Help, my roof is leaking! A big storm has just passed through, then you start to hear the ominous ‘drip, drip, drip’ coming from your attic.
A leaking roof can be a big problem, as you don’t want to risk flood damage to your home. If your home has experienced a roof leak, it’s important to know what to do to stop further damage.
The good news is that the sooner you take action, the less damage you’ll have. To learn more, keep reading to find three key steps to take after a roof leak has been discovered.
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Contain the Water and Protect Your Belongings
If you’ve noticed a roof leak, you need to ask fast. Otherwise, your home and belongings are at risk.
Once a leak has been found, try to contain the water as much as you can. Use large buckets or containers to collect the water, stopping it from reaching your walls and furniture—as the buckets get full, dump them out in the sink.
Then, do as much as you can to protect your belongings. Move furniture, chairs, artwork, and personal items out of the way, trying to stop them from getting wet.
Unfortunately, if water gets into fabric and furniture, they can be permanently damaged. They’re also then at risk of mold and mildew problems, which can impact your health.
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Tarp the Roof
If it’s safe to do so, you want to secure a tarp over the roof, stopping rainwater from getting in. A large tarp won’t stop all the water, but it can be a decent stopgap until you can get the roof repaired.
However, never go up on your roof while it’s still wet—wait until it’s completely dry and you know you can get up there safely.
While you’re up there, it might be a good idea to take a few photos of the damage for your insurance company. If the roof leak is caused by storm damage, it’s likely covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.
The insurance company will need documentation though, so take a few snaps while you’re on the roof.
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Call a Roofing Company Right Away
Next, you need to call roofers for assistance. Look for a local, reliable roofing company that can visit your property, provide an estimate, and then get to work as soon as possible.
Ideally, repairs for your roof should be done as soon as possible, to protect your home from further water damage.
Stop a Leaking Roof With These Tips
If you have a leaking roof, take action fast! Use these tips to know what to do in case of a roofing emergency.
It’s also a good idea to have your local roofing company on speed dial, so that you can reach them quickly after a big storm. Your roof is an expensive investment and an essential part of your home, so always look after it!
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