Roof leaks can be frustrating since they can lead to property damages. If the leaks are severe, you may lose your valuable possessions like furniture and electrical gadgets. Roof leaks can be caused by elements like rain and snow. It is better to take action soon after the incident has happened to prevent damage to your home. If you discover that your roof is leaking, there are certain things that you should do to control the situation. Here are six key things to do if your roof is leaking.
Move Your Possessions to a Safe Area
First and foremost, it is critical to move your valuable possessions to a safe area if your roof is leaking. Items like clothing, furniture, and electric gadgets can be easily ruined by water. Replacing such precious belongings may be costly, so it is crucial to take preventive measures.
Call a Professional Roofer
You must call a professional roofer in your area to come and inspect your property to identify the primary cause of the leaks. The advantage of calling a roofing contractor is that they have the expertise and the right equipment to use when performing roof inspections. In some cases, other damages are concealed and are not visible to the naked eye, but the contractors have special gadgets they use to diagnose all problems. After inspecting your roof, a professional contractor will give you expert advice about what should be done on your property.
More importantly, professional roofers have the right knowledge, and they know how to fix different problems related to roof leakages. If you want quality workmanship, then a roofing contractor can give you peace of mind. Additionally, experienced contractors also work with insurance companies to provide insurance claim restoration services.
Contain The Water
Mark all the areas with water leaks and place buckets or containers underneath them. This will help prevent the water from spreading to other places that can lead to property damage. You can also lay rags or old clothing to absorb the water splashing from buckets. If you see signs of swelling on your ceiling, it is likely trapping some water. Using a sharp object, puncture the protruding part to release water into a container beneath.
When you have managed to control the leaks, you need to dry all the items that were exposed to water. Make sure that your carpet and furniture are dry to prevent mold from developing in your home. You may need to call a professional water company to remove the water from your property if the damage is extensive.
Tarp the Roof
If for some reason a roofing contractor cannot make it to fix your leaking roof, a tarp is a perfect option that you can consider. You can use a tarp or tent to cover the problem area to reduce the impact of the leaks while you wait for repair services. However, you should make sure that it is safe to climb onto the roof to prevent injuries. You should spread the tarp over a large area where you believe that there are damages. It might not be easy to identify all leaks, so you must try to cover a large surface area.
Check the Damages
Roof leaks can be caused by simple things like loose or missing shingles. You must try to locate loose or split shingles and replace them. After fixing your roof, you should perform routine maintenance to prevent the problem from recurring. A roof is exposed to harsh elements and is susceptible to wear and tear. For instance, weather conditions like snow, rain, strong winds, and hailstorms can weaken the shingles over time. Therefore, make sure that your home stays in good condition by maintaining its roof.
There are different things that you can do to maintain your roofs’ integrity like cutting overgrown trees that are too close to the house. Clear all the gutters and make sure that there are no
leaves or other debris along with the drainage system. It is vital to check for cracks in the chimney since they can contribute to water leaks.
Call Your Insurance Agent
It is vital to call your insurance agent in case your roof has been badly damaged. Your insurer will send an adjuster to your place to evaluate the damages. If your deductible is low, the insurer will tell you the way forward concerning the repair of your roof. In some cases, your plan might not cover the repairs for the entire roof.
A leaking roof can cause damage to your property and other possessions. If you experience this problem at your home, you must take specific steps to control the water leaks so that you protect your assets. Make sure that you move all items out of the way and trap the leaking water with buckets. You should call a professional roofing contractor to inspect your home and conduct the necessary repairs. Above all, you must notify your insurer about the problem.