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Your Roof Got Hit: What to Do Now in London, Kentucky

When a summer storm rolls over Brush Mountain or a winter ice storm settles in, your roof takes the brunt of it. For folks in London, Corbin, and East Bernstadt, that means dealing with everything from heavy hail to sudden, gusty winds. In those first moments of discovering a leak or seeing shingles in your yard, knowing what to do next is everything. That’s why we’re here. This guide is for London homeowners facing a roofing crisis, to help you understand what’s happening, how to stay safe, and how to get the fastest help possible.

What Exactly Is Emergency Roofing?

Emergency roofing isn't a full roof replacement. Think of it as first aid for your home. The goal is simple: stop the damage from getting worse right now. A true emergency means water is actively entering your home, or there is an immediate threat to your family's safety.

Here’s what counts as a real roofing emergency in London:

• A major leak during a storm where water is pouring or steadily dripping inside.
• A large section of missing shingles or roofing material after high winds, exposing the wood decking underneath.
• Damage from a fallen tree limb that has punctured or cracked the roof.
• Severe damage from hail that has created numerous holes or broken tiles.
• A sagging roof deck, which could signal a structural problem needing immediate attention.

The emergency crew’s job is stabilization. They’ll secure the area, often with a heavy-duty tarp, to protect your home’s interior until a permanent repair can be scheduled during normal business hours.

Why London’s Weather Is Tough on Roofs

Our climate here in Laurel County creates unique challenges. Our hot, humid summers can bake asphalt shingles, making them brittle over time. Then, our notorious winter ice storms and the occasional heavy, wet snow can lead to ice dams along your eaves, especially on older homes in neighborhoods like Downtown London or along the hillsides near Levi Jackson Park. That ice forces water back up under the shingles, leading to leaks you might not notice until spring.

Most homes here, from the classic ranch styles in the Forest Hills area to newer builds off I-75, use asphalt shingles. They’re cost-effective and do a good job, but they have a lifespan. After a major storm, we often see the same issues on homes across the county: wind-lifted shingles, granule loss from hail, and leaks around chimneys and vents.

Understanding the Costs of Emergency Help

We believe in transparency. Emergency services involve extra costs because crews are on call 24/7, ready to roll out at a moment's notice.

• Emergency Call-Out/Service Fee: This covers the immediate dispatch and initial assessment. For the London area, this typically ranges from $150 to $300, depending on the time of day and severity.
• Tarping Cost: This is usually the main stabilization work. Emergency roof tarping is priced by the square foot of coverage needed. You can expect between $3 to $8 per square foot. A standard tarp job for a damaged section might cost between $300 and $800.
• After-Hours Premium: Work performed late at night, on weekends, or on holidays may have an additional premium, often 1.5x to 2x the standard labor rate.

A critical note on insurance: Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover sudden, accidental damage like storm damage. The cost of emergency tarping to prevent further loss is often a covered expense. We recommend you call your agent to start a claim and document everything with photos. Our team can provide a detailed report for your adjuster.

When to Call for Help vs. When to Wait

How do you know if it can wait until Monday? Use this simple triage guide:

Call an emergency roofer NOW (day or night):

• You can see daylight through your roof from inside the attic.
• Water is actively leaking into a living space, especially near electrical fixtures.
• A large section of roof covering is gone, exposing the plywood underneath.
• Your ceiling is sagging or bulging with water weight.

It’s likely safe to wait for normal business hours:

• A few shingles are missing, but no decking is exposed, and the forecast is clear.
• You notice minor, isolated granules in your gutters after hail.
• There’s a small, slow drip in the attic that you can catch in a bucket, and rain has stopped.

If you're unsure, it’s always safer to call. Dial (888) 509-1520 now to describe the situation, and our team can advise you.

Your Safety-First Checklist While You Wait

Your safety is the top priority. Here’s what to do after you’ve called for help:

DO:

• Move furniture and valuables away from the leak. Use buckets and towels to catch water.
• Turn off electricity to the affected area at the circuit breaker if water is near outlets or lights.
• Take clear photos and videos of the damage, both inside and out (from the ground).
• Cover belongings in the attic with plastic sheeting if it is safe to access.

DO NOT (This is very important):

• DO NOT climb onto the roof. A damaged or wet roof is extremely slippery and unstable. It is not worth the risk of a fall.
• Do not attempt a permanent repair yourself.
• Avoid poking or prodding a sagging ceiling, as it could collapse.

Let the professionals handle the dangerous work. Our crews are trained, insured, and have the right equipment to do the job safely.

Local Rules for London Roof Repairs

Once the emergency is contained, you’ll need to plan for the permanent repair. In London and Laurel County, most major roof replacements require a building permit from the city or county planning department. This ensures the work meets Kentucky building codes for wind resistance and materials.

The process usually involves our team pulling the permit, scheduling the work, and then arranging for a final inspection once the job is done. For minor repairs, a permit may not be needed. We handle all of this for you, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork. If structural damage is suspected (like with a severe sag), we may recommend involving a structural engineer before any permanent work begins.

You Don't Have to Face a Roof Crisis Alone

Weather doesn’t keep business hours, and neither do we. When a storm hits London, Keavy, or Lily, you need a local team that understands our specific climate and housing—and can respond fast. London Emergency Roofing is that team. We’re based right here, and our average dispatch time for a true emergency in the London area is 60 to 120 minutes.

Remember, quick action can save you thousands in secondary water damage. Don’t gamble with your biggest investment. If you have active water intrusion or severe storm damage, pick up the phone and call the pros who are ready to help, day or night.

For immediate, 24/7 emergency roofing service in London, Kentucky, call London Emergency Roofing at (888) 509-1520. We’ll get a crew routed to your home right away.

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