5 Things To Do If Your Roof Leaks During A Storm
Texas is thunderstorm country. You need a good roof over your head when the inevitable storm hits. Unfortunately, it’s much easier to discover a leak in your roof when it’s raining outside than on a sunny day. What can you do to reduce roof damage if you discover a leak during a storm? Every home is unique, but there are a few universal tips that can help you prevent long-term water damage and get your roof leak repair done right.
What To Look for When Your Roof Is Leaking
Not every leaky roof will cause water to pour through your ceiling. Sometimes, you’ll notice a wet spot or mold growing on the ceiling. Unless you regularly climb on top of your house, you’ll probably notice your damaged roof from indoors first.
Keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Sagging ceilings
- Dark or stained spots
- Missing, damaged, or cracked shingles
- Loose material near vents and chimneys
In addition to getting annual inspections, you should go into your attic regularly to look for areas where the sun shines through. This can save your home from severe damage later.
If your roof is more than 15 to 20 years old, a full roof replacement may be more economical than a roof repair. You can save even more money if you plan for this expense in advance rather than waiting for a storm.
Top 5 Things To Do When Your Roof Is Leaking During a Storm
No matter how small they seem, you should never ignore your roof leaks. They won’t go away on their own. It isn’t safe to go on top of your roof and place a tarp during a storm, but you can take these five steps to reduce water damage and repair your house sooner.
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Contain the Water
Even small amounts of water can inflict lasting damage on your home, especially if you have hardwood floors. If water is dripping from your ceiling or pooling somewhere in your home, put something out to catch it. For small leaks, a bucket will do. For larger ones, you may need to use an empty trash can.
If the sound of the water dripping is a problem, you can place a rag or a board in the container so the water drips onto it instead. Monitor the rate at which the container fills, and be prepared to empty it regularly.
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Relieve the Pressure
When you have water dripping from your ceiling, you should take steps to prevent your whole ceiling from collapsing. Use a screwdriver to poke a small hole in the middle of the stained or bulging spots in your ceiling. This will allow the accumulated water to flow out instead of accumulating. You will need to repair that part of your ceiling anyway, so making the hole is well worth it to prevent further water damage.
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Find the Source
Go into your attic and look for any drips or holes. You may have to contain the leaks there, as well. If you have a sloped roof, keep in mind that the water’s entry point may be higher than where you see it dripping. You should never go onto a leaky roof during a storm, but sometimes, you can spot these holes from the ground. Look for missing shingles or areas where the flow of water suddenly stops.
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Make a Temporary Seal
Because it’s unsafe to be on your roof during a storm, placing a tarp shouldn’t be the first thing you do. Instead, seal any holes using water-resistant caulk or roofer’s tape from the inside. Once you have sealed the hole, inspect the areas around and downstream of it to ensure the water isn’t just being shifted around.
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Call the Professionals
Your next step after the rain stops should be to call a professional roofing company. A good roofing contractor will inspect the entire roof and perform any needed storm damage repair. If your roof has holes or weak spots you didn’t notice during the storm, your contractor will also bring these to your attention and perform the roof repairs you need.
Don’t Forget To Continue Regular Roof Maintenance
Emergency roof leak repairs are no substitute for regular maintenance. Homeowners should have a licensed roofing contractor perform an inspection at least once a year. The contractor can spot any new problems, as well as other issues such as overgrown branches that may become problems in the future.
You should also get your roof inspected after a severe storm, even if it didn’t develop an obvious leak. In addition, there are several maintenance tasks you can perform on your own. Keep your gutters and downspouts clear of fallen leaves or other blockages, and watch for broken, split, or curled shingles.
Preventing roof leaks is always better than repairing them. Madd Roofing is proud to provide these preventive roofing maintenance services and roof leak repairs to the people of Humble, Kingwood, Atascocita, Spring, and Porter, TX, as well as surrounding areas. Give us a call today at 281-577-4065 for your free estimate.
