You sit down to relax after a long work day only to hear a dripping sound. You follow it and notice that the ceiling is leaking.
This is a major headache for any homeowner.
Leaky roofs can lead to water damage that can increase the risk for mold growth and damage to your home’s structure. However, it can also cause interior damage to your walls, floors and furnishings.
If you have a roof leak, here’s what you need to do to reduce the risk of serious water damage.
Clear Furniture Away
If the leak is specific to certain areas of the home, move your furniture, as well as any area rugs, drapes, and belongings to a dry area. This will help reduce the risk of water damage.
Catch the Water
Place buckets, bowls, or whatever containers you have available to help catch the water. Then lay down old towels to absorb as much moisture as you can. Work as fast as you can, especially if you have wood floors. The more water that collects on your floors and the longer it has time to leak beneath the boards, the more damage it can cause. Carpeting is also risky as moisture can remain in the underpad and lead to mold growth.
Keep an eye on the containers to make sure they don’t overflow. Change and empty them often until help arrives.
Look for Sagging Ceilings
Check your ceilings for signs of bulging that could lead to yet another leak.
The bulges have to be released, so poke a hole in the center of the bulges and have a bucket ready to catch the water. This is important because water likes to follow a path that allows it to flow. This means if the bulge is not relieved of pressure, the water will travel even farther, causing more damage throughout the home. Larger bulges will probably require a few holes.
Call a Roofing Company
Once everything is under control, call a roofing company right away. They will come out to assess the issue and make temporary repairs to stop the leaks in the case where your roof needs replacement. If the damage is not as severe, like missing shingles, a roofer can make repairs to stop the leaks and save your roof for a few more years.
Record Damage for Insurance Purposes
Take photos or videos to record the damages for your insurance company. This will provide proof of your damages to avoid delays or even rejection of your insurance claim. Include damaged belongings, flooring, clothing, etc.
Arrange for Annual Roof Maintenance
It just takes one leak to convince you that routine maintenance of your roof and home should always be a top priority.
If you can, make sure you are cleaning your gutters every fall and spring, to help avoid issues such as ice dams in the winter. If you aren’t able to maintain your gutters on your own, an annual maintenance call from your local roofing expert is the best way to avoid leaks. They will not only clean your gutters but perform a thorough roof assessment to detect issues or damage that require attention.
Roof leaks are a major pain, but they come with homeownership. Whatever you do, don’t panic; triage the situation and call your roofing company to handle the rest.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
