A leaking roof causes a serious amount of damage, if not identified promptly. A series of reasons can be the source of roof leaks, such as storm damage, aging, or even wear and tear. It’s vital to respond swiftly and important to know how to handle it. At Storm Ready Exteriors, we want to help homeowners take the right steps when they are faced with the issue of a leaking roof.
1. Act Fast to Protect Your Home
As soon as you notice a leak inside your home move furniture and belongings out of the way, so they do not get damaged. Grab a bucket or any container, old Tupperware, to place under the leak to catch the water. This will minimize the water from spreading to other areas of the house and help cause less damage. If water is soaking into your ceiling, a way to help reduce water damage is to poke small holes into the ceiling. The holes will help prevent a bulge in the ceiling, and potentially avoid a ceiling collapse
2. Identify the Source of the Leak
When finding a leak source it’s not always easy. Water travels, it can travel along beams and other surfaces making the initial entrance tricky to locate. Some common areas to visually inspect include cracked flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights. Clogged gutters also can be a leak source as they can cause water to back up and flow into the house. This happens because water is unable to drain properly through the downspout. Roof valleys are another source where water can collect if they are not flashed properly. While some homeowners do a visual inspection it is usually impossible to see the source of the problem from the ground. It’s best to call a professional roofer to handle the inspection and safely locate the source.
3. Temporary Repairs
If you are comfortable climbing a ladder and not afraid of heights then you can stop a leak temporarily. You should consider using a waterproof tarp to cover the source of the leak. If this is not something you could do yourself, most roofing professionals will do emergency temporary patch’s when requested. For minor leaks, there is also roof patching materials or sealants that can help stop water penetration points for a short period of time. These temporary roof patches will keep the inside of your home dry until a repair is completed.
4. Call a Professional Roofing Company
Roof repairs should always be handled by a licensed, experienced professional. At Storm Ready Exteriors, our team is equipped to address all types of roof leaks. From emergency tarping services to permanent repairs, we’ve got you covered. Contact us at 443-926-6751 to schedule an inspection.
5. Prevent Future Leaks
Regular roof maintenance and inspections are essential to knowing the life conditions of your roof. Some helpful tips include scheduling an annual roof inspection to catch potential issues promptly, the earlier the better. Next, make sure to keep gutters clear of debris to prevent water buildup. When gutters are full, water can potentially travel inside of a house creating water stains and damage. Lastly, make sure to trim overhanging branches to reduce the risk of falling debris. This debris could damage your roof after a strong wind or storm.
Conclusion - Don’t Let a Leak Turn into a Bigger Problem.
At Storm Ready Exteriors, we know how stressful a roof leak can be. That’s why we offer fast, reliable roofing services to protect your home from the elements. If you notice a leak, don’t wait, we offer free estimates including a comprehensive roof inspection. We also have emergency services including tarping and roof patches to temporarily stop a leak. Contact us today or give us a call at 443-926-6751.
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