A water stain on your living room ceiling can be unsettling. Water dripping on your new mattress can be even more disturbing. If the water is saturating your carpet, drapes, and living room furniture, you may feel overwhelmed or panicky. While the storm is raging, most roofing companies will not dispatch an emergency repair crew, so you will need to deal with the situation as best you can until a professional can make a permanent repair. Fortunately, many of the steps that you can take to mitigate the damage from a leaky roof are not all that difficult.
When the Roof Leaks, Fear Not! | Austin, TX
What Causes Roof Leaks?
The leading cause of a leaky roof is a lack of preventive maintenance. Damage to your roof can result from the aging process or storms, and the older a roof gets, the more susceptible it is to storm damage. At least once a year and again after every severe storm, you should ask a licensed roof contractor to conduct a thorough inspection. Experienced roofers can often identify minor damage that will lead to a roof leak if left unrepaired. Storms rate second on the list of leading causes of roof leaks. Hail can crack shingles or flashings, and high winds can remove shingles, cause overhanging tree limbs to break and crash down on your roof, or propel debris capable of damaging your vents, shingles, flashing, or chimney.
What Steps Should Be Taken for Active Roof Leaks?
If water is coming into your home, the first steps you should attempt are to prevent the entry of additional water, protect your belongings, and ensure the safety of your home and its occupants.
What Is the First Thing Homeowners Should Do When Their Roof Leaks?
If the leak is near an electrical appliance or outlet, turn the power off at the breaker box. You only need to cut the power to the affected area. Once the power is off, you can unplug the appliance if you can do so safely.
What Is the Second Step in Coping With Roof Leaks?
Never attempt to access your roof while it is raining. Instead, go into your attic to see if you can find the source of the roof leak. Keep in mind that the source may be quite distant from the point where water is entering your home. Look for damp spots on any items stored in your attic as well as on the insulation, rafters, attic floor, and underside of your roof deck. If you can find the source of the leak, tape a sheet of plastic or a tarp over the entry point. You can taper the end of the tarp or plastic sheet so that the water will drain into a large pail.
What Is the Third Step When Dealing With Roof Leaks?
If you cannot find the source of the leak, you can place buckets or other receptacles to catch the dripping water. If the leak is sufficient to allow water to pool in your ceiling, place a bucket underneath and use a screwdriver to poke a small hole in your ceiling so that the water will drain.
What Other Steps Should Homeowners Take When Their Roof Leaks?
Protect your furnishings as best you can. If items can be moved from underneath the leak, do so. Otherwise, cover them with a tarp or plastic sheet.
Call a reputable roofing company for a professional roof leak repair. Walking on a roof can be dangerous enough for the average homeowner, but some roof leaks can be notoriously difficult to find. Furthermore, unless the repair is performed correctly, the problem may reappear or even worsen.
Does Alpha Roofing Repair Roof Leaks?
Whether you need a new roof, an emergency repair, or a preventive maintenance program, we can help. We are a leading roofing company with our headquarters in Round Rock, Texas. We offer an extensive range of residential and commercial roofing services, including metal roofing systems, asphalt shingle installation, chimney repair, moss and debris removal, flashing repair and installation, and skylight installation. Our reputation is impeccable, our crew members are professionals, our customer service is unparalleled, and our prices are highly competitive. For a free quote or roof inspection, fill out the online form or call 512-777-1086.