What do I do now?
If you are a homeowner, then at some point you will have to deal with a roof leak. It can be a daunting task, but it is important to take care of the issue as soon as possible. Waiting to fix a roof leak can lead to further damage and expensive repairs. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps you need to take if your roof is leaking and what happens if you wait to fix it. We will also provide some tips for preventing roof leaks in the future. So, if your roof is leaking, don’t wait – read on for advice on how to identify signs of roof damage and what to do to get it fixed.
Topics on this article:
– Tips To Identify Interior Water Damage From A Roof Leak
– Tips To Help Prevent Roof Leaks and Interior Water Damage
– Roof Maintenance
– Keep Your Roof Professionally Inspected
– Inspect Roof After Extreme Weather Conditions
– Keep Roof Clear of Debris
– Repair Roofing System Immediately
8 Tips To Identify Interior Water Damage From A Roof Leak
Have you noticed water stains on your ceiling, particularly new ones that have appeared after a significant rainfall or storm? Water leaks from the ceiling, or even very small water spots can be early signs of leaks.
- The water stains on your ceiling may be an indication that there is a leak. These stains could come from many different sources, including roof vents, skylights, missing shingles, broken roof tiles, A/C condensation leak, swamp cooler, or the ceiling sprinkler system. These stains do not just appear out of nowhere. If you see staining, you have a leak.
- Look for damp spots around interior air vents, on the ceiling, and fireplaces.
- Inspect for dampness in the paint or drywall or around light fixtures.
- Listen for dripping sounds hitting the ceiling home or garage.
- Inspect drywall for discoloration or moisture on the walls or ceilings, especially after a major monsoon or storm.
- If it smells musty around your home, especially in the attic.
- Inspect ceiling and walls for interior paint bubbling, peeling, during or after monsoon rain.
- Inspect the attic for water stains in the rafters or the roof sheathing.
If you find that your roof is leaking, the first step is to identify the source of the leak.
This can be tricky, so you may need to enlist the help of a professional. Once the source of the leak is identified, you can begin taking steps to mitigate the damage. When water damage has been identified inside the home your next step is to call a water damage restoration company like Disaster Services Damage Restoration to come and help with the damage caused by a roof leak.
Disaster Services will identify any unseen water damage to the structure of the home. Once the affected areas have been identified the technician will start the drying process and remove any drywall that may be compromised.
The next step is to contact a roofer to repair the roof or have them tarp the roof immediately if repairs are to be scheduled in the future. You want to prevent any further damage from any rain that may be in the future forecast.
After the roof has been repaired and interior home damage has been dried and or removed it is time to repair any material that was removed in the interior of your home.
Here are a few tips to help prevent roof leaks and interior water damage in the future:
– Roof Maintenance
Roofs are often damaged by weather, debris, pests, and over time. If your roof is not maintained on a regular basis, you could end up with bigger problems than just small roof leaks. Hiring roof professionals can be expensive; however, it will also extend the life of your roof and prevent your roof from leaking in the future. Failing to have a roof inspected yearly may cause more damage, costing more time and money..
– Keep your roof professionally inspected
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, it is ideal to self-check the roof AT LEAST twice a year in addition to yearly professional inspections.
– Inspect roof after extreme weather conditions
Make sure to check your roof for damage after any major storms and or high winds. Storms can cause a lot of damage, such as storm wind removing shingles or roof tiles resulting in roof leaks. This damage may not be visible from the ground. Along with keeping your gutters and downspouts clean and clear of debris. It is a good idea to inspect your roof regularly, especially if you live in an area that experiences a lot of storms. This will help you find any potential problems before they turn into bigger issues.
– Keep roof clear of debris
Debris, such as leaves and branches, can cause roof leaks by blocking the roofing system’s drainage. Make sure to keep your roof clear of any obstructions.
– Repair roofing system immediately
If you find damage to your roofing system, make sure to repair it right away. Leaving damaged roofs unrepaired can cause lots of issues to your home, such as mold growth and further water damage.
If you think your roof may be leaking, or if water damage has already occurred to your home and property as a result of a leaky roof, contact our team for prompt assistance. We offer emergency services 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week that can help mitigate the effects of flooding from any type of weather event – including heavy rainstorms and high winds. Contact us today to schedule an inspection with one of our certified professionals so we can determine the cause and extent of the problem before it gets worse!
