What To Do When You Discover A Roof Leak
by William Gerard
Rainstorms are usually no big deal -- unless you have a leak in your home's roof. Unfortunately, most people are unaware that there is a leak until a storm is in full downpour and there is no way to immediately get a repair. Fortunately, there are things you can do to mitigate the damage until you can get a roofer out for a repair or a replacement of your roof. The following guide will help.
Minimize the damage
The first sign of a leak indoors is often a bulge or blister that forms on the ceiling. This is caused by water collecting at a point but being temporarily held at bay by the latex paint used in most homes. The entire ceiling may collapse in this area if you don't act quickly, or the water may flow elsewhere in the ceiling and cause more damage. To prevent this, but a large bucket or bowl beneath the bulge.
Then, poke a hole in the bulge with a nail or a knife tip. Water will now flow freely from the leak into the bucket in a controlled manner. Once you repair the roof, you will only need to patch a small area instead of having to do extensive repairs to the ceiling wallboard.
Try to get to the source
If you have easy access to your attic, you may be able to catch the water at the source of the leak, thus preventing water damage to the insulation, ceiling joists, and wallboards. Take a tarp and a bucket up into the attic and locate the source of the dripping water through the roof. Line the attic floor with the tarp -- this keeps moisture off the insulation and joists. Then, set up the bucket beneath the leak. Just make sure to check it regularly so that it doesn't overflow.
Install a temporary patch
If you can't get a roof out right away, have a temporary patch installed over the leak so water won't get in next time it rains. To do this, place a tarp over the leaking area. Then, wrap one edge three times around a 1x3 inch board on the upslope side. Attach the board to the roof with two nails or screws. Repeat the process on the downslope side, pulling the tarp taut. Then, attach two more board on the sides of the tarp to hold it down.
These steps can help you keep damage to a minimum while you wait for a roof replacement professional to repair the damage.
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About Me
Do you know how to tell if you have problems with your flashing, loose shingles, or damaged tar pitch? Well, I didn't either until I experienced some of those issues on my own. One day, I realized that my roof was leaking and that I needed to find a solution fast. After contacting a professional roofing company, they were able to solve my troubles and teach me the signs of trouble. I want you to avoid the same types of hassles, which is why my blog is filled to the brim with information about roofing and home ownership. You never know, these tips could really come in handy!