Blog Post
So You Have a Roof Leak: What Do You Do Now?
christine • August 10, 2020
Get the Leak Under Control: Stop and Contain the Water Damage
A roof leak may occur for a variety of reasons, resulting in inconvenience, uncertainty, and frustration. It's never a good thing when it starts raining inside.
It's important to try and minimize the damage from the leak and act fast before more damage is done. Even if the leak is small, it is important to get it fixed quickly before it gets worse as the leak won't go away on its own. There are several things you can do to mitigate the damage, lower repair and replacement costs, and prevent future leaks.
It's important to get the leak under control quickly because water can be very damaging to the building and your belongings. Extensive water damage can result in costly repairs and destroy your personal items and electronics.
Placing a bucket below the leak to catch the drops will help minimize the damage. If the dripping sound of water is annoying, placing a piece of wood inside the bucket to catch the water will help mute the sound or pinning a piece of string to the ceiling below the leak will allow the water to slide into the bucket. Make sure to keep an eye on the bucket so it doesn't overflow!
If there's a large area with several drips or there are no buckets, towels, old clothes, and newspapers can be used to absorb the water.
Cut the Power
If the water is leaking through areas where electrical systems are wired, cut the power to that room if possible to avoid potential electrical shortages, electrical fires, and other electrical hazards.
Drain the Water
This may sound strange and counterproductive, but punching a hole in the water damaged area, which is often identifiable through the presence of a swollen, discolored patch, with a screwdriver can relieve the pressure and help the water drain. Without a designated draining hole, the roof may continue to hold water, which may cause the ceiling to sag or collapse once enough water is accumulated! Just make sure to have something set up below to catch the water once you've punctured the ceiling.
Move or Cover Things
It's important to move or cover things that are in the water's way to reduce the water damage they receive. Try to move as many things as possible out of the way and, if possible, move them to a well-ventilated area to help them dry faster if they got wet due to the leak.
If an item is too big to fit anywhere else or too heavy to move, place thick plastic sheeting over it for protection. Once the leak has stopped, remove the protective covering so the item can dry.
Remove the Water
It's also important to remove the water and dry everything that was exposed to it in order to avoid water stains as well as future mold and bacteria growth. Most mold is harmless, but black molds can be dangerous to people if they inhale or ingest the spores.
Using a fan can help circulate air and dry the area faster, preventing mold growth and reducing the chance of having lasting water stains.
If the water damage is extensive, a professional water extraction company can help ensure that all the water is removed.
Call Your Insurance Agent
If there has been heavy water damage, call your insurance agent to determine if your plan covers water damage or not. They may need documentation of the leak, and taking photos will simplify the process of filing an insurance claim.
Hire Someone to Fix the Roof
Dealing with a roof leak is complicated and can take a lot of time. Calling a professional for help identifying and fixing your leak is a great idea. Make sure to hire a licensed and insured roofing contractor as they will have lots of experience and will be able to fix the roof quickly.
Cover the Leak With a Tarp
If a professional is unable to fix the roof immediately, try covering the leak with a plastic tarp. This tarp needs to be strong enough to withstand the outdoor elements and should be secured tightly to the roof with nails and roofing cement.
How to Prevent Future Roof Leaks
Have Annual Professional Roof Inspections
Having your roof inspected annually by professionals can ensure that the roof is well-maintained. They can make sure that the roof is installed properly and apply roof sealants to combat future leaks. They are experts who can spot potential problems before they even happen, making the cost of a professional roof inspection a worthwhile investment.
Trim the Trees and Foliage
The roof can be damaged by nearby trees as falling tree branches may puncture it, while low-hanging branches might scrape on the roof and erode it over time. Try and trim the trees to ensure that, if a branch does fall, it won't fall on your roof. Rotting or decaying branches are more likely to fall or break, so it's best to have them removed before they cause any problems.
Clean and Maintain the Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts can be clogged easily with a variety of materials. From leaves to acorns to weeds to animal nests, gutters and downspouts face a variety of potential clogging agents, which can result in water accumulating. A garden hose can clear most clogs and keep the gutters clear, but if that doesn't work, a mop handle or other long object can also be used to clear a more stubborn clog.
Installing a gutter guard is a quick process that can help reduce the amount of gutter maintenance required and potentially prevent a future leak.
Replace Shingles
Over time, a roof may develop worn-out or missing shingles that should be replaced. If left, these faulty shingles may expose the roof's structure, rot the wood, and result in water leaks.
Don't Power-Wash Your Roof
While it can be tempting to power-wash your roof to remove mold and mildew, the pressure from a power washer may be too strong for the roof and can create new problems by driving water under shingles or damaging the integrity of the roof.
What Causes Leaks?
A leaking roof can be caused by a variety of things and may be presented in a variety of ways, so it can be difficult to identify if the roof is leaking, why it's leaking, and where the source of the leak is located.
Sometimes a leak appears as a discolored patch created from the water pooling behind it, while other times a leaky roof leaves behind a puddle. This discolored patch may not be directly under the part of the roof where the leak begins as water often flows down trusses or flashing. Water streaks on the walls can also signify a leak.
A few common causes of a leaking roof are various penetrations (which stop water's natural flow off the roof, such as chimneys, skylights, and plumbing vents), ill-fitting roof flashing, a rusted roof vent, low-quality sealant, animal infestations, improper plumbing, strong winds, missing shingles, a clogged gutter, or the roof's age.
What Problems Can Roof Leaks Cause?
Stains
One of the most obvious results of a leaking roof is the water stains on the ceilings and walls. They are unpleasant to look at and can signify a pool of water behind the wall or above the ceiling.
Potential Sagging and Collapse
If water is allowed to continue to accumulate, it may cause the ceiling to sag or even collapse over time, creating a whole new set of problems that need solving.
Destruction of Belongings
Water can destroy electronics and other belongings, like furniture or rugs. These can be expensive to replace or impossible if the item is sentimental or one-of-a-kind.
Mold
Mold can grow in the walls, ceilings, and attic if water is left to stand. A mold infestation is never good and can be dangerous, depending on the type of mold that develops.
Rot
Water can rot the structures of a house such as the wood frame, the beams, or the joists as well as the insulation materials. The structural integrity of a house is incredibly important and should not be compromised while insulation materials can be a hassle to replace and having faulty insulation can result in higher heating and cooling bills.
Fire
If water damages electrical components and wires, there is a chance that an electrical fire may start.
If your roof is leaking, Austin Roofing and Construction can fix it! With over 27 years of experience in the roofing industry, project financing options, roofing materials made in Texas, and a donation of 1% of each project toward free roofs for Community First! Village, we're the best choice for roof repair in Austin. Please contact Austin Roofing and Construction now for world-class customer service, a new roof, inspections, or roof replacement or repair. Contact us today for a free estimate! 512-629-4949
It's important to try and minimize the damage from the leak and act fast before more damage is done. Even if the leak is small, it is important to get it fixed quickly before it gets worse as the leak won't go away on its own. There are several things you can do to mitigate the damage, lower repair and replacement costs, and prevent future leaks.
It's important to get the leak under control quickly because water can be very damaging to the building and your belongings. Extensive water damage can result in costly repairs and destroy your personal items and electronics.
Placing a bucket below the leak to catch the drops will help minimize the damage. If the dripping sound of water is annoying, placing a piece of wood inside the bucket to catch the water will help mute the sound or pinning a piece of string to the ceiling below the leak will allow the water to slide into the bucket. Make sure to keep an eye on the bucket so it doesn't overflow!
If there's a large area with several drips or there are no buckets, towels, old clothes, and newspapers can be used to absorb the water.
Cut the Power
If the water is leaking through areas where electrical systems are wired, cut the power to that room if possible to avoid potential electrical shortages, electrical fires, and other electrical hazards.
Drain the Water
This may sound strange and counterproductive, but punching a hole in the water damaged area, which is often identifiable through the presence of a swollen, discolored patch, with a screwdriver can relieve the pressure and help the water drain. Without a designated draining hole, the roof may continue to hold water, which may cause the ceiling to sag or collapse once enough water is accumulated! Just make sure to have something set up below to catch the water once you've punctured the ceiling.
Move or Cover Things
It's important to move or cover things that are in the water's way to reduce the water damage they receive. Try to move as many things as possible out of the way and, if possible, move them to a well-ventilated area to help them dry faster if they got wet due to the leak.
If an item is too big to fit anywhere else or too heavy to move, place thick plastic sheeting over it for protection. Once the leak has stopped, remove the protective covering so the item can dry.
Remove the Water
It's also important to remove the water and dry everything that was exposed to it in order to avoid water stains as well as future mold and bacteria growth. Most mold is harmless, but black molds can be dangerous to people if they inhale or ingest the spores.
Using a fan can help circulate air and dry the area faster, preventing mold growth and reducing the chance of having lasting water stains.
If the water damage is extensive, a professional water extraction company can help ensure that all the water is removed.
Call Your Insurance Agent
If there has been heavy water damage, call your insurance agent to determine if your plan covers water damage or not. They may need documentation of the leak, and taking photos will simplify the process of filing an insurance claim.
Hire Someone to Fix the Roof
Dealing with a roof leak is complicated and can take a lot of time. Calling a professional for help identifying and fixing your leak is a great idea. Make sure to hire a licensed and insured roofing contractor as they will have lots of experience and will be able to fix the roof quickly.
Cover the Leak With a Tarp
If a professional is unable to fix the roof immediately, try covering the leak with a plastic tarp. This tarp needs to be strong enough to withstand the outdoor elements and should be secured tightly to the roof with nails and roofing cement.
How to Prevent Future Roof Leaks
Have Annual Professional Roof Inspections
Having your roof inspected annually by professionals can ensure that the roof is well-maintained. They can make sure that the roof is installed properly and apply roof sealants to combat future leaks. They are experts who can spot potential problems before they even happen, making the cost of a professional roof inspection a worthwhile investment.
Trim the Trees and Foliage
The roof can be damaged by nearby trees as falling tree branches may puncture it, while low-hanging branches might scrape on the roof and erode it over time. Try and trim the trees to ensure that, if a branch does fall, it won't fall on your roof. Rotting or decaying branches are more likely to fall or break, so it's best to have them removed before they cause any problems.
Clean and Maintain the Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts can be clogged easily with a variety of materials. From leaves to acorns to weeds to animal nests, gutters and downspouts face a variety of potential clogging agents, which can result in water accumulating. A garden hose can clear most clogs and keep the gutters clear, but if that doesn't work, a mop handle or other long object can also be used to clear a more stubborn clog.
Installing a gutter guard is a quick process that can help reduce the amount of gutter maintenance required and potentially prevent a future leak.
Replace Shingles
Over time, a roof may develop worn-out or missing shingles that should be replaced. If left, these faulty shingles may expose the roof's structure, rot the wood, and result in water leaks.
Don't Power-Wash Your Roof
While it can be tempting to power-wash your roof to remove mold and mildew, the pressure from a power washer may be too strong for the roof and can create new problems by driving water under shingles or damaging the integrity of the roof.
What Causes Leaks?
A leaking roof can be caused by a variety of things and may be presented in a variety of ways, so it can be difficult to identify if the roof is leaking, why it's leaking, and where the source of the leak is located.
Sometimes a leak appears as a discolored patch created from the water pooling behind it, while other times a leaky roof leaves behind a puddle. This discolored patch may not be directly under the part of the roof where the leak begins as water often flows down trusses or flashing. Water streaks on the walls can also signify a leak.
A few common causes of a leaking roof are various penetrations (which stop water's natural flow off the roof, such as chimneys, skylights, and plumbing vents), ill-fitting roof flashing, a rusted roof vent, low-quality sealant, animal infestations, improper plumbing, strong winds, missing shingles, a clogged gutter, or the roof's age.
What Problems Can Roof Leaks Cause?
Stains
One of the most obvious results of a leaking roof is the water stains on the ceilings and walls. They are unpleasant to look at and can signify a pool of water behind the wall or above the ceiling.
Potential Sagging and Collapse
If water is allowed to continue to accumulate, it may cause the ceiling to sag or even collapse over time, creating a whole new set of problems that need solving.
Destruction of Belongings
Water can destroy electronics and other belongings, like furniture or rugs. These can be expensive to replace or impossible if the item is sentimental or one-of-a-kind.
Mold
Mold can grow in the walls, ceilings, and attic if water is left to stand. A mold infestation is never good and can be dangerous, depending on the type of mold that develops.
Rot
Water can rot the structures of a house such as the wood frame, the beams, or the joists as well as the insulation materials. The structural integrity of a house is incredibly important and should not be compromised while insulation materials can be a hassle to replace and having faulty insulation can result in higher heating and cooling bills.
Fire
If water damages electrical components and wires, there is a chance that an electrical fire may start.
If your roof is leaking, Austin Roofing and Construction can fix it! With over 27 years of experience in the roofing industry, project financing options, roofing materials made in Texas, and a donation of 1% of each project toward free roofs for Community First! Village, we're the best choice for roof repair in Austin. Please contact Austin Roofing and Construction now for world-class customer service, a new roof, inspections, or roof replacement or repair. Contact us today for a free estimate! 512-629-4949
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