What to do if Your Roof is Leaking

Your roof's job is to shield your home from the elements, but sometimes things happen. Roof leaks can be a real problem for homeowners. Roof leaks can cause damage to your home and belongings, and it's essential to find the source of the roof leak and address it as soon as possible. Luckily, if you find that your roof is leaking, there are some steps you can take to manage the leak and minimize any potential water damage. So, what to do if your roof is leaking? We have some tips for you! 

Having a leak in your roof is bad enough. The last thing you want is for your belongings to be ruined. If you notice your roof is leaking, move everything away from the area. Water damage can destroy your clothes, furniture and other items you may not be able to replace. Some fabrics can trap water and potentially create a dreadful mildew smell and grow mould. Whatever you can move out of the way, do it as soon as possible!

Another essential step to take if you find a leak in your roof is to try and contain the leak as much as possible. You can use things like garbage cans, buckets and towels to catch the water to reduce the impact and the potential damage that water can cause. Catching the water will also help prevent water damage to your floors. Ensure you have containers nearby that you can switch out regularly to reduce the risk of overflow.

If you have a sagging bulge hanging from your ceiling, that is a sign of water collecting in that area. You may not think it's good to poke a hole in it but do it anyway. If you leave the bulge, the water will spread and cause more severe damage to the ceiling and your home. You can use a screwdriver to puncture a hole in the lowest point of the bulge carefully and put a bucket underneath to catch the water. You may have to make several holes depending on the size of the bulge.

If you can't get the leak in your roof fixed right away, tarping your roof is your next best option. Cover the leaking area with a tarp when the roof is safe enough to climb on. Problem areas can be hard to find. If you have trouble, try to determine the problem area based on where the leak is inside. A tarp will provide your home with protection until you have your roof repaired. Make sure you use a tarp that is at least six millimetres thick and extends at least four feet from the leak to the peak of your roof. If you aren't sure where to be looking for the leak, read our article on how to perform a roof inspection! 

Documenting the damage to your roof will be helpful when you file your home insurance claim. It is essential to take photos and document everything. Photos will show insurance adjusters the severity of the roof damage and any other items compromised by the leak. Document if the roof leak ruined your television, computer, furniture, bedding, or kitchen. Depending on your insurance coverage, the insurance company will potentially fix the roof and replace your lost items.

Fixing a leaking roof is a big job, so we suggest calling professional roofing contractors. There is only so much you can do to manage the leak, so it's essential to have it fixed as soon as possible. Professional roofers will repair the damaged area and check for other spots on your roof that may need repair. The problem will worsen the longer you wait to have your roof fixed. Call a professional roofing contractor as soon as you notice any problems with your roof! 

If you have found a leak in your roof, don't panic! A leaking roof is a significant inconvenience, but if you follow these steps, you can get the situation under control in no time! There's only so much you'll be able to do on your own. United Roofing & Exteriors has you covered if you need roof repair services. Our team of roofing specialists is always happy to help. We even offer free estimates on our roofing services! Contact us today for all your roofing needs!