A leaky roof can be more than just an annoyance – it can cause significant damage to your home’s structure and belongings. This blog will guide you through the dos and don’ts of roof leaks, empowering you to take action and minimize the potential for further damage. We’ll cover everything from temporary fixes to when to call in the professionals.
What to Do if Your Roof Is Leaking
Act quickly if you notice a leak in your roof or any other less common signs of a roof leak. Here is a list of what to do if your roof is leaking.
01. Document the Damage
Before contacting your insurance company, thoroughly document the damage caused by the roof leak. Take clear, well-lit photographs of the affected areas, including:
- Water stains and discoloration on ceilings and walls
- Damaged flooring, furniture, and personal belongings
- Mold or mildew growth
- Structural damage, such as sagging ceilings or warped beams
These visual records will serve as critical evidence when filing an insurance claim. They can help your insurance adjuster accurately assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate compensation for roof repairs and replacements. Take photos before and after you move or cover your belongings.
02. Move or Cover Your Belongings
You’re right if your first instinct is to move your belongings away from the leak. To prevent further damage, move them somewhere dry. For heavier items, like large furniture, or items that you cannot move, like carpeting, cover them with plastic sheets or tarps.
Remember that many waterlogged items may need to be thrown away. Photo albums, books, and electronics can quickly be destroyed but are not always easy to replace. Some fabrics, too, may be challenging to dry, causing mold or mildew growth. So, move or push your belongings out of the way as soon as you notice the leak.
03. Contain Incoming Water
Use buckets, bins, trash cans, or containers to catch leaking water entering your home. Strategically placing them under the problem area will help prevent the water from spreading and curb further damage. Don’t forget to empty them regularly so they don’t overflow.
04. Contact a Professional
While temporary fixes like buckets and tarps can offer a short-term solution, contacting a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible is crucial. Only a qualified expert can safely pinpoint the source of the leak to locate where the water is entering your home. Plus, a pro can conduct a thorough assessment to ensure your home is safe to stay in and repair the roof leaks.
Professional roofers possess the expertise, specialized tools, and experience to assess the damage accurately, determine the best course of action (repair or replacement), and ensure a long-lasting, watertight solution.
What NOT to Do for a Leaking Roof
Now that you know what to do during a roof leak, it’s equally important to know what not to do. Below is a list of things to avoid during a leaking roof.
Avoid the Problem
Don’t ignore a leak, rely long-term on a temporary fix, or delay calling a professional. Avoiding a roof leak will almost always make the matter worse. In fact, ignoring the issue can have serious and costly consequences, including:
- Structural damage to beams, rafters, and joists
- Increased mold and mildew growth
- Electrical hazards and risk of short circuits, fires, and electrocution
- Higher repair cost due to more extensive damage
Attempt to Get On Your Roof
We will never recommend that homeowners get on their roofs and try to identify or stop a roof leak. Attempting to locate the source of a leak by climbing onto your roof or trying to tarp it yourself is extremely dangerous and carries a high risk of slipping and falling.
Again, you should contact a qualified roofing professional immediately. They have the necessary safety equipment and expertise to inspect your roof and attic safely, pinpoint the source of the leak, and make the required repairs.
Attempt to do DIY Repairs
We will never recommend that homeowners get on their roofs and try to identify or stop a roof leak. Attempting to locate the source of a leak by climbing onto your roof or trying to tarp it yourself is extremely dangerous and carries a high risk of slipping and falling.
Again, you should contact a qualified roofing professional immediately. They have the necessary safety equipment and expertise to inspect your roof and attic safely, pinpoint the source of the leak, and make the required repairs.
How to Prevent Roof Leaks
Preventing roof leaks involves a combination of regular professional inspections and proactive maintenance.
Professional Inspections
Schedule annual or bi-annual roof inspections with an expert roofing contractor. These inspections will allow experts to identify potential issues, such as loose or damaged shingles, deteriorating flashing, or clogged gutters, before they escalate into major problems.
They will also thoroughly examine the seals around vents, chimneys, and skylights to ensure they remain watertight. Additionally, a professional can tell if you have proper attic ventilation and insulation to prevent heat and moisture from becoming trapped.
Clean Gutters
Debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, can easily clog your gutters, preventing water from flowing freely. This blockage can cause water to pool on your roof, leading to leaks and potential water damage. Have your gutters professionally cleaned at least once a year.
Trim Trees
Overhanging tree limbs are dangerous as they can fall onto your roof during heavy snow or strong winds, causing significant damage. Contact between branches and shingles can also pose a risk, as this can cause abrasion, curling, peeling, or cracking of the shingles.
Consider contacting a reputable tree service company in Rochester, NY, for professional tree trimming and removal.
Oaks Roofing & Siding: Quality You Can Trust
If you have a roof leak, contact Oaks Roofing & Siding. We have over two decades of home exterior experience to provide quality roofing solutions to homeowners. Get in touch immediately if you’re experiencing a leaking roof or need help with roof maintenance.