Your roof should protect your home from the elements, but sometimes rain and snow can seep into your home through weak spots in the roof. Roof leaks happen as your shingles age. Your roof could be missing shingles, you might need new flashing, or some areas of your roof might need repair with roof sealant, tar, or caulk.
Leaks don’t get better with time—small leaks turn into big leaks—so you should take action as soon as you notice a leak to avoid water damage and other problems.
Here are some things to keep in mind in order to minimize damage if you experience a roof leak.
Water Damage Caused by a Leaky Roof
The first place leaking water goes is into your ceilings and attic, which can darken, stain, and damage the ceiling and damage the contents of your attic. Then water soaks into your insulation, rendering it virtually useless and raising the risk of mold growth. Mold and mildew from a leak can travel through water-damaged walls and ceilings into your HVAC system, leading to respiratory issues and serious problems for people with allergies, asthma, and other health conditions. Eventually, water damage will cause your drywall to sag, buckle, or even fall apart.
What Should You Do if Water Is Leaking From the Roof?
1. Remove Items in the Way
Protect your belongings and move them away from the path of water. A steady leak can ruin carpets, furniture, and other materials and encourage the growth of mold and mildew. You can avoid more property damage by clearing the area by the leak as quickly as you can.
2. Contain the Water As Much As You Can
Grab buckets, garbage cans, towels, and anything else you can find to capture water and reduce the amount of damage. Since water can damage your floors, make sure you have several containers nearby to catch the water and empty them regularly to reduce the risk of overflow. Line containers with an old t-shirt or towel to prevent the falling water from splashing out when it makes contact.
3. Call a Water Damage Restoration Company Right Away
Water damage companies have the professional technology to mitigate water damage and repair leaks. They use powerful water extraction pumps and dryers to dry all building structures and prevent further damage, and they can restore the parts of your property that have already sustained water damage.
You should make it a priority to call a water damage restoration company as soon as possible. The water damage restoration specialists at DriRite are licensed, certified, and ready to respond to your roof leak or other water damage emergency 24/7.
Contact DriRite for leading water damage restoration services, including water removal, drying and dehumidification, reconstruction, and more.
4. Soak Up Water on the Floor
If you don’t promptly remove water from your floor, hardwood floors can swell and warp, and carpeting can separate from the backing, called delamination. Both can develop mold and mildew problems. You can soak up water with a mop or old towels, or use a wet/dry vacuum like a Shop-Vac to remove a large pool of water.
5. Stop the Leak Temporarily Until Help Arrives
The best way to mitigate water damage is to stop the leak as best as you can. If possible, clear up water as it accumulates. If you have a hole in your roof, clear away nearby debris and secure a tarp over it with screws. Caulk can provide a temporary fix for damaged seams around vents or soffits. If vents or boots, a type of flashing that wraps around and waterproofs the pipes coming out of your roof, are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
As previously mentioned, use buckets to catch drips inside the house and remove rugs and furniture from the immediate area. Use a fan or dehumidifier to reduce moisture and the risk of mold.
6. Take Photos for Insurance Documentation
Documenting the damages from your roof leak is highly important when it comes to filing a claim with your home insurance if the damage is eligible for a claim.
Taking pictures not only shows the severity of the roof damage but also of other items that were affected. If the roof leak ruined your TV, computer, furniture, bedding, or kitchen, document it. Potentially, your insurance could fix the roof and replace the items you lost.
What Causes a Leaking Roof?
Roof leaks can be caused by many factors both inside and outside your home.
Exterior causes:
- Clogged Gutters: Gutters back up with debris and cause water to soak through the roof
- Holes in the Roof
- Excess Moisture: Poor installation of upper roof gutters saturates lower roof sections
- Missing/Broken Shingles: Storms and high winds can damage shingles
- Cracked/Damaged Flashing: Loose flashing around chimneys and skylights allows water to seep through
- Improperly Sealed Valleys
- Cracked Vent Booting
- Cracked Chimney
- Ice Dam Buildup
- Buckling or Curling Shingles or Loss of Granulation
- Old Roof: Roofing materials deteriorate due to age and weather conditions, and the type of material affects how long your roof can last
Interior causes:
- Improper installation of skylights
- Condensation/musty smell in attics
- Peeling paint or rotting wood around skylights
- Water stains or mold and mildew around your chimney
Contact DriRite for Roof Leak Water Damage
If you need emergency services for water damage from a roof leak or other source, look no further than DriRite. Our experienced contractors provide top-notch water damage restoration and reconstruction services to restore your property to its original condition.
Call us at 813-544-2375 or contact us today for your free estimate or any questions you may have.
Chief Executive Officer
Mike Campbell is a highly experienced professional specializing in structural drying, mold remediation, and environmental consulting. With certifications such as OSHA HAZWOPER, council-certified microbial remediator, and state of Florida licensed mold remediator, he offers tailored solutions to clients at DriRite. With specialized training from the IICRC, Mike is equipped with advanced skills in categories such as applied structural drying, commercial drying, and water damage restoration. This expertise allows him to deliver comprehensive and effective solutions to water-related issues. His dedication to providing exceptional service and expertise makes him a valuable resource in the field.
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