Roof leaks are never convenient. They don’t happen on a schedule. They don’t happen when you’re fully prepared. But that doesn’t mean you’re helpless in this situation. Check out the tips below to learn what to do if your roof is leaking.
STEP 0: Determine If It’s Actually a Roof Leak
The steps below only work if the water is actually coming from the roof. If you have a plumbing leak or other water source, you’ll need to address that instead of following the steps below. Shut off the water supply to that area or to the house in general. Then clean up and get a professional out to fix the problem.
STEP 1: Move Your Belongings away from the Leak
Since roof leaks are often unpredictable, it’s important to move your belongings away from the leak. Furniture, rugs, artwork, electrical items – everything needs to be moved away from the water source. If you are unable to move your belongings, you may consider covering them with a tarp for temporary protection.
STEP 2: Put Something below the Leak to Collect Water
If you’re dealing with a small drip, you may be able to put a bucket or bowl underneath to collect the water. If the leak is pretty substantial, you may need a combination of containers and towels. Turn on fans to keep the flooring dry, assuming it is safe to run electricity from a nearby room. Do not put the fans directly under the roof leak.
STEP 3: Relieve Pressure in the Ceiling (Not Always Necessary)
The step is only necessary if there is a noticeable bubble of water in the ceiling. Use a sharp object to poke a hole in the bubble and release the water. You may want to line the floor with towels because there will likely be a rush of water. For large bubbles, you may need multiple punctures to fully release the water.
STEP 4: Contact a Licensed Roofing Company near You
Once you have the initial steps out of the way, call a roofing company and schedule an inspection. The roofer will identify the source of the leak and outline the steps necessary for repair. If there is an insurance claim involved, your roofer can coordinate with the insurance company to verify coverage options.
McLean Roofing and Siding is a fully licensed and insured roofing company in Metro Detroit MI. We’ve proudly served Southeast Michigan since 1964, and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. You can count on us for quick, reliable roof leak repair. Call (248) 524-1111 to schedule your roofing inspection.
STEP 5: Temporarily Tarp the Roof Leak
When the rain stops, you could put a tarp over the leak for temporary protection. Only do this if you can safely get onto the roof and secure a tarp to it. This solution will not last long, especially if there are high winds near you. Nevertheless, it may work as a bandage over the area until you can get an inspection. Learn more How to Repair Roof Leaks.
STEP 6: Complete Roof Repairs as Quickly as Possible
Roof leaks do not go away on their own. They will only get worse with time. Complete your roof repairs as quickly as possible, or you may put your home at risk of further damage. If you need a complete roof replacement or cannot complete your full repair right away, your roofers may be able to patch the area for now to get you through the waiting period.
STEP 7: Protect Your Roof from Future Damage
The best way to fix roof repairs is to prevent them from ever happening. Get a roof inspection at the first sign of leaks, or get a proactive inspection once a year. You can also protect your roofing by keeping your gutters cleaned and trimming overhanging branches. If your roofing is past its prime, it may be time to consider a new roof.
No matter what your needs may be, McLean Roofing and Siding is here for you. Give us a call to learn more about our roofing services.