Few things cause immediate stress the way a leaky roof does. Whether you’re experiencing a steady drip in a rainstorm, begin to notice discoloration near a skylight, or are seeing water run down your walls, it’s essential to take action the moment you detect the leak. These first three steps should be followed immediately and in this order to avoid a dangerous or destructive situation.
In most cases, a roof leak can be fixed relatively easily, but it can become dangerous when combined with electrical issues or structural damage that could lead to your roof caving in.
Move any Furniture or Appliances that cannot Get Wet Out of the Room
In many cases, you won’t need to empty your entire home to prevent damage from a water leak. However, if there is extensive flooding or damage, it’s important that you move quickly and remove anything from the room that cannot get wet. If you have a washer and dryer in one room, for example, these appliances will need to be moved if they are situated close to the wall with a leaking roof, as this may cause damage or corrosion even if they aren’t directly affected by the leak.
Consider Shutting off Your Electricity
If the water is leaking into an outlet or onto electronic devices that can’t be moved, it’s a good idea to turn off the power immediately. Leaking water and electricity are a dangerous combination, which is why it’s a good idea to always know the location of your circuit breaker. In many cases, you can shut off the outlets in specific rooms that are experiencing leaks while still being able to light and warm your home.
Call a Roofer
It’s important to get the leak fixed as soon as possible, and many roofing companies have an emergency line you can call, so you may not need to wait until regular business hours to reach out to your contractor. Most roofers will not work at night or in a storm as this creates a high risk of danger for the workers, but many will try to get you in quickly the next day.
If your roof can’t be repaired immediately, many experts like those at Mighty Dog Roofing offer emergency tarping services to keep the water from flooding your home while you await the repair.
Additional Measures Once You’ve Handled the Emergency
Check for Mold
If you find mold, make sure you take photos of the damage for your insurance adjuster. Depending on the type of mold, there could be a risk of becoming sick if you try to remove it yourself. You will also want to keep in mind that mold can grow quickly, so it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as possible. In many cases, installing a dehumidifier in the roof where you’ve had a leak can prevent mold growth.
Call Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company may have a preferred contractor, or they may recommend you work with a contractor from their list. Additionally, they may want to send over someone to evaluate your claim and create an estimate on the damage. It’s important to start this process as soon as possible, as many roof repairs are not covered by homeowner’s insurance.
What not to Do when You Discover a Leak
Get Up on the Roof Yourself
Climbing on your roof during a storm is never a good idea, as there is an increased risk of falling off your roof or causing more damage to your shingles. If your roof is already compromised, it’s best to call the professionals, even if there is a buildup of snow on your roof.
If you’re dealing with an ice dam or trapped water, we recommend calling a roofer for advice or scheduling an emergency appointment for tarping while you await a fix.
