Roof leaks may occur at the most unexpected times. You may first notice a dark spot spreading across the ceiling or hear drops of water whenever it rains. This doesn’t mean it’s time to panic, but it’s important to act quickly to minimize water damage to the interior of your home.
What To Do If You Notice A Leak
There’s never a good time for your residential roof to spring a leak, but you can take a number of steps to help mitigate the damage, lower the cost of repair, and prevent future leaks.
Minimize Water Damage
When you notice a leak, if it’s possible, try and contain where the water is leaking. You should also move or put plastic coverings over your furniture, electronics, and other valuables which can be damaged by water.
Unplug Your Electronics
If any electronics are close to the leak, be it in the attic or under the ceiling, be sure to move them away and unplug anything else close by. Exposing electrical equipment to moisture can easily trigger electrical fires or damage your valuable appliances.
Remove the Water
Once you’ve put the leak under control, the next step is to thoroughly dry all carpet, woodwork, furniture, and anything else exposed to moisture. Water often leaves stains on any household item, and failure to dry them out promptly can trigger mold growth in your home. If your carpet was soaked in water, pull it away and ensure both sides of the rug are properly dried out.
Call Your Insurance Agent and Roofer
If you know or suspect the leak was caused by a heavy storm and there could be substantial damage to your entire roof, call your insurance agent and your roofer immediately. Generally, your homeowner’s insurance will cover roof repair or replacement if the damage was caused by a covered peril, such as windstorms, lightning, and hailstorms. Your roofing contractor can carry out a thorough inspection of your roof and advise if it’s necessary to file an insurance claim for the repair or replacement.
Fix the Leak
Based on the outcome of the roofing inspection, you should schedule immediate repairs or replacement. Be sure to engage the services of a licensed, insured, and bonded roofing contractor to ensure the job is done right the first time. Typically, any roof which has suffered substantial damage or nearing the end of its lifespan should be replaced rather than repaired. A professional roofer should be able to estimate how much life your current roof has got left and advise you on the right course of action.
By following these simple steps, you can reduce water damage to your home and prevent leaks from escalating further. However, you’ll want to have the contact of a trusted, local roofer who can come in quickly to assess the damage and deliver a permanent solution. Red Diamond has been serving homeowners in the Denver and Fort Collins area for several years. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation or to get a quote on your roof replacement project.
