What to Do When You Have a Roof Leak
As springtime approaches, the chances of encountering a roof leak increase. Whether you are home when the leak starts or come home to it, you must take immediate action to avoid further damage to your home. Luckily, we’re here to break down the steps to get your roof taken care of to prevent these problems.
Clear the area
Your roof leaking is bad enough. The last thing you want is to ruin your belongings in the process. Unfortunately, water damage can cause severe damage to some of your precious belongings. Not to mention, many fabrics trap water and create a dreadful mildew smell. So whatever you can push out of the way, do it ASAP!
Inspect and contain the leak
If you find water dripping from a bulge or discoloration in your ceiling, water is likely pooling on the other side of that bulge or dark spot. Grab a bucket, trash can, or some other container and place it under the site of the drip or suspected leak.
Next, take an old screwdriver, locate the center of the bulge where water is accumulating and puncture it right in the middle. This hole will allow the water to drain smoothly and relieve pressure on the rest of your ceiling. If water accumulates and pools, the entire ceiling could collapse.
On the inside, you should look for:
- Dark spots
- Spots where outside light shines through
- Sagging
If you are confident you know where the leak is coming from, and can safely get to the source, cover the exterior surface with a large tarp. If you can’t reach it or feel unsafe doing so, it would be best to contact a roofing professional immediately.
On the outside, you should keep an eye out for:
- Missing, warped, rotting, peeling, broken, blistering, or buckling shingles
- Clogged or slow-draining gutters/downspouts
- Loose material or wear around chimneys or vents
Call your Omaha roofing company
The most crucial step of getting your roof leak taken care of is contacting a reputable local roofing contractor . They’ll know what installation codes to follow, the paperwork required, and everything else they’ll need to ensure your roof is correctly installed and in compliance with your state’s requirements.
After your roofing contractor determines if you need repairs or a total replacement, you’ll receive an estimate/quote for the scope of work that has to be done. Your estimate should be as specific as possible with a line item list of everything that will be done. After receiving your roof estimate, your contractor should set up a time to sit down with you and go over it. They should go over each item in your quote, so you understand exactly what you’re paying for. This is also your opportunity to air your concerns and ask any questions you have. If a roofing contractor refuses to go over your estimate with you, don’t think about hiring them.
The dangers of waiting
It is vital to act quickly when it comes to a roof leak. Leaky roofs never fix themselves or get better on their own. Even if the leak isn’t bad yet, get it fixed now. So often, we hear from homeowners that they noticed a stain on their ceiling or possibly some bubbling for a while but thought it wasn’t serious. Avoidance and ignoring will not fix a leak in your roof. Many times by the time you notice damage within your home, it is already too late. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends inspecting your roof twice a year, in the fall and spring.
When your roof is leaking, don’t panic! Sure, it’s a huge inconvenience to have a leaking roof. But if you follow the steps above, they’ll help you get the situation under control. With that said, there’s only so much you can do on your own, and you’ll need professional assistance.
If you need roof repair services for your home, contact Omaha roofer Siefken Contracting . We’ve been providing high-quality roofing services for more than 12 years!
