What To Do When My Roof Is Leaking

Determine If Your Insurance Company Covers Water Damage

If it looks like you might have significant storm damage, another thing you can do while you wait for the roofer to be able to come to your house is to determine if you’re covered for water damage by your insurance company.

In many cases, roof leaks and water damage is covered by homeowner’s insurance policies.

The only time it isn’t is usually when it’s caused by gross negligence, like if you avoided fixing a roofing issue that caused your leak.

Homeowner’s insurance usually doesn’t cover preventable property damage.

The main question you have to answer is if there was any way for you to prevent your leaky roof from occurring.

You have to prove that the leak was caused suddenly and without warning, which is what storm damage will do.

Heavy rains and winds will almost always be covered on your insurance policy.

Prevent Water Damage And Keep Your Home Secure

Storms may cause a lot of damage on their own, but if your roof is leaking, you need to get started on repairs as soon as possible. Remember to do as much work to prevent further damage to your home afterward, contact a professional roof repair company for assistance handling the leaking roof.

Are you dealing with severe water damage in your home that you don’t know how to fix?

We’re here to help. Contact us with any questions or concerns you have about our water damage restoration services and continue reading our blog for more helpful tips today!

So Why Do Some Roofs Only Leak In Heavy Rain

Some roofs are strange. It takes heavy rain to produce a leak. Just the light shower does not do the trick

I get a lot of enquiries through this website where homeowners make a mention that their roof leaks only during heavy rain

In my experience, roof leaks can be separated into 3 categories:

On this post, I will examine the second category of roof leaks.

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If Possible Fix The Leak Yourself

Certain leaks are not difficult to fix, so if the leak in your roof is small, you should be able to treat the area without any issues. If thats the case, you can follow the steps below.

Find the roof leak

Before fixing the area, youll need to find the leakwhich can be challenging at times. However, its not too big of a challenge if you know what to look for. First, check the roof for any signs of penetration.

The easiest way to do this would be to check the roof from your attic, although you can climb on the roof if you dont have attic space. The affected area will be wet and will probably have mold and black marks around it.

Small leak solution

Once you know where the leak is coming from, you can treat the area by cutting and removing the damaged roof part and replacing with a new part, or patching it if possible.

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How To Spot A Roof Leak And Know What To Do

What are the signs of a roof leak, and what steps should you take to stop the damage? Here’s what to do when you’re faced with a leaking roof.

Most homeowners or renters might be able to tell you the age of their roof, but beyond that, there’s uncertainty. Take a roof leak, for example: The first sign of a leaking roof for many is a stain on a ceiling or wall. Fortunately, there are some clear steps you can take to learn how to find a roof leak and help stop damage before it gets worse.

For example, a simple visual inspection of roof shingles while standing safely on the ground can help you identify spots where the roof might be wearing unevenly or where shingles are missing or damaged. Gutters and downspouts should be in good condition and kept free of debris that may prevent water from draining off the roof.

What are the early warning signs that you have a roof leak, and what should you do if you discover a leaking roof? Many roof leaks make an appearance during a heavy rainstorm, but other signs may indicate that you have a hidden roof leak that’s causing damage.

Leaking Roof After A Major Storm

In the case of a major catastrophe or visual wind damage, you probably already know that you need to get your roof looked at by the experts.

However, if youve noticed some of the more minor signs that weve listed below, then you need to examine things further and determine the next steps regarding your potential roof leak and repairs.

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Mark The Deck Cut Area

Snap a chalk line down the roof rafters on both the left and right sides of the damaged section of roof deck. Be sure to snap the line in the center of the rafters. Follow existing nails as a guide to the rafter center.

Then, snap a chalk line crossways or 90 degrees to the rafters both above and below the damaged section.

What To Do When Your Roof Is Leaking

Many panic when they see water leaking from the roof. The first instinct may be to fix it yourself to save a few bucks. However, roof leaks can cause significant damage to a home if the underlying cause isnt discovered and repaired properly. Knowing how to prevent a leaking roof and what to do when your roof is leaking may save you time and money. Here are some important things to keep in mind if you encounter a roof leak.

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Thoroughly Examine Your Attic

Be very careful where you step so you dont fall through the ceiling, but when checking for a leak, its important to investigate your attic. Check for all the signs of water damage and look for the presence of a leak. Consider bringing a flashlight to examine any hard-to-see areas. Look for mold, water stains, or musty smells around the rafters and roof sheathing.

Use A Tarp Or Plastic Sheet To Cover The Area

Whether you find a damaged shingle, pooling water on the roof, or a fallen tree limb, youll need to repair the area temporarily until help can arrive. The simplest and most effective way to do this on your own is with a tarp and several two-by-four wooden boards.

First, sandwich each side of the plastic sheet between two boards. Nail the two boards together on each side so that the plastic sheet is held firmly in place. You should now be able to pull the sheet tight and set down the boards so that it lays flat.

• If you have a flat roof, simply spread the tarp out evenly across the damaged area with plenty of room on each side. Set down the boards to hold the covering in place.
• If you have a sloped roof, you can place one set of boards over a peak in the roof to anchor the covering in place.

When placing a tarp over your roof to temporarily cover a leak, make sure to do so gently and without putting too much pressure on any one spot on your roof. Do not nail or staple the tarp directly to the roof materials, as this can create further leaks.

Make sure the boards are heavy enough on all sides to hold the sheet in place and prevent wind from lifting the sheet from underneath. Boards that are not firmly in place can be hazardous to both your roof and to your neighbors.

After placing the tarp, you will need to periodically check on the solutionespecially if you have a flat roofto make sure water isnt pooling within the tarp.

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Preventing Future Roof Leaks

The best way to prevent future roof leaks is through routine roof inspection and maintenance. Experts recommend you examine your roof every fall and spring. Replace any damaged or warped shingles as soon as you spot them, and look for holes or weak spots in your caulking. Identifying potential problem areas early can help you treat them before they cause further damage.

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Repair Toilet Leaking At Base

A ridge of water around the base of the toilet indicates that the toilet is leaking where it connects to the closet flange.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

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Move Things Out Of The Way

When your roof is leaking, thats bad enough. The last thing you want is to ruin your belongings in the process. If theres a leak over your bed, clothing, or furniture, its time to clear the area!

Water damage can destroy some of your precious belongings, and nobody wants that. Not to mention, some fabrics trap water and create a dreadful mildew smell. So whatever you can push out of the way, do it ASAP!

Call A Professional To Perform Your Roof Leak Repair

Of course, the above solutions are only short term fixes! If your roof leaks in heavy rain once, chances are it is bound to happen again. If left unchecked, roof leaks can wreak massive damage on your property. Thats why its important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

We recommend calling a professional roofing company, who can prevent the roof leak from occurring again by:

• Making sure all roof materials are installed properly
• Applying a roof sealant for leaks
• Using only high-quality roof waterproofing products

We recommend making sure your contractor is licensed, insured and has a wealth of experience and happy customer testimonials. Once they perform the roof leak repair, ask them to provide specific maintenance instructions to keep your new roof in good condition.

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Roof Leaking Unexpectedly Heres What You Should Do

Nobody ever wants to find water dripping down from their ceiling or down walls. If youve come home to find water dripping from above, there is a good chance your roof is leaking. You might be wondering what to do if the roof is leaking. The most important thing is to take immediate action! Stalling on a leak repair can result in further damage to your home. As soon as you notice water dripping and causing discoloration on your ceiling, grab a bucket and your phone. Place the bucket under the site of the leak and give your go-to Dayton roofing company a call to assess the situation.

In the meantime, here are 6 steps to handling your roof leak in the best way possible:

Fix Leaking Shower Or Tub

Showers or bathtubs can leak water that spills over the side or from the faucet, drain, or overflow.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

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Sweep Away And Soak Up Standing Water

If you find an area or multiple areas of pooling or standing water on your flat roof , carefully sweep water downwards off the roof. Remember to use a soft broom and not sweep too aggressively, especially if you have a flat roof that can be easily damaged by scratching and gouging.

Be mindful not to step or put pressure on the area where water has been pooled, as it may be weakened.

To further reduce potential water damage, you can use a mop or towels to soak up any remaining pooled water.

Redirect Leaking Water With A Bottle Funnel

If youd rather not deal with emptying a bucket or other container every couple of hours, a bottle funnel can redirect water outside the house, instead. The bottle funnel solution can be used inside the home, where the leak is entering through the ceiling, but is best applied within the attic to most effectively deter water damage.

To create a roof leak funnel, grab an empty plastic jug or large bottle. Cut the bottle in half so that you have a wide opening on one end and the bottleneck on the other.

Next, grab a hose. It will need to be long enough to reach from the location of the roof leak to the nearest window or exit.

Using duct tape or another strong adhesive, attach one end of the hose to the bottleneck end of your funnel. Using the same strong adhesive, position the wide end of the funnel over the leak and attach it securely in place.

Now, you can place the other end of the hose outside via a window or door, and the water should flow through the funnel safely out of the house.

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Remove Fallen Tree Limbs

Next, if you notice large fallen tree limbs, carefully remove the large debris while paying attention to the potential damage underneath. You will need to cover any holes or areas of damage caused by the fallen limb.

You may not always be able to remove large tree limbs or debris on your own, and that’s OK. Some roof debris will need to be broken down into smaller pieces, which is best left to the experts.

If a tree limb cannot be removed safely–for example, if you can’t lift the limb without becoming destabilized, or if moving the limb could cause more damage to the roof–simply cover the area as best you can to prevent further water from entering through the roof.

Cover Your Roof Leak With Tarp

Tarps can be a very handy material to temporarily keep the water out. Once you have found the leak, if its in your attic, you will need to secure a tarp over the area by either tying it down or installing nailer boards such as 1×2s to prevent it from flying off. Make sure that the ends of the tarp extend over the ridge of your roof to increase the tarps ability to retain water. If one layer isnt enough, you may need to consider installing a second tarp a few inches below the first one.

If you dont, Be aware this is only a very temporary solution, and every caution should be taken when putting up the tarp.

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Why Does My Roof Only Leak Sometimes

Have you noticed an occasional leak from your roof? Sporadic leaks in your ceiling may not seem like a big deal, but dont take them lightly. Even a single leak can quickly become worse and cause costly damage to your house and your belongings.

So why does your roof only leak sometimes? Here, well show you the most common reasons your roof is leaking and what steps to take to protect your home.

Find A Great Roofing Company For Your Roof Leak

Once you go through these 6 steps, youll be ready to sign on the dotted line to get your roof leak taken care of. After signing your estimate, youll get your roof repaired or go through the replacement process.

• Learn how much your roof replacement could cost.

Remember, hiring a reputable local roofing contractor is the crucial first step to this entire process. You have to hire one who has a strong installation history and is known to do things the right way.

But how do you find a great roofing contractor from all the options available in your area? Because we put so much emphasis on giving you the power to make the right hiring decision, we’re going to give you 7 tips on how to find a great roofing contractor in your area.

The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been providing high-quality roofing services since 1990. Our workmanship ensures you get the most out of your roof. When you work with us, youll never worry about your roof again.

If you’re local to Nashville, don’t hesitate to contact us to take of your roof problems.

Whether you’re local to Nashville or not, check out 7 Tips to Find a Great Roofing Contractor to ensure you make the right decision.

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