No one likes hearing water dripping from their ceiling. A leak will inevitably cause damage to your attic, walls, and furniture.
Once you find a leak, you must act fast to avoid further damage to your home. If you have a way to access your attic, put on a headlamp and use a flashlight to inspect the attic decking and insulation for signs of moisture or mildew.
Check Your Gutters
Gutters are designed to carry water away from the house, but over time they can become clogged with debris like leaves, or even broken down by the weight of ice dams. This can lead to water pooling and leaking over the gutters, or falling behind the gutters and causing damage to the fascia board and soffit over time. Regular cleanings should be performed to keep your home’s gutter system functioning properly.
If you notice your gutters sagging, this is an indication that they are not being supported by the fascia board and are overly stressed. This puts extra stress on the gutter hardware, which can result in it pulling away from the house or even rusting out and breaking. This is a serious problem that should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further problems with your gutters and roof.
A simple way to check your gutters for leaks is by running a garden hose through them. This will help you to identify any areas that need repair or replacement before it becomes too late. If you don’t have a garden hose, you can also use a bucket of water and a sponge to spot any areas of moisture. This is best done with two people, so that one person can hold the ladder while the other carries the hose up to the gutter and sprays it into the gutter, starting at the opposite end of the downspout.
Puncture the Bulge
Whether you notice water dripping from the ceiling or you see dark spots and bulges in your home’s ceiling, it is important to act quickly. Leaving a sagging bulge unattended can cause the ceiling to collapse, which is dangerous for anyone in the house.
To avoid this, first place a large bucket or trash can under the bulge. This will catch any water that is leaking and minimize the damage to your belongings. You should also remove any decorations or furniture that may get wet. This is especially important for items with sentimental value, as the water can ruin family photos or other valuables.
If you have access to your attic or crawl space, climb up and inspect the area to track down the source of the leak. Look for wet patches, signs of mold and rotting wood. The source of the water leak may be far away from where it appears in your home’s ceiling. This is because water travels through insulation and drywall before reaching the ceiling boards below.
If you spot water stains in your attic, it’s time to call a roofing contractor. While it might seem counterintuitive to punch a hole in your ceiling, this is a necessary step. A new hole will relieve the pressure on the rest of your ceiling and allow water to flow through, minimizing damage to your home.
Inspect Your Attic
It’s important to check your attic for water leaks and signs of pest infestation on a regular basis. A leak in the attic can spread mold, mildew and other toxins throughout your home without your knowledge. If you haven’t had a professional inspection of your attic, consider scheduling one. An inspector will look for sagging or damaged framing, adequate insulation, and evidence of leaks or pest infestation.
A good time to inspect your attic is on a rainy day. Rain makes it easier to see where the leak is coming from because water reflects more readily. A flashlight is also helpful. If you see a wet spot on the ceiling, a quick look around your attic will reveal the source of the leak. It’s rare that the problem is directly above a water damage mark on the ceiling. Water usually seeps into the roof and then travels along rafters before reaching a damp area of ceiling or wall.
If you’re going to hire an inspector, ask for references from previous clients and request a sample inspection report. Look for a member of a respected industry association as well. This demonstrates the inspector’s commitment to adherence to industry standards and ongoing professional development. It may also indicate a higher level of experience and expertise. Also, be sure to move any personal items that might be affected by a potential ceiling collapse or water leak out of the attic.
Call a Roofing Contractor
If your home suffers water damage from a roof leak that you cannot fix on your own, it’s best to call in a professional as soon as possible. Water can do serious damage in a short amount of time, and ignoring it can lead to mold, mildew, or other problems within your home.
If you’re not quite ready to call in a roofer, you can take some temporary steps to protect your belongings and limit the damage. The most basic option is to place a bucket or other large container beneath the leaking area and monitor it as it fills. This will keep dripping water from running over the floor and causing further problems.
Another option is to cover the leaking area with tar paper or other plastic sheeting. Be sure to use a material that is waterproof and durable, as this will serve as a barrier against the rain until you can get it repaired.
It’s also important to document the leak and the associated damage with photos, especially if your insurance company is involved. This will help them process the claim quickly and ensure that any replacement costs are covered. If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy, you should always contact Roof Leak Repair immediately after the storm to file a claim and discuss any additional steps that may be necessary to mitigate damage.
