The roof over our heads is one of the most important features of our homes. Our roofs provide us with safety, comfort, and shelter from the elements. Your roof has such an important job, but many of us don’t give much thought to just how much our roofs do for us until there’s a problem.
A common problem homeowners encounter with their roofs is a roof leak, and a leaking roof can very quickly become a large problem. Not only can they be expensive to fix, but they can also lead to excess moisture, which can cause health problems if not addressed. If your roof recently sprung a leak, don’t panic. Below, we’ve made a guide for you to follow on what to do after a roof leak and whom to call for roof leak repair.
My Roof is Leaking! Now What?
First things first remain calm! Here are some things you should do to mitigate the problem while waiting for your roof leak repair.
1. Move things out of the way.
Water leaking from your roof is bad enough, but when substantial amounts of water pour into your home, you’ve got more to worry about than just your roof. Move your furniture and other valuable items out of the way quickly so they don’t sustain any damage.
2. Contain the water.
After you’ve moved your possessions out of the way, try to contain the water. Place a tarp down on your floor to prevent water damage to your carpet or flooring, and then use pots, pans, buckets, basins, or anything that can catch the water to keep it from spreading. Monitor the containers and empty them as needed so they don’t overflow. A roof leak repair is much less costly than repairing your walls, floors, and foundation, so it’s important to prevent further damage by containing the water as best you can.
3. Take photos.
Once you’ve scheduled an appointment to fix your roof leak, take pictures! Pictures will be needed for insurance and warranty purposes. Ask your roofer to take some photos of your actual roof, too. Your roofer will know what to look for, and what kinds of photos insurance will need. It’s safer for a contractor to be on your roof than it is for you. Take photos inside your attic, home, and anywhere that damage has occurred.
4. Call us – a local roofing company.
Once you’ve prevented more damage from happening, the most important thing you can do is call a local roofing company to perform your roof leak repair. Working with a local roofer is essential for a few reasons. Local roofers understand the weather and climate where you live and will know which materials work best for homes in your area. They have an in-depth understanding of local building and installation codes, so their work will comply with laws in your state. They’ll also be readily available for any future repair work needed or if something goes wrong with your repair, they will know exactly what to do.
Many times, after a large storm, roofing companies from out of town or state infiltrate the area and take advantage of homeowners who need help. They undercut local companies and then move on to the next storm-hit area and aren’t around to help in the future. Always call a local roofing company when you need to schedule a roof leak repair.
5. Continue with regular roof maintenance.
After you’ve had your roof leak repaired, make sure that you keep up with regular roof maintenance to prevent any more leaks in the future. This includes:
- An annual roof inspection by a professional roofing company
- Regularly checking for and removing any debris on your roof
- Keeping trees near your home trimmed so branches don’t damage your roof
- Cleaning your gutters out and checking them regularly so water doesn’t pool on your roof
Roof leaks are one of the worst problems to encounter as a homeowner, but thankfully, if you’re in the Jacksonville area, you can count on Jack C. Wilson Roofing to help with your roofing and roof leak repair needs. If you suspect there may be a problem with your roof, contact us today!
