Got a Leaking Roof? Here is What You Need to Do

The reality is that a roof is taken for granted because how many of us actually take the time to inspect and check for any problems? Most of us will only know there is an issue when we see the tell-tale signs such as missing tiles, cracks and leaks. Of course, each problem will come with a different level of severity and there are those jobs that aren’t as serious and those that are. However, if you spot a leak then it is not something that you can leave, in the hope that it will fix itself because it won’t.  A leaking roof can cause all kinds of damage, so it is time to take action.

So, if you spot a leak, what should you do?

Call A Roofing Company

The main thing to do is call a roofing company to come and rectify the problem as soon as possible. They will have to find the source of the leak by carrying out an assessment on your roof but they will also look for other issues at the same time. Once they have identified the problem, they can then carry out repairs and make your roof watertight again.

Remove Your Belongings

Whether the leak is just affecting your attic space or it is pouring into your bedrooms, it’s time to get your belongings moved. So, you might find that you have to move beds, tables, desks, clothes and any other belongings that could become damaged by the leak. You should also think about fabrics that can absorb water which could lead to problems in the future such as damp, mould and odours. 

The more items you can move, the less damage the leak will cause.

Deal With Damaged Walls

When there is a leak in the roof it is common for the water to track down walls because water will always take the shortest route. However, when water does track down walls, it can cause a whole load of problems with plaster, paint and wallpaper. You might notice that parts of your walls begin to bulge as a result of the build-up of pressure. If this happens then place a bucket underneath the area and then use a screwdriver to poke a hole in the wall. This will help to release the water.

Contain as Much Water As Possible

You need to make sure that the water isn’t allowed to spread as the leak continues. As mentioned, water will track along the shortest route but it could also mean that it doesn’t just damage the upstairs of your home but also downstairs. Clearing the area isn’t enough to minimise the damage and so, you need to make sure you contain as much of it as possible. This can be done by using towels, old bed sheets, buckets and bins to help collect the water. 

Document Any Damage

You should have insurance in place which means that any damage is likely to be covered  but you will need to prepare to put a case together. This means that you should document any damage by taking photographs as this will provide your insurance company with proof of the damage and will back up any claims that you make. You should also take photos of any items that could not be moved and have been damaged by the leak.

So, when you notice a leak, don’t wait for things to get worse or hope that they will ease. It’s time to take action and get the problem solved.