Key Takeaways:
- No matter how small it may be, roof leaks should qualify as an urgent matter to be dealt with ASAP.
- In case of an emergency, such as an imminent ceiling collapse, get yourself and your loved ones to safety before you do anything else.
- Most steps to take involve protecting the people inside, followed by the rest of your home’s structure and belongings.
Everything seems to be going fine at home when you start to hear a “drip, drip, drip.” Or maybe you notice a trickle of water coming out of the ceiling.
You have a leak. Now what?
Flynn Roofing Co. has been providing Massachusetts residents with the very best roofing service since 1997. They explain what to do as soon as you find a leak.
In an Emergency
Water leaking into your home isn’t to be taken lightly. As soon as you notice a leak, take these steps first to protect everyone’s safety and prevent further damage.
Protect the People Inside:
If the leak is major or if it looks like the roof might collapse, get everyone to safety immediately. Stay calm and remember that no item inside your house is worth saving if it means delaying evacuation.
It might help to have a plan of action ahead of time with your family. Everyone should know how to get out of the house and where to meet up in the event of an emergency. Some homeowners keep the phone number of an emergency roofer in their phones for these kinds of situations, as well.
Move Your Things Out of the Way:
Once everyone is safe, move furniture and appliances away from the leak. If there are electronics near the leak, stay away from them for now. You may need to shut off power to the area or the entire home for safety. Before you go anywhere, look for water on the floor and avoid stepping or standing in it.
Try to Contain the Leak as Much as Possible:
You may need to use buckets or bowls to catch falling water, or stop up corners with towels. Use any containers you have on hand, including garbage cans. Plastic tarps are great for covering large areas.
Why Take These Steps:
Neglecting a leak can lead to the growth of hazardous mold and mildew in your home. It also attracts pests. Water damage can build up over time and cause irreparable harm to the rest of your home’s structure. Take care of that leak as soon as you’re aware of it, but stay safe.
After the Critical Stage
Not all leaks require emergency action. If the leak seems more like a dribble down the wall, or there’s no risk of the ceiling collapsing, start with these steps. This advice should also be followed once emergency action has been taken.
Dry the Area:
If you don’t have a wet/dry vac on hand, see if your local library has one to borrow. Alternatively, many major home improvement chain stores rent out this type of equipment. Any standing water needs to be addressed as quickly as possible to avoid mold and mildew growth.
While you’re drying out your home, use box fans and/or dehumidifiers to help pull moisture out of wood, sheet rock, drywall, floorboards, tile grout, and other surfaces. Again, some stores have construction-grade industrial fans and dehumidifiers you can rent.
Document the Damage:
For insurance purposes, it’s smart to take photos and videos from multiple angles of any damage you find. Ideally, you would have photos and videos showing the same area before the damage occurred. However, in a pinch, post-damage documentation will do.
Call a Roofer:
Now’s the time to call a professional roofer or roofing contractor. A quick online search will give you a list of roofers in your area, which you can then narrow down by rating. When possible, try to get several quotes. We also have a list of fourteen questions to ask a roofer before you hire someone.
Be aware that after a major weather event, there may be scammers who will try to take advantage of your situation. They’re called “storm chasers,” and we offer ways to spot them and avoid them.
FAQs: Roof Leaks
Q: Does homeowner’s insurance cover roof leaks?
A: The short answer is: sometimes. The long answer is that it depends on the cause of the roof leak. Generally, insurance will cover a roof leak if it falls under the definition of “peril,” such as an extreme weather event, and the leak occurs suddenly. In most cases, insurance will not cover roofs that leak due to poor maintenance or neglect, such as when you’ve noticed missing shingles but did nothing to fix them.
Always check with your insurance provider about your specific policy.
Q: What if I can’t find the source of the leak?
A: If you’re reasonably certain that there’s a leak, but you can’t identify an obvious source, try the following:
- Check your attic space. The leak may have already built up in there. Look for mildew or water stains.
- Do an exterior search. Walk around your house and look for signs of damage or missing shingles.
- Perform the “garden hose” test. On a day when it’s not raining, spray a hose over your roof and then check inside to see if any water has come through.
- Call a professional. When in doubt, a professional roofer has the tools and expertise to get to the source of a leak.
Q: How can I prevent roof leaks?
A: Prevention and maintenance are your best tools in preventing most roof leaks. While there’s no 100% guarantee against severe weather events, some steps you can take to protect your roof include:
- Regular professional roof inspections
- Cleaning your gutters
- Trimming nearby trees
- Waterproofing your roof
- Professional roof inspections after a major weather event
Don’t Panic – Call Flynn
We know that no homeowner wants to deal with a leaky roof. That’s why we specialize in roof maintenance, repair, and replacement in eastern Massachusetts.
Residents in Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, or Suffolk Counties can contact us for a no-obligation, free estimate on our roofing services! Or call us at 617-479-3431 or 781-718-8087 for emergency roof repairs.