The last thing anyone wants is a leak in their home, least of all through the roof. Having to monitor the weather reports, nervously anticipating the next rainfall, is not a nice position to be in. Once a leak springs, it’s better to address it sooner rather than later to avoid further damage to your roof as well as the interior of your home.
So, what should you do when your roof starts leaking?
1. Contain the water
The first thing you should do is find a container to collect the water. A simple bucket or whatever you can get your hands on should suffice. The best thing you can do is collect the water to prevent further damage to the inside of your home.
2. Move anything that could be damaged
Once the water is contained, the next step is to remove any items nearby that could be prone to water damage — particularly electronics! If you do note any issues with the electrics of your house following the discovery of the leak there is a chance that it has affected your wiring, so be sure to contact an electrician and avoid turning on any outlets.
Moving any items and keeping them dry is really important. Ensuring your furnishing or carpets are fully dried out after the leak has stopped is vital because dampness and mildew can be incredibly difficult to clear even long after the leak has been repaired.
3. Take photos
Documenting the damage is important for any potential home insurance claims. Try to take pictures of both the damage and the source of the leak (only if you can safely find it).
If any major problems occur, having evidence to back up your claim can save you money and help you claim the cost of repair and replacements.
4. Relieve water pressure
This may feel counterintuitive, however, this next step can help prevent the build-up of water pressure. If there are any bubbles of water appearing in your ceiling, walls or the affected area, it can actually be more beneficial to puncture these bubbles. Using a sharp tool such as a screwdriver to puncture the build-up is better than waiting for them to burst or keep on growing.
Having a bucket handy to collect this water build-up is key. It’s better to have the water in a bucket than collect it within the foundations of your house.
Don’t do this if you’re not comfortable with the idea! It’s ok to wait for your professional to arrive.
5. Call a professional
Now that you’ve got the situation under control and you’ve done your best to clear up any mess it’s time to call a professional.
Even if the leak has stopped, the problem still needs to be addressed or you could be left in a tricky situation during the next rainfall.
At S&J Roofing Bath we are an experienced roofing company that provides a full roofing service from full roof renewals to a range of roof repairs. All of our roofers are trained in the latest techniques and we keep up with the innovations and advancements in the industry. So we’re happy to help with a roof leak if you’re local to the Bath area.
6. Schedule maintenance checks
The best way to prevent a leak is through regular maintenance and inspections by your local professional roof contractors. Professional roofers can identify potential issues even before they’ve had a chance to develop, saving you from the cost and inconvenience of a leaky roof.
Need a roof repair?
Our team of roofing specialists are happy to help! Get in touch with us today to see what we can do for you.