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If you’re a homeowner, roof leaks aren’t ever going to be fun. Your home is the place that will make your family feel safe, and protect you from the elements. However, as we know all too well in Idaho, the extremes of the climate can result in rain, snow and wind damage roof repairs becoming needed. Weather-related incidents happen, and when they do, it’s best to take action to prevent water damage from leaks and damage to your home that will only get more expensive to fix as it spreads.
Follow our 7 Essential Roof Leak Action Steps
Action Step #1: Clear the Immediate Area
A leaking roof is bad enough. You don’t need it to ruin your precious possessions as well.
- Remove beds and furniture well away from underneath the dripping area or the ceiling stain.
- Some fabrics trap water and this can create a dreadful mildew smell, so take down drapes if they are likely to get damp
- Lift up carpets and move them well away from the affected area . If they’re already damp, don’t roll them up – find a space where you can dry them out and clean them.
- Even if water isn’t dropping down yet – that can change suddenly, so the more you can move out of the way before it gets soaked, the better.
Action Step #2: Contain the Roof Leak water
If water is dripping into the attic or the living spaces, the next step is to collect as much as possible.
- Grab buckets, garbage cans, towels, and anything else you can find to capture the water to reduce the impact and damage that water can cause.
- Monitor them so that as soon as one is filled, you can switch it over and empty it out. The last thing you need is containers overflowing and causing additional damage to your floors.
Action Step #3: Relieve Pressure from the Roof Leak
If you notice a sagging bulge on your ceiling it’s a warning sign that there’s water pooling in that spot.
- Although it might seem drastic to make a hole in that area, do it.
- If left, the water could continue to gather, spreading and adding more weight. When it finally erupts, it could cause more severe damage to the ceiling.
- With a screwdriver, carefully puncture the lowest point of the bulge carefully. You may need to do this in a few different spots, depending on the size of the roof leak.
- Put a bucket underneath each hole to catch the water, and monitor water levels frequently.
Action Step #4: Tarp the Roof Leak (But Safety First!)
Safety First Caution: If you are a competent DIYer, have the correct tools and equipment, and are experienced enough to work safely on a wet, steeply sloping and potentially slippery surface, then consider this next step.
Unless you are all of the above, don’t risk becoming a statistic: falls are the second most common cause of death in our homes.
Action Step #5: Call a Professional Roofing Repair Company
Fixing a leaking roof is something you can’t afford to get wrong. No matter how big or small you think your leak is, it’s always best to call the pros.
The longer you wait, the worse the problem could get. Once you’ve done the basics to manage the situation, it’ll need fixing immediately.
- Professional roofers have the experience to find a leak in a roof, and can identify the source of the problem.
- They will also inspect the area to identify any roof water damage
- They’ll be able to advise whether a simple shingle replacement is needed, or whether vent pipes, flashing, skylight leaks or gable ends are the source of the problems.
- These days, some companies use drone and thermal imaging technology to identify issues that are hard to spot with the naked eye.
- Roofing repair companies will take photos and videos of all areas of concern and share these with you: you’ll need them for any insurance claim.
- Select a local company, with a trusted reputation, that will treat your emergency roof leak repair as their top priority, and carry out a full roof inspection free of charge.
Action Step #6: File a Claim to Cover Your Roof Leak Repair
The good news is that, when your home has suffered water damage from a leak, you can claim for the cost of repairs on your homeowner’s policy.
For many people documenting the damage and filing your roof insurance claim is the biggest headache of all.
The good news is that roofing repair companies will take all this off your hands, deal with the roof insurance claim documentation and liaise with the insurer on your behalf.
- They will take the photos showing the extent of the damage to your leaking roof.
- You should also take photos of any other items, inside your to home, that suffered water damage from the leak, including TVs, electronics, furniture, bedding, flooring or kitchen equipment. The golden rule is document everything that supports your roof damage insurance claim.
- Your insurance could potentially cover the cost of your roof leak repairs and shingle replacement – minus any deductible on your policy.
Action Step #7: Prevent Future Roof Leaks
One the roof leak is repaired and life is back to normal, there are things you should keep doing to avoid future problems.
Routine maintenance on your roof is the best way to keep your roof in great shape and avoid future leaks. Your roof takes on a lot of wear and tear, and it’s exposed to harsh outside elements. Routine roof maintenance includes:
- Inspecting trees that may be growing too close to your roof, and cutting branches, which in a storm or high winds, could cause damage.
- Clearing leaves and other debris out of the drains and downspouts. Rainwater and melted snow must be able to run freely away from your home.
- Checking for any damage after storms or extreme weather, in case shingles have become loose or dislodged.
- Inspecting for any cracks in the chimney. Caulk may be applied to small cracks for a temporary fix.
- Locating and replacing any curled or split shingles
Here in Idaho, weather conditions like rain, snow, and hail inevitably weaken the shingles over time.
It will repay you to book a professional inspection at regular intervals. Why?
- Professional roof repair companies will be able to identify work areas and fix them before they turn into leaks.
- If you can prove you have had your roof professionally inspected and expertly maintained, your insurer will be more likely to accept any claims.
- When the time comes to sell your property, a professional report into the condition of your roof may be more attractive to buyers.
- You’ll have peace of mind knowing that the roof over your head will protect your family and your most precious possessions.
Being proactive will save you a lot of stress and headaches later on.