Discovering a leak in your home can be a stressful situation. You have to figure out where the leak is coming from before calling a professional. If the problem is a leaking roof, it can be difficult to locate the source so that a Cincinnati roofer can make the necessary repairs. Here are some steps to take if you have a leaking roof.
Identify Whether it is a Roof Problem
If you notice water stains along the walls, the leak could come from a burst pipe, damaged siding, or a window that doesn’t properly seal. You want to inspect the entire area and rule out all other possible reasons. If you think it is the roof, look for water stains, a musky smell, and damaged shingles.
Catch Leaking Water
You want to prevent the water that is dripping along the ceiling, rafters, or walls from further damaging the home. Catch the water in a large container. Keep spare containers handy in case the leak is rapid and you have to drain the container often.
Check the Attic for Leaks
If there are several spots along the ceiling that are leaking, you will want to go up into the attic. The leak could be in another location and the water is running down and pooling in spots. Look at the rafters and roof sheathing for wet spots.
Tarp the Roof
If the roof leak is bad, or you are expecting prolonged rainstorms, you want to place a tarp over the area of the leaking roof to prevent further water penetration. It can be dangerous to be on the roof while it is raining. So we would recommend waiting until it is dry outside before placing the tarp.
Document Leak Spots and Get a Roof Inspection
Before the repair work begins, you want to document the leak spots for your homeowner’s insurance claim. Then you can call out a trusted roofer for a consultation. They will perform an inspection and provide the appropriate repair advice based on the damage.
Clean Up Water Damage
With the Cincinnati roofer performing the repairs, you can focus on cleaning up the water damage. You don’t want the water to sit on any furniture, flooring, or other possessions as it can lead to mold and mildew growth. Extract as much water as you can from surfaces, disinfect items, and use fans to ventilate and dry out rooms.
Contact a Cincinnati roofing company as soon as possible when discovering a leak. They often have emergency repair services available. If you are in need of roof repairs or replacement, contact Brandstetter’s KangaRoof.
