Have a leaking roof? Here’s what to do to fix it and prevent further problems. A roof that is leaking needs immediate attention, regardless of the size of the leak. If you have found yourself in this sort of predicament, here are some tips to help you along the way.
Fast steps to handle a leaking roof (The TL;DR)
Before water damage spreads, here’s what to do:
- Move furniture and cover your things with plastic to keep them dry. Use buckets to catch drips and protect your floors.
- Pop paint bubbles with a screwdriver. This releases trapped water and stops bigger drywall or ceiling issues later.
- Pull up soaked carpet and fully dry the area to stop mold from growing under your floors and furniture.
- Inspect your attic for sunlight spots or leaks. If you can’t find the source, call a professional roofer.
- Get quotes from a few licensed roofers. Ask about their guarantees. Review the contracts carefully before hiring someone for repairs.
- To prevent future leaks, trim tree branches, check pipe collars, and clean gutters. This helps avoid blockages and new water problems.
This guide outlines key steps to manage a roof leak fast. Quick action can reduce damage inside your home and extend the life of repairs. Follow these steps to protect your belongings. Doing so helps keep your home safe and lowers the risk of future leaks or costly fixes.
Assess and minimize the damage inside of your house
Clear out anything near the leakage and cover any furniture or heavy items with thick plastic sheeting or other water-repellent covering. Be sure to switch out the water buckets regularly if you find any place from the ceiling that is dripping. Place some scrap wood on the inside of your container to dampen the sound of the dripping.
If you notice any paint bubbling, it is best to relieve the water pressure behind the wall or ceiling by puncturing a hole in it with a screwdriver. This may sound counter-intuitive but using that method will cause less damage in the long run.
Get rid of the remaining water
After you have the leak temporarily fixed, pull up any carpet or other furniture that was exposed to the water. The last thing any homeowner should have to deal with is mold, so it is best to be vigilant and pull up the carpet from the padding in order to thoroughly dry the area.
If there is extensive soaking in the carpet, consider calling a professional water extraction company for some extra help.
Investigate
Even if you see a leak, the source of the problem may not be found directly above it. If you have access to the attic, check there during the daytime hours to see if you can locate any holes by looking for spots of sunlight coming in.
Sometimes you may need another set of eyes to help you locate the exact spot, in those cases, it’s best to call on a professional. Sometimes the source could even be from a clogged gutter, crumbling shingles, or any number of other potential causes. Many roofing companies offer free inspections to help homeowners identify these issues.
Call on professional help
Do some online research to find a licensed roofing professional in your area to fix that leak for good. In order to pick out the best roofer, use the following recommendations:
- Get quotes from several different companies
- Ask about guarantees and expected life of the roof repair
- Double-check on each contractor’s licenses and your city’s required permits
Most importantly, do not let any contractor start working to fix your roof until you feel confident in what their work will entail and have an understanding of how long they will work. Always read the fine print that is spelled out in contracts to avoid any misunderstandings that may arise.
Prevent future possible leaks
Once the problem is fixed, do your best to keep an eye on potential sources which may lead to another leak. If there are trees around your home, cut off low-hanging branches near your roof. Check out your pipe collars and vent flashing for damage and replace them as necessary. Keep rain gutters and downspouts clear of debris to avoid clogs. Be consistent in checking these so you can save yourself some money and headaches down the road.
Have you noticed signs of a roof leak in your home? Contact Cox Brothers Roofing, a roofing contractor serving Victoria, Cuero, and the surrounding areas, to schedule a roof inspection today.
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Cox Brothers Roofing offers roof repairs, replacements, and new roofs to homeowners and businesses across South Texas. Now serving: Victoria, Cuero, Yorktown, Yoakum, Goliad, Alamo Heights, Bulverde, Helotes, Steeple Brook, Stonewall Ranch and Timberwood Park.
You’re always in good hands at Cox Brothers Roofing. We take pride in always maintaining high-quality craftsmanship and materials in order to give you the best roofs and roof repairs in South Texas. Our team includes not only experienced roofers, but also insurance experts who specialize in assisting with homeowner’s insurance claims for roof repair and replacement. We strive for excellence in every step of serving our customers and ensure that your roof will last you for years to come.