Roof leaks: these strike fear into the heart of any homeowner. Not only are they inconvenient and destructive, they are expensive and difficult to locate. Sadly, even with the best of roofs, leaks can and do happen, allowing outside elements such as rain to get into your house. The key is to act right away so the problem doesn’t get worse.
First off, you should call a roofer to get the situation looked at right away. But here are some tips on how to reduce the effects in the meantime.
1. Relocate Your Belongings
It’s bad enough to have a roof leak, but when that water destroys your furnishings and belongings, the complications are compounded. If the leak is located over your bed, your living room couch, your entertainment system or your closet full of clothes, you have to clear the immediate area so nothing gets ruined.
2. Contain the Water
Place a bucket over the affected area to catch water so it doesn’t damage your carpets and hardwood floors. It’s important to contain as much of the water as possible, whether using buckets, garbage cans, towels or a combination of all three. This will help reduce the impact and mitigate the damage. Floors can warp with excess moisture, and mold can breed in wet carpet.
3. Relieve Water Pressure
If you notice a sagging bulge in your ceiling, that’s where a bulk of the water is collecting. You’ll have to relieve that pressure so the water doesn’t spread elsewhere. Using a screwdriver, carefully puncture a small hole (or many, depending on the size of the bulge), placing a bucket underneath to collect the water that results.
4. Place a Tarp on the Roof
If it will be a while till the roofer can get to your home and rain is in the forecast, cover the affected area on the roof with a tarp. Sometimes, you don’t know where the source is coming from. Other times, it’s obvious. If you know where the source is, cover with a tarp and secure.
5. Take Photos
Your insurance company will want to see photos of the leak. It’s vital to document your damages so when you go to file your homeowners insurance claim, you’ll have photos to back it up. Take detailed notes, too, including the exact location of the leak and when it started happening.
Take photos of the leaky area, but also the items that were affected by the water, such as carpeting, electronics, computers, furniture, or bedding.
Now you just have to wait till the roofer can inspect and fix your roof. Many roofers assist with insurance claims, so be sure to ask. It’s also important to keep up with regular roofing maintenance tasks so future leaks don’t happen.
Contact Ferris Roofing Contractors
If you are experiencing a leak in your roof, contact us at 817-727-4214 for an inspection and free estimate throughout the DFW.