6 Things To Do When Your Roof Is Leaking

A roof leak can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Roof leaks can cause significant damage to your property and result in costly repairs. Whether it’s a small drip or a major leak, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage. In this article, we will provide you with some useful tips on what to do when you get a roof leak, so you can minimize the damage, some options to consider for your situation and budget.


1. Look for ceiling stains

If you have ceiling bubbles, they can make the affected drywall or plaster come down, so it must be repaired as soon as possible. After placing a bucket big enough to cover the floor below the affected area, carefully make a small hole to let the trapped water out. After water has stopped dripping, make sure there is no more trapped water in the same bubble. A professional roofing company like GoodGood Roofing & Siding has a dedicated team for drywall repairs as drywall damages are closely related to roof damages. Call a reputable roofing company who can fix the source of leak as soon as possible prior to repairing the drywall.

2. Check the attic


If you have an access to the attic, and if you know how to walk in the attic, one of the most effective way to track down a leak is to go up there with a flashlight and look for the source of leak. Some woods may be wet in the areas of leak or insulation above ceiling maybe stained or molded. There is more than one way to find out but as you look more carefully, you will be able to spot some signs of leak as you keep looking, especially above the damaged ceiling. The first thing to look for is any roof penetrations as it is by far the most common source of leaks. When you’re trying to track down a leak, start by looking at the roof uphill from the stains as the leak may not be directly above the damp ceiling, with water traveling down along rafters. While you are in the attic, it is a good idea to look for a spot where outside sunlight shines through.

3. Check roof exterior

PC roof inspection from outside for obvious leaks or damages on your roof if possible. Keep an eye out for missing, warped, rotting, peeling, broken, blistering, or buckling shingles. Also take a careful look at the gutter and see if you can find any signs of clogged or over-flowing gutters or downspouts. While visually checking, pay attention to the penetrations including plumbing vents, roof vents, chimneys, or anything that projects through the roof that is a part of your roof besides the shingles. It’s rare for leaks to develop in open areas of uninterrupted shingles, even on older roofs. If it is, then look for nail pop underneath shingles that are probably slightly lifted by a nail If your roof is 10-15 years old or less and deemed repairable, it can be repaired instead of replacing the entire roof.

 

4. Do a temporary repair

 

If you are not able to get your leaking roof fixed right away, a tarp is the next best option depending on the area of leak. To cover up a shingle as a temporary repair, it’s best to use a tarp. To perform a temporary roof repair, it could require the use of caulking to fill a hole, some sort of cover to put on the spot, or modification of existing metal flashing that’s causing the leak. However, working on a roof is a daunting task for most homeowners and temporary repair is not a cure-all. Homeowners should call a professional roofer to fix the problem as soon as they suspect that their roof may be leaking. Keep in mind that a small leak will not go away itself.

 

5. Call a professional roofing company

 

A lot of times, leaks can be difficult to find for many reasons. If a windstorm or hail caused the damages, filing a roofing insurance claim may be a good option. However, insurance does not cover damage to your roof caused by a storm. So it is in your best interest to consult with a roofing professional like GoodGood Roofing & Siding of Gaithersburg, MD before you decide to file a claim. Out of all, finding a good roofing contractor the moment you realize you have a leak is the best option. Call for advice and an assistance in addressing the problem as soon as possible. Remember, the longer you allow the problem to continue, the more costly it will be to repair.

 

6. Plan to save for a roof replacement

 

Professional roofing companies like GoodGood Roofing & Siding has financing options available for homeowners. We will assist you in finding the best financing options possible and help you save as much as possible. Whether or not you are planning to use financing for your home improvement projects, we suggest that you start saving up for a roof replacement in case anything worse happens unexpectedly.