Having a leaky roof can cause major damage to your home, and this is a very common scenario when the weather gets worse. Fortunately, roof leaks in heavy rain can be repaired and prevented.
What to do if your roof is leaking
If you notice your roof is leaking during heavy rain, here are some key points to consider:
- Move your belongings
Water damage can destroy and ruin your possessions, including furniture, clothing, and your bed. It is recommended you clear the area where the leak is coming from, and this will also allow you to have easier access to the leak. Water damage can also cause a mildew smell, so move your belongings out of the way as soon as you notice the leak.
- Contain the water
In order to prevent further damage to your floors, try to contain the leak as best as possible. Use a bucket or container and place it under the leak. If the rain continues to come down and fill the container, empty it out and repeat the process until the rain stops.
- Relieve the water pressure
If you notice a bulge hanging from your ceiling, water is collecting in that spot. If left alone, the water can spread and cause more damage to the ceiling. It could also break on its own and spread inside. While it might not seem like a good idea initially, it is recommended to poke a small hole into the bulge to release the water. Put a bucket underneath the hole to collect the water. Rather than have the water spread and potentially cause more damage, you are allowing the water to spill into a smaller area, which will cause less damage.
- Cover the area
We hope you can get the damage repaired quickly, but until then, cover the area with a tarp. To apply the tarp, wait until the area is dry and safe to climb, and don’t put too much pressure on the tarp. This could cause the area to leak again. Be careful when climbing up, as your safety is what’s important. If the area is still wet and hard to stand on, wait until the area is dry or call a professional. This won’t solve the problem for good, but this will act as a temporary solution until you can get a professional to repair the roof.
- Clear any standing water
When water is pooled in a certain spot for a long time, it can cause additional damage both inside and outside the home. Clear out as much water as you can to prevent further damage to your ceiling and floor.
- Take pictures for insurance documentation
Roof leaks in heavy rain can cause damage to your belongings, including expensive ones, such as your television or computer. Take pictures of the damage. When you file for a home insurance claim later, the pictures will help determine if your insurance company will help replace the items lost and repair your roof.
- Contact a professional roofing company
For some homeowners, repairing the roof might not be much of an issue. However, many issues can go unnoticed and cause more damage later. Also, you might not have the proper safety equipment and are more likely to injure yourself. It’s a good idea to contact a professional who can repair your roof. They can not only repair the roof but also find other issues that might need attention.
- Do regular maintenance
Once the professional has fully repaired your roof, you can prevent future leaks by doing regular maintenance. Roof leaks in heavy rain can happen in any season, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on your roof. Make sure to watch for any trees that are growing too close to your roof and cut back the branches and limbs if necessary. If your gutters and downspouts are clogged with leaves and debris, clear them away so that water can flow away from your house. Also, if any shingles become damaged or loose, get them replaced or repaired as soon as you can. If you notice cracks in your chimney, caulk will work as a temporary fix, but a professional will need to address these issues.
Able Roof can help
Roof leaks in heavy rain can be difficult to manage and repair, but we can help you. With 40 years in the business and over 400,000 satisfied clients, Able Roof will focus on providing efficient and professional care so you can get back to enjoying your life. Contact us today for a free estimate.
