Roof leaks are much more than a nuisance. If not addressed promptly, roof leaks can lead to expensive repairs. Moreover, moldy indoor air can cause health issues and make the house smell stale. If a massive hailstorm has swept through your area and left your roof damaged, your first step would be to contact your roofing contractor. However, before the help arrives, you need to take steps to contain the damage. Here are some steps that you should take once you notice roof leaks:
Get things out of the way
Before you do anything to contain the leakage, your first step should be to move your furniture and other things out of the way as soon as you can. The idea is to protect everything that you can. If you can’t roll up the carpets, just lay plastic sheets over them.
Contain the water
Once you have ensured that all your belongings are pushed out of the way, you should try to contain the water to prevent widespread damage. Just keep a bucket in your attic to catch the water as it drips down your roof.
Puncture the leak
If you see a build-up of water (a sagging bulge hanging from the ceiling), pierce a hole to release it. This will prevent further damage.
Tarp the roof
Obviously, you would have called up your roofing contractor but the help might take time to arrive. In the meantime, you can use a tarp to cover the problem area. However, climb the roof only if it is safe to do so.
Request roof inspection and get an estimate for repair/replacement
Once your roofing contractor is on the site, the first step should be a thorough roof inspection. Let them check the condition of the entire roof and track down the leak. They will check the shingles for any signs of blistering, warping, or breakage, and look for cracks on vent pipes and flashing. They also check the roof penetrations, attic ventilation, and other important areas of your roof. Based on what the roof inspection reveals, the contractor will recommend repairs and offer an estimate for the scope of work. Make sure you get a detailed estimate so that you exactly know what the damage is, what repairs are recommended, and what it is going to cost.
Why you should not ignore roof leaks?
Roof leaks should never be ignored, regardless of how minor they seem. It is important to act quickly as delays in repairs can prove dangerous and expensive. Quite often, homeowners notice a stain on the ceiling or some sagging but they assume that it is not serious enough. By the time they decide to have the roof checked and repaired, the damage is widespread and requires extensive repairs. This is the reason why we recommend regular roof inspections, especially after a storm or any other adverse weather event.
Watch out for the following signs of a roof leakage:
- Stains, dark spots, spots where outside light shines through
- Sagging
- Bubbling
- Missing, rotting, warped, cracked, or broken shingles
- Wear around vents and chimneys
- Clogged gutters and downspouts
If you notice any of the aforementioned signs of roof leaks, you should immediately get in touch with us. Do not wait until it’s too late. The damage will expand quickly and before you realize it, a large part of your roof will be damaged and you will be facing huge repair bills.
If you notice roof leaks, get in touch with our team immediately, and we will take care of them. We also help you with preventive maintenance, and our job is to ensure you will be comfortable in your homes and workplaces.
