Nobody likes dealing with a roof leak. Your house should be a haven to relax and feel protected from the outside world. But sometimes, things happen, and rain or snow can find its way into your home whether you want it or not.
If you discover a leak in your roof, it’s essential to take action immediately, especially if there is a risk of water damage to your property. Here are five steps you can take to deal with the situation:
1. Move Things Out of the Way
The first thing you’ll want to do when you find a leak is to get everything out of the affected area and clear the area. If possible, move everything to a dry and safe space. This can include personal possessions, family photos, and other things you have lying around.
In addition, you’ll want to remove anything that could be contaminated by water, including curtains and carpets. Keep in mind that water damage is not always immediately apparent. So you may want to remove things and let them sit for a couple of days, just to be on the safe side.
2. Contain the Water
Once you’ve moved everything out of the area, you’ll want to do everything you can to prevent water from spreading. You can use towels, cardboard, or clothing to create barriers around the affected area. This will make it easier to clean up the water without it seeping into other areas of your home.
If you see that the water has leaked into your home and has damaged the ceiling or walls, you’ll also want to wrap it in a towel or other absorbent material. This will help keep the water from spreading to other areas of your home as you deal with the leak.
3. Relieve Water Pressure
If water is leaking, especially through the roof, something is likely pushing the water into your home. This can be pressure from high winds, accumulated snow, or a deteriorating roof.
If you can determine what is causing the pressure, you can often take steps to relieve and prevent the leak. For example, if the leak is due to snow, you can shovel and remove some of the snow to allow the water to escape. You can also remove snow or ice on the roof to avoid further pressure.
4. Tarp the Roof
A tarp is the first step toward repairing a damaged roof. If snow is the culprit behind a leaky roof, you can place a tarp on the portion of the roof that is leaking.
If you have a contractor on retainer, they may also be able to help with other aspects of the repair. This will depend on what is causing the leak and how quickly you need the job done.
5. Call a Professional Roofing Company
When you’ve tarped the roof, it’s time to call a professional roofing company to get the job done right. Depending on the severity of the leak, you may want to consult a roofing contractor about your options. The longer you wait to repair or replace the roof, the worse the problem can become.
If you’re working with a roofing contractor, they may be able to provide you with a free estimate. They will also be able to walk you through the process so you can make the best decision.
Conclusion
A leak in your roof is an unfortunate and costly event. But if you take the proper steps to deal with the leak, you can avoid the long-term damage if you ignore the problem.
If you’re looking for a new roof, we can help. Our roofing contractors are happy to provide you with quotes and can help with any roofing project you have in mind.
Refuge Roofing is a family-owned and operated business that has been operating for years. We take pride in every job completed. From start to finish, you’ll be guaranteed quality service with the highest customer satisfaction possible at all times! We are your source for all your roofing needs: residential roofing, commercial roofing, roof coatings, or roof repairs. If you need roof repair services, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us to get a free quote!