My Roof is Leaking, What Do I Do?

Roof leaks present many challenges for homeowners. They never occur at a convenient time and can lead to significant damage to the interior of your home. While it’s important not to panic, roof leaks are an emergency and should never be ignored. To prevent further damage to your home, it’s important to take prompt action.

Contain the Leak

Your first job is to minimize the damage. If you notice water dripping from a bulge or discoloration on your ceiling, there is likely water pooled on the other side. Grab a large container, such as a trash can, and place it under the drip or suspected leak. If the dripping sound bothers you, place a board in the container to catch the drip and minimize the noise.

Once your trash can is in place, you need to release the built-up water before it causes more damage. Use a screwdriver and carefully puncture a hole. While this may sound odd to cause a hole when you already suspect a leak, creating a channel for water to escape will serve to minimize the long-term damage by relieving the pressure. If water accumulates into a pool, this could cause your roof to collapse.

If you haven’t already, move your belongings to a safe place or cover them with a tarp or plastic sheet. Don’t forget to cover your carpet in addition to your furnishings.

What are the Signs of a Problematic Roof?

If you aren’t sure if you have a leak, here are the warning signs to watch for. Spotting any of these signs are a good indication that it’s time for a new roof.

Interior signs:

• Mold-Any signs of mold or mildew indicate moisture is entering your home.
• Dampness or discoloration-Check your ceilings and walls for bubbles in the paint, or discoloration stains caused by water.
• Sagging-If you notice your ceiling is starting to sag, this is likely caused by a leaky roof.
• Light Shining Through-If you see spaces where light is shining through, that could be a problem.

Exterior signs:

• Roof shingles-Look for missing, cracked, warped, or curling shingles.
• Roof flashing-Cracks in caulking or missing pieces may allow water to seep inside.
• Gutters-Check for drooping sections of gutter. Also check to see if the gutter overflows when it’s raining. Clogged or slow-draining gutters or downspouts indicate an issue with your roof.
• Loose Material-If you notice any loose material or wear around the chimneys or vents, that’s another indication that it’s time to replace your roof.

Don’t Delay Calling a Professional

Leaky roofs never fix themselves so It’s important to act quickly when you first suspect or spot the signs of a leak. Roof leaks are almost always indicators of a much bigger problem that could lead to dangerous structural consequences, such as a roof collapse. To prevent catastrophic injury or destruction, call your local roofing professional right away to come out and assess the damage.

To prevent similar problems with your new roof down the road, have your roof inspected twice a year, in the fall and spring. Regular inspections and routine maintenance can prevent a fixable issue from turning into a major costly repair or replacement.

Ready for a New Roof?

If you’re in need of a new roof, or have any roofing related issues or questions, contact your local, professional roofing experts at Armorvue Home Exteriors. We understand that a leaky roof is a stressful situation, so let us ease your stress with a professionally installed, energy efficient roof that will keep your family safe and protected for years to come.