Your home is a place where you should feel comfortable and safe. Unfortunately, weather elements like snow and rain can creep in and make indoor living unbearable.
Roof leaks are a homeowner's worst nightmare. Left unattended, even minor leaks can lead to water damage and costly repairs down the road. It's crucial to take immediate action to protect your home. If you discover that your roof is leaking, here are a couple of things you can do to bring the situation under control and minimize the potential of water damage.
1. Move Things Out of the Way
When your roof is leaking, that’s bad enough. The last thing you want is to ruin your belongings in the process. If there’s a leak over your bed, clothing, or furniture, it’s time to clear the area!
Water damage can ruin your precious stuff, and force you to discard them. Not to mention, some fabrics hold water and produce an awful mildew smell within a few days of getting wet. Whatever you can move out of the way, get it out quickly.
2. Contain the Water
If your roof is leaking, try to contain it. Grab a bucket, old cans, towels, and anything else you can use to collect water to minimize the impact of water damage in your home. Make sure you have several empty containers nearby to trap the water and switch out one at a time to minimize the risk of overflow.
3. Relieve Water Pressure
A sagging bulge on your ceiling is a clear sign that water is collecting in that spot. While it may seem unwise to poke a hole in that spot, do it. If you leave the water to linger, it could spread to other parts of your home and cause irreversible damage to your ceiling. That’s not to mention the water could eventually erupt and cause a bigger mess. Grab a screwdriver and carefully puncture the base of the bulge then let the water empty into a bucket underneath. You may have to create multiple holes depending on the number and size of the bulge.
4. Tarp the Roof
Can’t get your leaking roof fixed right away? Consider a tarp. Once it’s safe to climb the roof, cover the spot with a tarp. Sometimes, it’s challenging to locate the problem areas on the roof. If you are unsure, try to figure out the problem area based on the leak location. Use a tarp that’s six millimeters thick, and extends four feet across the problem area right up to the peak. In case the peak is far out, tuck it under shingles to prevent water from infiltrating the tarp. A properly installed tarp offers ample protection around the perimeter and completely conceals the problem area.
5. Take Photos for Insurance Documentation
Another thing you should do is to document damages and the real situation in your home. Take photos of your furniture, computer, bedding, carpeting, kitchen or any area that was ruined by leaks. Documenting water or leak-related damages will add weight to your insurance claim, if the damage is eligible for compensation. As well as showing the extent of roof damage, documentation also indicates other personal stuff that was compromised. Your insurance company could pay for roof repairs and replace your valuables.
6. Contact a Professional Roofer
A leaking roof is a serious problem, so it’s best to call the pros to handle it. Using their knowledge and experience, they could pinpoint the leak location. Act fast as any delay means your situation could turn from bad to worse. A professional roofing company like The Phoenix Roof Company will assess the water-damaged area and examine various spots in your roof then tell you whether a repair will fix the problem or a roof replacement is necessary.
7. Keep Up with Roof Maintenance
Once your roof is fixed and life is back to normal, there are a couple of things you’ll need to do to keep the roof in top shape. Your roof is still exposed to harsh weather elements and will wear out with time.
To prolong your roof’s lifespan and keep various problems at bay, prioritize roof maintenance. One of these is routine maintenance. Proper roof care can help you control leaks.
- Inspect trees that are either too close to the roof or overgrown then cut back branches and limbs.
- Ensure your roof drainage system (gutters and downspouts) are clog-free so water can flow naturally away from your house.
- Keep an eye out for loose or missing shingles after a hailstorm or extreme weather event.
- Inspect your chimney for cracks.
- Locate and replace split or curled shingles on the roof
Dangers of a Leaking Roof
A roof leak isn’t just an inconvenience, but hazardous too. Here are four risks associated with roof leaks in Phoenix AZ.
Fire & Electrocution Hazards
When water comes into contact with exposed electrical wiring, it can short circuit the wires and spark a flame. Plus, anyone who touches the wires can get electrocuted.
Mold Growth
Not fixing leaks on time can create the perfect conditions for mold. Exposure to mold can lead to allergies and respiratory problems. Mold growth can also invade and ruin your floor covering, wooden beams, ceiling tiles and drywall, and ultimately decrease your property’s value and make it less attractive to potential buyers.
Higher Utility Costs
Roofs leaks can also ruin your home insulation and make it less effective in trapping heat in winter. You may find yourself spending more on energy bills just to warm up your house.
Ceiling and Attic Damage
Water leaks also threaten the attic. Leaks can compromise the attic ventilation, and affect comfort levels throughout your home. Over time, leaks can mess up paint and create bubbles on the plaster.
Have a leaking roof? We can fix it!
Roof leaks aren’t fun. The longer you wait before you can fix the leaking roof, the more problems you’ll face. If you follow the above measures, you can bring the situation under control. There’s only so much you can do as a homeowner, meaning you’ll need a professional roofer to address the problem.
The Phoenix Roof Company has years of experience troubleshooting and fixing roof leaks across the city. Whether you have a minor roof leak or a major one, we’ve got your back. Call (602) 800-7663 to schedule a free roof inspection or to arrange a roof leak repair in Phoenix AZ.