The last thing most homeowners want to deal with is a roof leak. Unfortunately, this common problem could occur seemingly without warning. If you ever wonder what to do if your roof is leaking, you're not alone.
As a leading Austin roofing contractor, Longhorn Roofing understands the frustration roof damage can cause homeowners. Consult our guide below to learn roof leak detection tips and how to address this issue if it occurs in your home.
The Problem With Leaky Roofs
You may wonder what to do if your roof is leaking. The answer will never be to ignore the situation. A roof leak will not resolve on its own; the longer you wait to address the problem, the more issues it will cause.
The consequences of ignoring or overlooking a leaky roof include:
- Mold: The increased moisture level inside your home can promote the swift development of mold and mildew colonies. These growths can cause foul odors, health issues, and property damage.
- Property damage: The mold and water can damage everything from attic insulation to your personal belongings.
- Spikes in energy bills: If the water intrusion destroys your attic's insulation, it could cause your energy expenses to increase due to heat loss.
- Electrical dangers: Water from a roof leak can become a fire or electrocution hazard if it reaches your home's electrical wiring.
How To Recognize the Warning Signs of a Roof Leak
Finding a roof leak can be tricky because you might not see the water. However, you can detect indications of a leak if you know what to look for, which includes the following signs:
- Interior water stains: The paint on your ceilings and walls may bubble and peel from the excess moisture. Those surfaces could also develop unsightly water stains.
- Mold: Mold and mildew growth are usually clear indicators of extra moisture entering the home.
- Roof damage: If your roofing system has cracked, missing, torn, or curled shingles, it likely has a leak. The same applies to missing roof flashing, which you may detect during a visual roof inspection.
- Droopy gutters: Gutters that droop and overflow when it rains can cause water to pool around your roofline, increasing the risk of a leak.
- Spots on exterior walls: During a visual roof inspection, check the step flashing where the roof and exterior wall meet. If you see spots, the system has a water seepage issue.
What To Do If Your Roof Develops a Leak
If you're asking, "What to do if my roof is leaking," follow these steps:
Protect Your Belongings
Water damage prevention starts with protecting any belongings in the path of the water. Relocate your furnishings, clothing, and other items to a safer area if possible. Then, cover your flooring and other belongings that you can't move to minimize water damage.
Contain the Leak
If water flows into your home from the roof, there's likely a pool of water on the other side of the stain or bulge on the ceiling. Contain it by placing an empty bucket or bin under the drip or suspected leak.
Using a screwdriver or a sharp object, puncture the center of the bulge. This action will allow the collected water to drain into the bucket, reducing the risk of a ceiling collapse from the extra pressure.
Install a Temporary Roof Patch
If you can't get emergency roof repair, cover the affected area with a tarp and secure it with fasteners. Unfortunately, the origins of roof leaks can be hard to find. In that case, you'll need to contact professional roofers for help.
Document the Damage for an Insurance Claim
If you intend to file an insurance claim to repair your roof, document the damage. Take pictures of everything, including the roof, interior damage, and any personal belongings that were affected by the water.
Contact a Local Roofing Company
Finally, call a professional roofing company. Roof leak repairs are not a DIY project because the system can have problems that the average person may not notice. Experts know how to properly inspect a roof, identify the source of its problems, and implement a reliable solution.
Need Emergency Roof Repair in Austin? Turn to Longhorn Roofing
If you search online for "what to do if my roof is leaking," our experts at Longhorn Roofing can help. Our certified technicians are knowledgeable about roof leak signs and how to address them. Our award-winning team provides reliable roof repairs, storm damage repairs, roof replacements, and roof ventilation solutions.
We're here to help you every step of the way. Call (512) 817-0429 to schedule an appointment with our Longhorn Roofing professionals.
