5 Things to do When Your Roof is Leaking
When your roof begins to leak suddenly during a storm, you need to act fast. You might not be able to repair your roof immediately, but you can prevent further damage and large repair costs. Here are five things you should do if your roof begins to leak:
- Contain the water: Grab a bucket or other waterproof container to catch the water. For large areas, use towels to absorb any excess water. If the repetitive sound of splashing water is an issue, you can attach a piece of string to your ceiling leading to the bucket so the water can travel downwards quietly. You can also place a piece of wood in the bottom of the container to dampen the sound of dripping.
- Prevent water damage: When your roof springs a leak, immediately move anything that can be damaged by water out of the way. This includes things like furniture, rugs, and electronics. Cover anything that you cannot move with plastic tarps or garbage bags.
- Relieve pressure: If you notice that your ceiling is beginning to blister or sag, carefully punch a hole in the area using a screwdriver or other sharp tool. This will prevent heavy pooling water from causing your ceiling to sag or collapse. Some homeowners may be hesitant to do this. However, it’s much easier and less expensive to repair a small puncture than it is to repair a larger area of damage. Excess water buildup can cause structural damage.
- Take photos: If you plan to file an insurance claim to cover the damages, take photos and carefully document the incident. This will help the claims process go more smoothly. To learn more about the homeowner’s insurance claim process, check out our homeowner’s insurance claims page here: https://rampartroofing.com/homeowners-insurance-claims/
- Call a professional: Call a professional roofer for an inspection. The cause of roof leaks can be tricky to detect because water often travels from the penetration site and enters may enter the home a long way from that point. Professional roofers are trained to accurately identify the source roof leaks. Additionally, you may request that your roofer seals the area with a tarp to prevent further leaking until repairs can begin. Roof tarping is especially useful for larger roof leaks or covering broken skylights.
When your roof springs a leak, act quickly and follow these tips to mitigate the damage. Doing so will help you protect your home and its furnishings. Be sure to give us a call at (719) 487-7663 for a roof inspection today. We’re hail damage claim experts.
