Whether it’s a result of inclement weather or old age, a leaking roof is something that you want to address quickly in order to minimize property damage and prevent the likelihood of subsequent mold growth. While roofing repair is certainly in order following a leak, there are a few steps that you should be taking in the meantime to prevent significant damage until professional roofing contractors can get the job done. Here’s a look at how to deal with a leaking roof:
Step 1: Clear the Area Below the Leak
Remove furniture or any other belongings from the area directly below the leak. If any of these items were to become saturated with water, they may have to be discarded. At the first sign of a leak, take measures to safeguard your belongings.
Step 2: Document for Insurance Purposes
After you’ve cleared the area below the leak, snap some pictures of the leak and any damage incurred. Many insurance adjusters require this documentation to help validate any filed claims and reimbursement.
Step 3: Grab a Bucket or Bin
Next, grab a bucket, bin or something else that can capture any water that’s coming in. The better you can contain any intruding water, the easier the cleanup. After you’ve contained the leak, contact a professional roofing company to explain the issue and schedule a repair. That’s where Davidoff Roofing can help.
Step 4: Cover the Roof with Tarp
The next step should be to further secure the scene, and now that it’s contained at the household level, it’s crucial to cover the leak on the roof itself. It can be dangerous for the average homeowner to access the roof to tarp off the problematic area, which is why this is often best left to professionals. Tarping off the roof until the repair can be done is crucial to prevent more water from entering your home.
Step 5: Let Pooling Water Out of the Leak
If the leak has damaged ceilings or drywall to the point where it is beginning to bulge out, make sure to relieve this pressure within your home. Do this by placing a bucket and towels underneath the area and then poking a small hole in the bulge with either scissors or a screwdriver. This prevents the bulging area from potentially erupting and creating an even bigger mess within your property.
Ensure Your Roof is Leak-Free with Routine Roof Maintenance
Leaking roofs are no fun, and the good news is that with routine roof maintenance, they can be prevented. That is where Davidoff Roofing can help. As experienced experts in all things roofing, we perform roof inspections and are happy to schedule routine maintenance so we can resolve any small issues before they become large, messy, expensive ones. And if your roof does encounter an emergency problem, we can handle that too.
Common Causes of Roof Leaks
While inclement weather certainly can take its toll on roofs, you might be surprised to learn that most roofs leak because they have been neglected over time. Aside from severe weather, common causes of roof leaks include:
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Damaged flashing and caulking
- Excessive debris or mold/mildew growth
- Worn shingles
- Old roof age
Have a Leaky Roof? Contact Davidoff Today
If you experience a leaking roof, contact Davidoff Roofing today. We respond quickly to emergency issues so we can secure your property and make the necessary fixes. Reach out to our contractors today for more information and to learn more about what to do if your roof starts to leak.