Winter is on its way and the first storm has blown in. You’re curled up on the couch in a warm blanket when all of a sudden you hear a “tap, tap, tap” coming from the hallway. You go to investigate, only to discover a leak!
At that moment, why your roof is leaking is unimportant. How are you going to deal with it?
This guide will tell you how to handle a leaky roof and the best ways to minimize the damage to your home. Keep reading to find out more.
Table of Contents
1. Clear the Area
If water can carve the Grand Canyon, it can also destroy your possessions. Start dealing with a leaky roof by moving furniture, clothes, and anything of value out of the way. Thoroughly dry any damp fabrics or carpeting to avoid mold and mildew growth.
2. Contain the Water
The next thing to do when your roof is leaking is to break out the pots, pans, and buckets. Capture as much of the falling water as possible to help prevent additional damage. To avoid overflowing, keep spare buckets nearby and switch them out around the halfway mark.
3. Pop the Bubble
Sometimes roofing issues cause an area of the ceiling to bulge. If this happens, the best thing to do is pop the bubble.
This might seem counterintuitive. However, if you don’t release the pressure the water will spread to other parts of the ceiling, creating additional damage and leaks. Make sure the area is clear and you have trash cans, buckets, and tarps on standby.
4. Find Out Where the Roof Is Leaking
Sometimes it isn’t possible to take care of your roofing problems right away. In the meantime determine where the roof is leaking. Then, on a dry day, climb up on your roof and cover the area with a heavy-duty tarp.
Make sure it extends well beyond the area with the roofing issues. Secure the ends with heavy rocks, or by tucking them under the shingles or tiles.
5. Repairing a Roof vs Replacing a Roof
The best solution to a leaky roof is to call in a professional. They will assess the damage and determine how to proceed.
In a best-case scenario, the roofing issues will need a simple repair. In a worst-case scenario, you’ll need a full roof replacement. Another benefit to bringing in a professional is they have lots of tips on preventing a roof leak.
6. Perform Roof Maintenance
No roof lasts forever. However, you can increase your roof’s longevity and prevent future leaks by performing some simple maintenance.
Regularly clear out your gutters and cut back any large branches. Replace broken shingles, even if there is no evidence of a leak. Check for cracks and damage after large storms.
Leaky Roof Be Gone
A leaky roof doesn’t have to dampen your spirit. Move all your valuables out of the way, grab a bucket, and call in backup. Before you know it, your roof will be fixed and you’ll be back on the couch with your favorite blanket.
Now that you know what to do if your roof is leaking, take a minute to check out some of our other advice for homeowners.
