I have a leaking roof and am unsure of the best action. Should I contact a professional? Or attempt to fix the issue myself? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each solution?
Damage Control: Move Things Out of the Way
The first thing you should do when water is spilling into your home is damage control. Move any valuables, furniture, and electronics out of the way to stop them from getting wet. If the leak is coming from the ceiling, place a bucket underneath it to collect the water. If the leak is close to any electrical wiring, turn off the power to that area of the house. Turning off the power will avoid the risk of shock or fire.
If needed, Relieve Water Pressure.
Suppose your roof is leaking and your ceiling is bulging. In that case, you should puncture the bulge in the ceiling with a screwdriver to relieve water pressure. After you puncture a hole (or holes) in the bulge, catch the water in a bucket or pan and call a roofing contractor to make repairs.
It’s important to relieve this pressure. If you don’t, there is a risk that the collecting water will spread and cause additional damage.
Contain and Remove The Water
Water and electricity do not mix! If it’s not too bad, stay in your home, but be careful. If the damage is bad, leave your home and call a professional.
Once you’ve decided it’s safe to stay in your home, you need to contain and remove the water. Place a bucket or garbage can beneath the leaks to collect the incoming water. If the leak is large, place several buckets or garbage cans around the room to catch as much water as possible. Mop up any standing water with towels or old clothing.
Removing Water
After you’ve extracted as much water as possible, begin ventilating your home by opening doors and windows to let fresh air in. Removing water will stop mold and mildew from developing. If it’s cold outside, keep your heat on to help dry out the moist areas of your house.
Take Photos: Document the Damage for Your Insurance Claim
If your roof is leaking, the first thing you should do is take photos to document the damage for your insurance claim. Take photos of any water stains on your ceiling or walls and any mold or mildew that has developed due to the leak. Be sure to take close-up shots of the affected area so that your insurance company can see the extent of the damage.
Once you have documented the damage, you need to contact your home insurance company to file a claim. Once your claim has been accepted, you can get your roof repaired or replaced and recoup any property damage resulting from the leak.
Call a Professional Roofing Company
The best course of action if you have a leaking roof is to contact a professional roofing company. A professional roofer has the experience and skills to fix the leak and prevent any additional damage to your roof. Roof repairs can be costly, so selecting a reputable roofing contractor who will do the job correctly the first time is important.
Continue Regular Roof Maintenance
A leaking roof is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. But don’t freak out! The first thing you should do if you have a leaking roof is to keep up with your routine roof maintenance. You should frequently check your roof for missing shingles and ensure that your gutters and downspouts are free of leaves and other debris.
Maintaining your roof and keeping up with a routine is crucial if you live in an area with a lot of rain, snow, or hail. These conditions can harm your roof and, if left unchecked, can cause a leak.
The best course of action if you find a leak in your roof is to call a professional roofing contractor. They will be able to evaluate the problem and determine the best solution. Sometimes, they can fix the leak without needing to replace the whole roof.
Don’t ignore a leak in your roof! If you think you have a leaking roof, call a professional today to avoid serious problems down the road.
Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover The Cost Of Repairing My Leaking Roof?
Many people have a lot of questions about their homeowner’s insurance policies. A frequently asked question is if the policy will cover the expense of fixing a leaking roof.
Most homeowners insurance policies cover at least some of the expenses related to repairing a leaking roof. So, if you have a dripping roof, it’s worth contacting your insurance company to find out if they will reimburse you for any repairs.
No one wants to wake up to find their ceiling sagging and water dripping onto the floor. But if you have a leaking roof, will your homeowner’s insurance cover the cost of repairing the damage?
The outcome depends on what caused the leak. If the leak was due to a sudden, unforeseen event – such as a severe storm – then it’s probable that your insurance will cover the cost of repairs. However, if the leak was caused by gradual wear and tear (such as a cracked roof tile), then it’s unlikely that your insurance will pay for the repairs.
Your insurance probably covers these:
- Falling trees or limbs or other falling objects
- Damage from wind, rain, and hail
- Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
- Vandalism
But these are not usually covered:
- Neglect or negligence in roof maintenance
- Wear and tear and deterioration
- Mold, fungus, or wet rot
- Settling, shrinking, bulging, or expanding roof tiles
- Damage caused by birds, vermin, rodents, or insects
It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company before making any repairs, regardless of the situation. They can tell you what is covered by your policy and what isn’t.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Leak In The Roof?
The price to fix a roof leak can differ based on the leak’s size and intensity and the type of roof you have. You may need to spend anywhere from $250 to $10,000 (or more) to fix the damage caused by a leaking roof.
Did you know? Most homeowners spend between $300 and $1,200 for a roof repair or an average of $650-$850 to fix a roof-related issue. And that doesn’t include other services you might need, like an electrician or a cleaning company.
What Damage Can A Leaking Roof Do?
The first step is to notify your insurance company when you have a leaking roof. In most cases, homeowners insurance will cover the cost of repairing any damage caused by leaks. However, it’s always best to confirm this with your insurer to be sure.
Water damage from a leaking roof can cause all sorts of problems, including:
- Structural damage to your home
- Damage to your belongings
- Health problems for you and your family
- Ceiling damage: Water can cause your ceiling to stain or sag.
- Wall damage: If leaks are left unchecked, mold and mildew will grow on your walls. In severe cases, the water can even damage the wall framing.
- Mold and mildew growth: Mold thrives in moist places, so a leaky roof is an ideal environment for it to grow. Mold can cause a variety of health problems, so it’s something you want to avoid.
- Rafters and ceiling joists: A collapse could eventually result if water leaks into the rafters or ceiling joists since it would weaken them.
- Fascia boards: The fascia boards are the boards located on the edge of your roof. If they get waterlogged, they can rot and eventually fall off.
If Your Roof Is Leaking, Call Hahn Roofing. We Will Fix It For You.
If you leaking roof, don’t hesitate to call Hahn Roofing at (928) 282-4733. We’ll fix it for you. We’re the leading roofing contractor in Sedona, Arizona, offering high-quality roofing products and professional roof repair services. Our roof inspection will determine the cause of the leak, and we’ll fix it quickly and efficiently. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Water damage can cause structural damage; if left untreated, mold can spread throughout your home. You should call a professional immediately if you suspect any water damage.