Want to understand the signs that rainwater may be getting into your home? Or want to know how to prevent a leaking roof?
If you have water entering your property through the roof, having an understanding of how to identify the source and cause can help avoid untold damage to your property.
Here at Roof Care (North Staffs) LTD, we’ve put together our guide to explain what to do when your roof is leaking to ensure your home stays dry and damage-free.
How to Tell if Your Roof is LeakingÂ
When it comes to a leaking roof, some issues are much more obvious than others. However, being able to recognise a range of different signs that something is wrong will ensure you catch the problem sooner rather than later.
Here are a few clear signs that your roof might be leaking:
Interior of the Property:
- Water dripping from the ceiling
- Water stains on the ceiling
- Musty smell, particularly in the attic
- Mould growth
Exterior of the Property:
- Issues with flashing
- Sagging with the roof
- Damaged shingles
- Mould growth
What to do When Your Roof is LeakingÂ
Should your suspicions turn out true and you do have a leak, there are several steps you should take to resolve the problem.
1. Collect the Water
Stopping the water from damaging the interior of your home should be the first step you take when discovering a leak. Start by putting down buckets to catch the leaking water alongside several towels to help catch any spills or splashes.Â
2. Remove the Furniture
Next, clear the room of all furniture and valuables. The costs of water damage can quickly get expensive, especially if possessions require replacing.
3. If Necessary, Document the Leak
It’s often worth taking photos of the leak, as this may help with any insurance claim you may later make.
4. Consider the Urgency
If the leak in your roof appears quite serious and water is entering at a rather rapid rate, then there is potential your house might quickly become uninhabitable. In such a case, you will want to contact an emergency roofing professional as soon as you possibly can.
How to Fix a Leaking RoofÂ
Once you’ve identified the source of the leak, and taken the relevant steps to protect your home, you will want to consider fixing the issue by diverting away the water and repairing the hole.
First, you will want to apply a patching material using a scraper to cover the area before leaving it to dry. Next, you will want to apply caulk to the edges and any remaining holes.Â
However, when it comes to the best method of how to fix a leaking roof, hiring a professional for the work is always the recommended solution.
How to Prevent a Leaking Roof
Typically, knowing how to prevent a leaking roof can save a lot of time and trouble.
The key thing in this respect is to keep your roof in good condition and ensure it remains watertight throughout the seasons. As such, hiring a roofing professional to check the roof and perform any relevant work is often the best solution.
If there is damage that could eventually result in water entering the property, getting it repaired during the initial checks rather than when a serious issue is always recommended. Undertaking the repairs there and then, rather than later when it’s a bigger problem and requires another call-out will ultimately save you money.
Alongside hiring a professional, undertaking your own regular maintenance, such as checking gutters after heavy rain, can also make a difference when it comes to preventing future leaks.
Leaking Roof: Final Thoughts
A leaking roof can be a real pain, resulting in a wide range of issues both within and outside your property. However, by taking the relevant steps to reduce the risks of leaks and knowing what to do should there be a problem, can make all the difference.
We hope our Leaking Roof (What to do) guide has provided you with clear understanding next time you have an issue. If you would like to learn more about what to do when your roof is leaking or requires the expertise of professionals, get in touch with us today. Contact us by calling 01782 792809 or emailing roofcarenorthstaffs@gmail.com.
Here at Roof Care (North Staffs) LTD, we are the experts in professional roofing services and roof repairs. We are an established roofing company proud to work with clients throughout Stoke-on-Trent, Congleton and the wider Staffordshire and Cheshire regions.
