Emergency Roofing in Burbank, CA

When a roof is damaged by wind, a storm, or a falling tree, the first goal is to stop more water from getting in, usually with a temporary cover such as a tarp, and then plan a proper repair. We connect Burbank homeowners with one independent local roofer. Availability depends on the contractor and the weather, so mark your request as urgent and describe what is happening.

Last updated October 22, 2026.

First, stay safe

If a tree or large limb has hit the house, stay out of the affected rooms until someone qualified has looked at it.
If a ceiling is sagging with water, keep people and pets out from under it.
If water is near light fixtures, outlets, or the electrical panel, or a line is down outside, keep clear and contact Burbank Water and Power (or your electric utility) or call 911 if there is immediate danger.
Do not climb onto a wet, windy, steep, or tile roof. Falls are a serious risk, and tile breaks underfoot.

What you can do while you wait

Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the leak.
Put down buckets, towels, and plastic sheeting to catch water.
Take photos and video of the damage inside and out, with dates. This helps with any insurance claim.
Keep receipts for anything you spend to prevent further damage.
Read your policy or contact your insurance company or agent to ask how they want damage reported.

When Burbank roofs get damaged

Santa Ana winds, which typically blow in fall and winter, are the most common cause of sudden roof damage in the area. Gusts can strip shingles, shift or break tiles, peel back flat roof edges, and drop palm fronds and tree limbs onto roofs. Winter storms then turn that damage into leaks. Hillside homes below the Verdugos and homes with large mature trees are especially exposed. After major fires in the surrounding mountains, heavy rain can also bring debris problems to some foothill areas.

What a roofer may do first

Temporary protection. A tarp or other temporary cover, properly secured, can keep water out until a permanent repair is possible. It is a short-term fix, not a repair.

Debris and damage assessment. Once a tree has been removed by a tree service, the roofer can look at the decking, rafters, and roofing for damage. Structural damage may need an engineer or general contractor.

Permanent repair or replacement. After things dry out, the roofer gives you a written estimate for the real fix. If the roof was already near the end of its life, a replacement may come up. For smaller problems, see roof repair.

Information that helps the roofer

When you send a request, include your city or neighborhood, whether water is actively coming in, which rooms are affected, the roof type if you know it (shingle, tile, flat), whether a tree or limb is still on the roof, and whether you have already called your insurer. If a tree is involved, a tree service usually needs to remove it before a roofer can safely work. The more the provider knows up front, the better they can plan the first visit and bring the right materials for a temporary cover.

About availability

We can’t promise how quickly anyone will arrive. After a big windstorm, many homes need help at once and roofers get booked up. Sending your request early, with photos described in the message and a note that the leak is active, helps the provider prioritize. Your insurer may also have its own emergency mitigation process.

Watch out for storm chasers

After widespread wind damage, unfamiliar contractors sometimes go door to door. Before signing anything:

Check the contractor’s license at cslb.ca.gov.
Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
Don’t pay a large deposit. In California the down payment on most home improvement contracts is limited to 10% of the price or $1,000, whichever is less.
Be cautious of anyone who offers to handle your insurance claim for you or pressures you to sign right away. Many home improvement contracts come with a right to cancel, and extra protections can apply after a declared disaster.

Emergency Roofing help near Burbank

We take requests from Burbank and these nearby communities:

Frequently asked questions

Should I tarp my own roof?

We recommend against climbing onto a damaged, wet, or steep roof. Falls are a serious risk. If you need temporary protection, ask a roofing contractor to do it.

Will insurance pay for emergency roof repairs?

It depends on your policy and the cause. Sudden wind or tree damage is often treated differently from wear and tear. Document everything, keep receipts for emergency measures, and contact your insurer or agent before signing a repair contract.

How fast can a roofer come out?

It depends on the contractor and how many homes were affected. After a major windstorm, roofers can be booked for days. Mark your request as urgent and describe the damage so the provider can prioritize.

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