5 Tips of Dealing with a Water Damage from a Leaking Roof

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Roof leaks and water damages.

The rain is coming down and you have a roof leak. It wasn't there last time the rain came through, but it sure is there now. Hopefully, you caught it as a minor drip instead of a major leak. If you sustained water damage from that leak, you need to take steps to contain the damage and start getting this right.

5 Tips for Dealing with Water Damage from a Leaking Roof

• Deal with the water. Leaks usually pool on the nearest horizontal surface. For attic leaks, the water tends to pool on the ceiling below. The water will find the path of least resistance like a light fixture or vent opening. That is where you will see the drips. Get a bucket under the drip to keep the water from doing more damage. If the water is causing a dip in the ceiling, use the tip of a pencil to open a small hole in the dip to drain the water into a bucket.
• Locate the location of the leak. Get up into the attic to find where the water is getting in. It may be right above where the water is pooling, or it may be higher in the roof line. It could be near a vent or chimney opening as those are vulnerable locations for water leaks. If possible, get a bucket under the leak point, that will prevent any further damage to the ceiling below.
• Make temporary repairs if possible. If you can access the roof safely, draping a tarp over the leak can help prevent water from getting inside. If you cannot access the roof safely, use roof tape or cement to patch the hole. That will provide a temporary patch to keep the water out until the roofer arrives.
• Call in the pros. You need to call in two types of professional help. First, get a roofer in to fix the leak in the roof. The roofer has the equipment to do the job safely and effectively. Second, you need to bring in water restoration specialists to deal with the damage the leak caused. They can get the water out and start drying out your personal possessions. Doing this quickly can prevent mold and mildew from developing and minimize further damage.

These steps will help you minimize the damage the leak has caused and start getting your home back to normal. If you need assistance with water damage restoration, give us a call here at SERVPRO of Waycross, Hinesville & Douglas