Your roof is designed to keep your home safe and dry, so when water is leaking in, something is not right. Unfortunately, a roof leak can cause a lot of damage — and quickly — so you should spring into action as soon as you notice there’s a problem. Here are the steps to take after you notice a soggy ceiling or moist attic.
1. Move Valuable and Vulnerable Items
Anything that gets wet is at risk for water damage and mold growth. So the first thing you should do is move any valuable or vulnerable items out of the way of the leak. You may need to move some items from your attic to the garage or push some furniture to the other side of the room.
2. Catch the Water
If you’re able to safely venture into your attic, do so. Try to pinpoint where the water is coming in, and set some buckets underneath the leaky areas to catch the water. For larger leaks, you may need to use a plastic storage tote. If there are multiple tiny leaks, try laying a plastic tarp down on the attic floor and then putting individual, smaller buckets in the specific areas where water is dripping down. Every few hours, check your buckets or totes and empty them, if needed.
3. Take Some Photos
Take pictures of any areas of your attic or living space where water damage is obvious. If you can see the place where water is coming in, photograph the area, too. Take pictures of any items, such as furniture, which has gotten wet, too. These photos will come in handy if you end up filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company.
4. Call a Roofing Company
Don’t worry about locating the cause of the roof leak yourself. Call a roofing company; the professionals can safely climb up on the roof to accurately pinpoint the damage. Be prepared for the roofing contractor to tell you your roof needs to be replaced. Sometimes leaks can be fixed temporarily, but they’re usually an indication the roof has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.
Roof leaks can be frustrating, but if you follow these steps, you’ll be on the right track. Contact Adam Vaillancourt Roofing to schedule a roof inspection. We offer service throughout the Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts area.
