn't there yesterday.

When storm damage strikes your Texas home, every minute counts. Water doesn't wait for business hours, and a small leak can quickly become catastrophic damage costing tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. The difference between a $500 emergency repair and a $15,000 disaster often comes down to how quickly and correctly you respond in those critical first hours after damage occurs.

At America's General Contractors, we've responded to hundreds of roofing emergencies across Lubbock, Wolfforth, Shallowater, Slaton, and surrounding South Plains communities. We know the panic that sets in when you discover storm damage, and we know exactly what steps you need to take right now to protect your home, your family, and your insurance claim.

This guide walks you through the immediate actions you must take after discovering roof damage, what constitutes a true roofing emergency, and how to navigate the emergency repair process from that first moment of discovery through complete restoration.

Immediate Actions: The First 60 Minutes After Discovering Roof Damage

Step 1: Ensure Everyone's Safety First

Before you do anything else, make sure your family is safe:

Get Out of Danger Zones

• Move everyone away from areas with active leaks or ceiling damage
• Avoid rooms where you can see ceiling sagging or bulging (indicates water accumulation and potential collapse)
• Stay out of attics if you hear cracking sounds or see structural damage
• If there's extensive damage or you smell gas, evacuate immediately and call 911

Assess Electrical Hazards

• If water is dripping near light fixtures, outlets, or electrical panels, turn off electricity to affected circuits at your breaker box
• Don't touch electrical switches or appliances with wet hands
• If you can't safely access your breaker box, call an electrician or your utility company

Watch for Continuing Hazards

• Check for hanging tree limbs or debris that could fall
• Look for damaged power lines near your roof (stay far away and call your utility company)
• Be aware that damaged roofs can fail further, especially if wind continues or more rain is expected

Step 2: Stop Water Intrusion If Safely Possible

Once everyone is safe, your priority is preventing additional water damage:

Contain Interior Water

• Place buckets, trash cans, or storage bins under active leaks
• Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from leak areas
• Pull up area rugs to prevent water absorption and mold growth
• Use towels to soak up standing water on floors

Protect Belongings

• Cover furniture with plastic sheeting or tarps if you can't move it
• Remove items from closets or storage areas in affected rooms
• Take photos or videos of everything before moving it (important for insurance claims)

Create Temporary Barriers

• If you can safely access the leak from inside your attic, place tarps or plastic sheeting to redirect water away from insulation and toward a bucket
• Use duct tape to secure plastic sheeting around leak areas
• Place towels or absorbent materials around the perimeter to catch spreading water

Do NOT Attempt These Actions

• Never climb on your roof during storms, high winds, or when wet
• Don't go into your attic if you see sagging ceiling joists or smell gas
• Don't use extension ladders in high winds or lightning
• Avoid attempting repairs if your roof pitch is steep or you're uncomfortable with heights

Step 3: Document Everything for Insurance

Even in the chaos of an emergency, documentation is critical:

Photograph and Video All Damage

• Take wide shots showing the overall affected areas
• Capture close-ups of specific damage points
• Document all damaged belongings and furnishings
• If safe, photograph exterior roof damage from the ground
• Include timestamps on all photos (most smartphones do this automatically)

Note Important Details

• Write down the date and approximate time you discovered the damage
• Record the weather conditions when damage occurred
• List all rooms affected and what damage you observe
• Keep receipts for any emergency supplies you purchase (tarps, buckets, etc.)

Don't Clean Up Too Quickly

• Your insurance adjuster needs to see the damage
• However, you ARE required to prevent further damage (this is called "mitigation")
• Take photos before any cleanup or temporary repairs
• Save damaged items that aren't health hazards until the adjuster sees them

Call for Emergency Roof Repair: Who to Contact and When

When You Need 24/7 Emergency Roofing Services

Not all roof damage requires an immediate middle-of-the-night response. Here's how to determine urgency:

Call Emergency Services Immediately If:

• Water is actively pouring into your home
• You see or suspect structural damage (sagging ceiling, exposed rafters)
• There's a large hole allowing weather into your home
• Tree limbs or debris are stuck in your roof
• You can see sky through your roof from inside
• Water is near electrical components and you can't safely turn off power

Call During Business Hours If:

• You notice small water stains that aren't actively growing
• You found damage days after a storm passed
• Shingles are missing but no water is entering yet
• You see exterior damage but no interior problems

America's General Contractors offers 24/7 emergency response for Lubbock area homeowners facing active roofing emergencies. We understand that storms don't respect business hours, and we're ready to respond when you need us most.

What to Expect from Emergency Roofing Services

When you call a professional emergency roofing service like AGC Corp, here's what should happen:

Initial Phone Assessment

• We'll ask about the type and extent of damage
• Determine if you need immediate response or can wait until morning
• Provide guidance on immediate safety steps
• Give you an estimated arrival time

On-Site Emergency Response Our technicians arrive with:

• Professional-grade tarps and waterproof coverings
• Proper safety equipment and ladders
• Tools for securing temporary repairs
• Materials for interior water diversion

Emergency Tarping and Temporary Repairs We'll:

• Safely access your roof to assess damage
• Install heavy-duty tarps secured with boards and fasteners (not just thrown over damage)
• Create proper water drainage to prevent pooling
• Document all damage for your insurance claim
• Provide you with a written assessment and next steps

Follow-Up Plan Before we leave, you'll know:

• What temporary repairs were made
• How long they'll protect your home
• Timeline for permanent repairs
• What to tell your insurance company
• Cost of emergency services

Emergency Repair Costs: What to Expect

Emergency roofing services typically cost more than scheduled repairs due to after-hours response and urgent nature:

Typical Emergency Service Costs in Lubbock

• Emergency tarp installation: $300-$1,500 depending on roof size and damage extent
• Small emergency repairs (few shingles, minor leak): $500-$1,500
• Medium emergency repairs (section of roof, multiple leaks): $1,500-$3,500
• Major emergency response (extensive damage, large area coverage): $3,500-$8,000+

Important: Most homeowners insurance policies cover emergency repair costs when damage results from a covered event (storm, wind, hail). Keep all receipts and documentation. Some policies have specific limits for emergency repairs (often $2,500-$5,000) before full claim approval.

Dealing with Insurance After Storm Damage

When and How to File Your Insurance Claim

Report Damage Quickly

Most Texas homeowners insurance policies require "prompt notification" of damage. While definitions vary, best practice is:

• Call your insurance company within 24-48 hours of discovering damage
• Don't wait until you get repair estimates
• Report damage even if you're unsure whether it's covered

What to Tell Your Insurance Company

• Date and time of the storm event
• Type of damage you've observed
• Whether you've made any emergency repairs
• That you've taken steps to prevent further damage (photos showing tarps, etc.)

Request a Claims Adjuster

Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to inspect damage and determine coverage. The adjuster should:

• Schedule an inspection within 5-10 business days (often sooner for emergencies)
• Assess both interior and exterior damage
• Provide a written estimate of covered repairs
• Explain your deductible and coverage limits

Working with Your Contractor and Insurance Adjuster

Why Professional Help Matters

Experienced roofing contractors like America's General Contractors can:

• Meet with your adjuster during the inspection
• Point out damage the adjuster might miss
• Provide detailed documentation supporting your claim
• Write supplemental estimates if the adjuster's initial estimate is insufficient
• Communicate in insurance industry language

Common Insurance Claim Challenges

Many homeowners face these issues:

• Adjuster underestimates damage: They might miss hidden damage or calculate repairs using outdated pricing
• Claim denials: Insurance companies sometimes deny claims arguing damage was "pre-existing" or resulted from "lack of maintenance"
• Depreciation holdbacks: You might receive only part of your claim initially, with the rest paid after repairs are complete

How We Help

We've worked with every major insurance carrier operating in Texas. We know how adjusters calculate estimates, what documentation they require, and how to advocate for complete coverage. Our clients typically receive fuller claim approvals than homeowners negotiating alone.

Preventing Future Emergency Situations

Regular Roof Maintenance and Inspections

The best emergency is the one that never happens:

Annual Inspections

• Schedule professional roof inspections every 1-2 years
• Inspect after major storms (even if you don't see obvious damage)
• Check your roof each spring before storm season

Maintenance Tasks

• Keep gutters clean and flowing properly
• Trim tree branches hanging over or near your roof
• Replace damaged or missing shingles promptly
• Ensure proper attic ventilation
• Check flashing around chimneys and vents annually

Storm Preparation for Texas Homeowners

Before severe weather strikes:

Create an Emergency Plan

• Know where your main water shut-off is located
• Know how to safely turn off electricity at your breaker box
• Keep emergency supplies handy (flashlights, tarps, buckets)
• Have your roofing contractor's emergency number saved in your phone

Document Your Roof

• Take photos of your roof in good condition
• Keep records of your roof's age and any previous repairs
• Store important documents (insurance policy, warranties) in waterproof container

After the Storm

• Inspect your property as soon as it's safe
• Look for missing shingles, dented gutters, or debris damage
• Check your attic for signs of water intrusion
• Document everything you find

Common Texas Storm Damage Scenarios

Hail Damage Emergencies

Hail is the most common cause of roofing emergencies in Lubbock and the South Plains:

Immediate Concerns

• Hail can puncture shingles, creating immediate leak risks
• Dented metal flashing often allows water penetration
• Damaged gutters may overflow, causing foundation problems

Action Steps

• Check for active leaks in your attic
• Document dents in gutters, vents, and metal components
• Don't assume you're fine just because you don't see interior damage

Wind Damage and Blown-Off Shingles

High winds can tear shingles off completely or lift them enough to break seals:

Immediate Concerns

• Exposed underlayment won't protect against rain
• Lifted shingles catch more wind, causing progressive damage
• Water can penetrate under partially attached shingles

Action Steps

• Collect any shingles you find in your yard (helps identify your roof type for repairs)
• If underlayment is exposed and rain is forecast, call for emergency tarping
• Don't attempt to nail shingles back yourself (improper repairs void warranties)

Tree and Debris Impact Damage

Falling trees or large branches create immediate emergencies:

Immediate Concerns

• Large openings allow massive water intrusion
• Structural damage may affect roof integrity
• Trees still resting on roofs can cause progressive damage

Action Steps

• Call emergency services if the tree is on power lines
• Don't attempt tree removal yourself—hire professional tree services
• Get emergency tarping immediately if large openings exist
• Have structural engineer assess if damage appears extensive

Why Choose America's General Contractors for Emergency Roof Repair

24/7 Emergency Response Across the South Plains

When disaster strikes, we're ready to respond:

• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Serving Lubbock, Wolfforth, Shallowater, Slaton, Levelland, Littlefield, and surrounding areas
• Typical response time: Under 2 hours for true emergencies

Experienced Storm Damage Specialists

We've seen it all:

• Hundreds of emergency repairs completed
• Expert in West Texas storm patterns and typical damage
• Certified crews trained in safety and emergency procedures
• Equipped with professional materials for lasting temporary repairs

Full-Service Restoration

From emergency through final repair:

• Emergency tarping and temporary weatherproofing
• Complete damage assessment and documentation
• Insurance claim assistance and adjuster meetings
• Permanent repair or full replacement services
• Interior restoration coordination if needed

Honest, Transparent Service

We understand you're stressed and vulnerable during emergencies:

• Clear, upfront pricing with written estimates
• No pressure tactics or inflated emergency pricing
• Honest assessment—if you don't need our services, we'll tell you
• Local company with reputation to protect

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Roof Repair

How quickly should I call for emergency roof repair?

If you have active leaks or significant damage, call immediately—24/7 if necessary. For damage discovered after a storm has passed with no active leaks, calling during business hours is acceptable.

Will my insurance cover emergency repairs?

Most Texas homeowners policies cover reasonable emergency repairs when damage results from a covered peril (storm, wind, hail). Keep all receipts and document everything.

Can I do temporary repairs myself?

You can place buckets under leaks and move belongings to safety, but roof access should be left to professionals for safety reasons and to avoid voiding warranties or insurance coverage.

How long do emergency tarps last?

Professional tarping should protect your home for several weeks to a few months, depending on weather conditions. They're designed to keep you safe until permanent repairs can be scheduled.

What if the damage isn't as bad as I thought?

We'll give you an honest assessment. If you don't need emergency services, we'll tell you—and we'll still provide guidance on next steps and monitoring.

Do you work with all insurance companies?

Yes. We have extensive experience with all major carriers operating in Texas and can communicate effectively with adjusters to ensure proper coverage.

How much will emergency services cost?

Emergency tarping typically ranges from $300-$1,500 depending on damage extent and roof size. We'll provide clear pricing before beginning work.

Don't Wait—Get Emergency Help Now

Storm damage doesn't improve with time. Every hour you wait increases the risk of water damage to your home's interior, insulation, and structural components. What starts as a small leak can quickly become a major disaster requiring tens of thousands in repairs.

Emergency Contact Information:

If you're experiencing a roofing emergency in Lubbock or surrounding areas:

✓ Call America's General Contractors immediately—24/7 emergency line available

✓ We respond quickly to minimize damage

✓ Professional emergency tarping and weatherproofing

✓ Complete documentation for insurance claims

✓ Honest assessment and transparent pricing

✓ No obligation—we're here to help

Serving These Communities 24/7:

Lubbock, TX | Wolfforth, TX | Shallowater, TX | Slaton, TX | Levelland, TX | Littlefield, TX | Idalou, TX | New Deal, TX | Ransom Canyon, TX

Don't let storm damage become a catastrophe. Call America's General Contractors now for immediate emergency roof repair services. We're local, experienced, and ready to protect your home when you need us most.

About America's General Contractors

America's General Contractors is Lubbock's trusted name for emergency roof repair and storm damage restoration. Our certified professionals provide 24/7 emergency response across the South Plains, helping Texas homeowners protect their properties when disaster strikes. We combine rapid emergency service with expert insurance claim support to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.