What to Do if Your Roof Is Leaking

Nothing strikes fear and disgust into
the hearts of homeowners more than the discovery of a roof leak. While many
minor leaks can be patched without much expense or effort, other roof leaks are
simply harbingers of much more substantial future roof repair or replacement
expenditures. Because the damage caused by a roof leak can be substantial, it’s
important that you spring into action the minute you discover a leak.

By acting immediately after finding a
roof leak at your home, you can limit the amount and the cost of damage that
you’ll incur. Though roofing repair and replacement can be expensive, failure
to act when you find a leak can result in exponentially bigger problems that
can damage your property value and cost you more to repair. Keep reading to learn
what steps you should take when you determine that your roof is leaking.

Prevent Damage

Depending on the size and volume of
the leak, you may have several options for protecting your belongings and the
structure of your home from the damaging effects of rainwater. In this case,
plastic sheeting is an excellent tool for placing a waterproof barrier between
leaks and your furniture, floor coverings, and other personal belongings. Even
thin, inexpensive plastic painting drop cloths can provide a suitable barrier
that will keep your belongings from suffering the effects of water damage.

Contain the Rain

Once you’ve placed a plastic barrier
over your things, the next step is to contain the rain that has infiltrated
your home. Use a bucket or pan to catch water beneath where it’s dripping.
You’ll need to keep an eye on the bucket and empty it before it fills. It’s a
good idea to have two buckets handy so that you have one filling while the
other is being emptied. If you need to direct the drip away from carpeted areas
to hard flooring that is more water resistant, you can pin a string to the
ceiling at the drip and drop it in the bucket to guide the water downhill and
away from the carpet.

Call Your Insurance Company

A leaking roof can result in
significant damage to your home if left unattended, so as soon as you’ve dealt
with containing the leak, it’s important to start the recovery process. Contact
your insurance company and start a claim. You may need to meet with an adjustor
so that pictures can be taken of the damage and estimates for the repair can be
figured. In some cases, your insurance company will reach out to a roofer, but
you may want to begin researching roofing companies in your area as well.

Get It Repaired

Once the repair is approved by your
insurer, you’ll need to get a roofing contractor on the job as quickly as
possible. Get several estimates on the cost of the repair, and make sure you
only talk to licensed and insured professional roofers. Ask about the warranty
offered on the roof and the timeline of the job. Those factors, along with the
price, can help you make the right decision about your roof repair job.

If you’ve discovered that your roof is
leaking, it’s not time to panic. Instead, get to work immediately to prevent
water from flowing into your home and to mitigate any damage that may be done. Call
your insurer and make sure the repair process begins as soon as possible, then
contact Findlay Roofing at (770) 516-5806 to fix the damage.