Your roof is your home’s most significant line of defense against the outdoors. It should be capable of protecting you from the elements when you are indoors. Seeing the rain and snow creep into your house is uncomfortable and unpleasant. When you find yourself with a leaky roof, your best option is to seek roof repair and water damage restoration from the company that serves all of Vancouver, WA, before the incident becomes severe.
Before you bring in the professionals, there are important actions you can take to contain the situation and make sure you minimize any potential damage caused by water. This article will equip you with the knowledge to identify and rectify a leaking roof. Here are the steps to follow:
Remove Things From The Way
It is hard to ignore when you realize your roof is leaking badly. The last thing you want after noticing water leaking through the roof is for your belongings to be ruined in the process of roof leaking. If you suspect a leak at a particular place, it is best to clear your valuables from that area before further damage occurs. Remember to keep in mind that some fabrics trap the water, creating a terrible mildew smell. So take as many things as possible out of the way where the leakage takes place.
Keep Back The Water
Waiting for a small leak to turn into a big one should not be an option. Aim to contain the water as much as possible, even if this means switching off the water at the main inlet valve. You can also choose to place a bucket, garbage can, or even anything else that can catch the water coming from your damaged roof. This will drastically reduce the amount of water damage that would have been done. The dripping water, with time, could cause water damage to your floors. Always ensure you have several containers to trap water; when one is full, you switch them to avoid overflowing.
Reduce Water Pressure
A clear sign of water collecting in your ceiling is when you notice a sagging bulge. The idea of poking the sagging bulge may seem wrong, but it’s the best thing to do. If you ignore it, the water could spread and cause significant damage to your ceiling. The collecting water will one day erupt and cause a larger mess than anticipated. You can choose to use a screwdriver to make a hole in the lowest point of the bulge carefully and place a collecting container underneath it to catch the water. Depending on the bulge size, you can make more than one puncture if necessary.
Tarp the Roof
A tarp might be your next option when you have a leaking roof and can’t get it fixed immediately. Wait until the roof is safe enough to climb up, and then cover the problem area with a tarp. It’s possible to come across a point on the roof that you can’t access to determine the amount of damage. Don’t stress yourself out; instead, locate the point based on where the leak is inside to cover it up. Make sure to use a tarp that is at least six millimeters thick and a length of about four feet across the problem area up to the peak. If the leak is too far away, tuck the tarp under shingles to prevent the water from penetrating it.
Make Sure To Document the Damage
Documenting your damages is useful when you decide to file your home insurance claim. Take photos and videos that prove the severity of the roof damage and subsequent water damage.
Call a Roofing Expert
Not all home repairs and improvement projects are DIY projects. Even handy homeowners may overlook some things and cause more significant damage. Dont wait too long before calling the professionals because as time goes by, the damage increases. Expert roofers from Apply Rite Roofing Cincinnati can repair the damaged area and cross-examine any other sites needing reconstruction or repairs.
Conduct Regular Roof Maintenance
After fixing the roof, ensure that you conduct routine maintenance to minimize the chances of your roof leaking. Always ensure no trees are growing too close to your roof, confirm that gutters are not clogged, and finally, look for any sign of damage after severe weather, such as missing shingles. If your roof is more than ten years old, it is wise to consider saving for a new roof. Being proactive will save you a lot of stress and headache later on.
With that said, water damage is not something you want to experience in your home. If you have a leaking roof, make sure to follow the steps above to avoid any further damage.