Dangers of a leaky roof and what to do when you find a leak
By 911 Water Damage Experts
There are an array of problems associated with a leaky roof and if it’s not treated as soon as possible, it can lead to more significant expenses down the road. Below are some of the dangers that are associated with a leaky roof and tips on how to handle it.
Mould
If left alone, leaks on the roof can lead to mould and mildew growth. These could spread throughout your entire home and do further damage.
The mould could affect your furniture and clothing. Mould and mildew in your home can also lead to different health issues. The spores produced lead to allergic reactions and various health problems.
Regular roof maintenance can help detect leaks and other issues that may lead to more significant problems. The early detection of these problems allows for repair and extends the roof’s lifespan.
Interior Damage
Cracks on the roof where water can come in would damage your attic and the items kept there.
For homes with no attics, the leak may damage and weaken your ceiling. The water can also damage nearby walls, ceiling fans and lights. Make sure to consult a professional once you recognize these signs.
They can recommend the right solution to your roofing concerns.
Weakened Structure
A prolonged roof leak can lead to damages on the rafters, ceiling, and wall framings.
This induces wood deterioration and weakens wooden framing that leads to more significant problems. Water-damaged wood leads to peeling paint and a damaged ceiling.
A deteriorating ceiling can easily fall and damage things underneath.
Immediate roof repair is necessary to prevent minor problems from causing bigger ones. You can research different insurance claims and repair services, such as water damage restoration and resealing penetrations for leaks for your home.
Hazards
Leaks can cause water puddles on the floor. This is especially risky for homes with children because they can get hurt. Moisture on the wood makes it sag and lose its strength. The water can also gather behind ceiling drywall and may lead to a cave in.
Tips On How To Handle A Leaky Roof
Throughout the years, roofs weaken due to exposure to the elements, making roof leaks almost inevitable. Unfortunately, leaking roofs lead to water damage and mould growth if they are not repaired within 24 to 48 hours of the water intrusion.
Roof leaks are something to take seriously. They can be annoying and frustrating to deal with, but they can also be detrimental to the structure of your house.
If your roof is leaking continuously, mould can start to form in your house, causing potential health problems.
If weather is an issue and you can’t get a professional to come to your home, or you don’t have the extra money to spend, there are quick and easy fixes to stop the leak.
Minimize Interior Water Damage
-Move any items that might get damaged by water, such as furniture, electronics, and valuables to a dry area. Cover furniture with plastic sheets if you cannot move it.
-Place a bucket under the leak to collect the water. If the water is splashing into the bucket and onto the floor, pin a piece of string to the ceiling to let the water travel down the string into the bucket.
-Water leaks may cause paint on the ceiling to bubble or blister. In this case, take a small pin and puncture a hole in the paint to release the water in the area.
Locate And Repair The Leak
-If you have access to your attic, trace the water path in the attic to find the source of the leak. Look for water marks, stains or discolorations on the wood made by moisture.
-Be aware that the point where the water is leaking into the interior does not necessarily indicate the location of the crack in the roof. Water may travel down trusses and beams from the entry point on the roof until it enters a weak spot on the attic floor, causing a leak in the interior.
-Note the many causes of leaky roofs, such as old moisture barriers, deteriorated shingles or pipe flashing, missing flashing, caps or shingles, or clogged gutters and downspouts.
-Have your roof inspected and your gutters and downspouts cleaned twice a year to help prevent roof leaks and structural water damage.
-Contact a professional repair company if you are not comfortable doing the above tasks.
If Your Ceiling Is Leaking
-Utilizing a Roof Leak Diverter Bucket can help mitigate the damage and save thousands of dollars of damage while you repair the roof leak. The roof leak diverter bucket kit can help protect your home and catch nuisance leaks and channel them.
-For residential homes this can be used in the attic and attached to the attic trusses to divert the leak and save the ceiling and items below.
Use A Tarp To Cover The Leaking Area Of The Roof
-A tarp or tarpaulin is a large, strong and flexible waterproof material. It is often a cloth polyester that is coated in polyurethane. Most tarps have grommets that make it easy to tie down or secure it.
-Using a tarp is a quick and easy temporary fix for an emergency roof leak repair. Once you’ve located the area on the roof where the water is entering, you can now go on the roof and cover the area with a tarp.
-A tarp will protect the affected area by keeping moisture out. In order to effectively do this, you’ll want to make sure that you drape the top part of the tarp over the point of your roof. This way, no water will be able to run under the tarp.
-As soon as you fit the tarp over the area, nail the edges of the tarp down. It will keep the tarp from blowing away in the wind. This is an emergency repair that can be completed in minutes, so always make sure you have a tarp handy that you could use in a situation like this.
If you have any questions about water damage prevention and restoration feel free to call us at 1-833-WE-DRY-IT any time 24/7/365 all the time. We’re there when you need us!
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