Do you notice water spots on your ceiling or walls? Is there an actual drip of water that’s making puddles on your floor? If so, don’t panic. Although water leaks can be serious, a few simple steps will get you on your way towards the right solution while protecting your property from worsening damage.
Clear the Area
It’s bad enough that your roof is leaking. You don’t want to add a long list of water damaged belongings to your troubles. As soon as you notice a leak, remove all items that can get wet like your furniture, rugs, and appliances.
Contain the Leak
Find something that you can use to capture all water that is dripping into your home. Try to avoid using towels and other linens because they can’t hold much water before you have to replace them, and you don’t want to deal with mildew and mold! Buckets and garbage cans will work just fine, and you can easily empty them as needed.
Burst Ceiling Bulges
This might seem counterintuitive, but if you notice a bulge in your ceiling that is collecting water, don’t leave it. Burst it. Make a hole using a screwdriver or some other sharp object to allow the water to drain on your terms. Otherwise, the water will spread and cause worse damage or burst on its own, leaving you with a mess that could have been contained.
Take Pictures for Your Insurance Claim
As soon as the immediate threats are dealt with, take the time to document the leak by taking photos of the leak from as many angles as you can. Make sure to include photos of interior damage and wet, ruined belongings as well. This step cannot be stressed enough if you plan to file and insurance claim.
Tarp The Roof
If you can do so without placing your safety at risk, place a tarp over the damaged area of your roof to help keep water out if it starts to rain. Depending on the damage done to your roof, it might be difficult to spot the leak from the outside. You can make your best guess or move on to the next step.
Contact a Local Roofing Company
The longer you wait, the worse the damage will get. Leaks of any size can cause damage to the underlying structures of your home and introduce mold and mildew into your air. For help from a reliable roofing company serving Ann Arbor and surrounding areas, reach out to us at Roof Advance. We provide quality, cost-effective storm restoration services. Contact us today for a professional roof inspection!
