A leaky roof is always stressful. If your roof is leaking slightly, you might be worried about long-term damage to your attic and ceilings. If the leak is significant, you’re probably concerned about your hard-to-replace possessions and the interior of your home. If a leak is severe, you may even be worried about a whole-roof collapse.
What should you do if you spot the signs of a leaky roof? Here’s some actionable advice from Accent Roofing, Georgia’s local roofing company.
Step One: Encourage the Leak
If your roof is leaking and it’s raining outside, you need to do what you can to minimize your risk of serious structural damage. Most people notice significant roof leaks when the ceiling itself becomes discolored or drippy; if you see your ceiling starting to bulge, act fast. The best thing you can do while waiting for help to arrive is to give all that water an escape point so it doesn’t seek out the weakest spot in your drywall and collapse your ceiling. Poke a small hole through already-moist drywall where the water has collected then place a bucket underneath to catch the drips. This will reduce the overall stress on your structure.
Step Two: Protect Your Belongings
If you know you have a roof leak, take necessary steps to protect your belongings whether or not it’s already raining. In the attic, move any stored items to dryer ground and remember that the drywall and other makeshift “flooring” (like plywood) in this space may be compromised by moisture. If the leak has made its way to the interior of your home, remove any vulnerable items (furniture, books, clothing, etc.) to another part of the house. Do what you can to cover your flooring with tarps or other liners while you’re waiting on help.
Step Three: Locate the Leak
This step is more complex than it sounds and it may ultimately require the assistance of a qualified roofer. If it’s currently raining, locating the leak will be even more difficult. Remember that leak spots (i.e. the parts of your ceiling that are wet) may not necessarily line up with where the water is coming in through your roof. For safety’s sake, don’t attempt to go up on your roof to secure a tarp or other weather shield, particularly if it’s raining – leave that to the professionals.
Step Four: Contact a Professional Roofer
When possible, contact an emergency roofing company in your area for fast service. Experienced roofers understand that serious leaks don’t always happen during business hours! Your technician will give you instructions over the phone regarding specific steps you should take while you wait. It’s in your best interest to take plenty of photographs of the leak in action and of the resulting damage in case you need them for insurance purposes down the line.
Accent Roofing provides emergency roofing services in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, and beyond. We’re never far when you need us because we know how distressing it is to watch water coming into your home! Whether you’ve got a slow leak, a small leak, or a disastrous leak, we’re happy to help.
