You might have been through a large storm or your roof is simply worn from age, and now you’re experiencing roof leaks. All that you know for sure is that you went from a dry house to water leaks in your ceiling, and you need to know how to proceed from here. Let’s take a look at what to do when your roof starts leaking.
What To Do When Your Roof Starts Leaking
What to do About Roof Leaks in Heavy Rain
If the weather is still bad outside and your roof starts leaking, you’ll want to mitigate the incoming water damage as best as you can while you wait for the storm to pass. You might need a bucket or other large container to collect any water coming through your ceiling if the leak is serious. Or you might just notice some discoloration on your ceiling without actual water coming through, down your wall, or into your home.
Either way, you want to be careful about this location in your home. If you can and the leak area is small enough, consider caulking or filling the hole in your roof area from inside your house in order to prevent any more moisture from coming in, for the time being.
If you cannot attend to the leak, can’t fill this area to keep water out, or you think you have serious damage to your roof, you may need to place water collection buckets for the leak and leave your home for a period of time. In case the leak gets more serious and the ceiling becomes significantly damaged, it’s best to be out of the home and in a safe place. From here, you will want to reach out to your insurance agent and your trusted local roofer to make arrangements for repairs when the weather clears up.
What to do about Roof Leaks After a Storm
If the weather is good but you noticed you have a wet or darkened area on your ceiling or in your attic space and you suspect that you have a leak, you will still want to call your favorite local roofer so they can come out and inspect your roof, gutter area, and below your roof in your attic for damaged areas or missing shingles and possible leaks.
After a full review, if your roofer notices a problem and sees a leak in your roof, they will need to make a repair to this area. They might put a tarp over the damaged area of your roof while other arrangements can be made for more extensive repairs. When roof damage is large or serious enough to cause a leak, tarping your roof is imperative to keep the problem from becoming worse or causing more damage inside your home.
You will also want to reach out to your insurance agent at this time to discuss your roofing options and decide which direction you want to go in with your roof repairs or replacement.
What to do when you Need a New Roof
If you have more damage than a simple roof repair will address, a new roof might be your best option. Older or worn roofs can receive some serious damage after a large storm or even just after a smaller storm depending on the age. If you’ve had a tree fall on your home or other serious damage that has caused a larger leak, a new roof could be in store for you. Follow the steps above to mitigate any damage you can, leave the home, and call your roofer and insurance company as soon as you can.
Roof Leak Prevention
Roof leaks aren’t very common in newer roofs, but the older they get and the more weather, heat, and cold temperature they experience, the more they will have the tendency to have leaks. This is why it’s so important to have your roof inspected on a regular basis so you can address any issues that appear before they escalate to something more serious.
Local Austin Area Roofing Experts
We strive to bring you the best in roofing for the Austin, Texas area. We deliver decades of experience, training, and knowledge in this area’s roofing needs. We will not ask for a deposit on labor or materials as a dependable way to stand out from the competition while bringing you the best products and service in Austin.
Inspecting and reviewing roofs is part of our specialty. Learn more about roof leaks in our other blog posts about hail or if a tree falls on your home. When we inspect, install, or repair your roof, we want to provide you with the best options. We are Master Elite Contractors and a member of our local area Better Business Bureau, so you know we take pride in our work and our community. Contact us by phone or email to schedule your FREE roofing inspection and quote today!
