Do you want to fix your leaking roof immediately? At RST Roofing and Renovations, we’re here to help you. In this blog post, we will explain the steps you should take in the beginning to handle the leak immediately and also describe permanent solutions to ensure a leak-proof roof.
Immediate Steps To Take To Control The Roof Leak
If water is dripping down from the ceiling, it could mean trouble for your home, that damage is present, and that you need to take steps to control and prevent further damage from occurring. Here’s how you should start:
Contain The Water
Place buckets or containers under the leak to catch the leaking water and prevent it from damaging the floor, furniture, appliances, and other items in the room.
Protect Belongings
Move any valuable items or furniture away from the leaking area to prepare it for controlling and repairing the leaks. Cover heavier items with tarps or plastic sheets for additional protection if needed.
Create Drainage
If water is ponding on the attic floor, carefully puncture the area with a screwdriver or similar tool to create a small hole. This allows trapped water to drain out, relieving pressure on the ceiling and reducing the risk of collapse. Don’t forget to place a bucket below and protect your belongings.
After you’ve taken these necessary actions, it’s time to take the steps toward a temporary fix.
How To Fix Your Leaking Roof Temporarily
Fixing a leaky roof never involves patching it up from the inside. If not from there, water will start leaking from somewhere else unless the source of the leak is found and repaired. Since a roofing system is made up of multiple layers of different materials, professional expertise is necessary to make the proper repairs. However, before you call a professional, there are some steps you can take as the homeowner to prepare for permanent roof leak repairs:
1. Clear Obstructions
Climb up to your roof and remove any debris or obstructions from the surface, such as leaves, branches, or snow, that may be contributing to the leak. This will help you check the roof for damage and also improve rainwater drainage, preventing further water intrusion.
👉 Use a blower or a brush to clear away the debris.
👉 In winter, use a roof rake to remove big chunks of snow and ice.
👉 Spray ice melt solutions or use a streamer to melt the remaining ice and snow from the roof.
👉 Consider installing heating cables along the roofline to prevent water from freezing further along the roof’s edges.
Please note, that if you do not have the right tools and products to fix your leaking roof, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. This will be more cost-effective and quicker, as they already have expensive professional equipment and snow melt solutions for roofs. Plus, they’d do it with complete safety and precision.
After cleaning and preparing the roof, it’s time to inspect it safely.
2. Inspect The Roof Safely
For homeowners, binoculars can be handy for inspecting the top of the roof from a safe distance. You can use them to scan for signs of roof damage, including missing or cracked shingles, loose or warped flashing, or areas where water may be pooling.
👉 If you suspect an area to be the source of the leak, carefully place a tarp over it to stop water intrusion for the time being. If you suspect multiple areas of damage, do not attempt to cover all of them by yourself. This situation calls for large-scale, professional roof tarping service, covering every area that might not be safe or feasible for you to reach.
3. Check The Attic or Upper Floor
If accessible, homeowners can inspect the attic or upper floors for signs of water intrusion or damage. Look for water stains, mold or mildew growth, damp insulation, or any other indications of a leak. This can help identify the general area of the roof leak as well.
👉 You can catch the water in the attic itself and prevent it from reaching the rooms below and causing more damage.
4. Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
Check gutters and downspouts for clogs and debris buildup. These problems obstruct proper rainwater drainage, which is one of the leading causes of water intrusion. When the gutters or downspouts are clogged, water starts overflowing on the roof and leaking behind the gutters. This makes way for the rainwater to get behind the fascia, drip edge, siding, and under the shingles.
So, wear gloves and start cleaning out the clogged gutters. Remove larger debris like leaves, twigs, and branches with your hand or a scoop. If the downspout entry is clogged, insert a hose and let the water flush the debris out of it.
5. Take Pictures and Videos Of Your Findings
Take notes and photos, or record the visible damage or areas of concern to share with the roofing professional. This can help them inspect the roof and begin with the roof leak repairs more quickly.
Permanent Solutions For Roof Leak Repair
While temporary fixes can help mitigate immediate damage, a permanent solution is necessary to protect your roof and home from water damage. Here’s how you should proceed with repairing your leaking roof permanently:
Schedule Professional Inspection
Hire a reputable roof repair contractor to conduct a thorough inspection of your roof. They have the expertise and equipment to find the main cause of the leak and recommend appropriate repairs.
Address Roof Damage
Based on the findings, the professionals will repair or replace damaged materials such as gutters, shingles, or underlayment. This may involve sealing cracks, replacing shingles, or repairing flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights.
Fix Structural Issues
If the leak has caused structural damage to the roof deck or support beams, it’s necessary to address these issues quickly. This may involve reinforcing weakened areas or replacing damaged sections of the roof to maintain its structural strength and enhance its lifespan.
Improve Ventilation and Insulation
Poor ventilation and insulation can lead to roof leaks by causing condensation and moisture accumulation in the attic. Your roofing contractor may recommend improving ventilation and adding new insulation to prevent such leaks and improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Apply A Waterproofing Membrane
To provide an extra layer of protection against water intrusion, consider applying a waterproofing membrane, or ice and water barrier to vulnerable areas of the roof, such as valleys, eaves, and around roof penetrations.
Practice Regular Maintenance
Once the repairs are complete, follow a regular roof maintenance plan prepared by your contractor to make sure your roof remains in good condition. This may include cleaning gutters, inspecting for signs of damage, and promptly addressing small issues.
Consider A Total Roof Replacement
If your roof is old or extensively damaged, it is more cost-effective in the long run to replace it rather than continuously repairing the leaks and other problems. Consult with your roofing contractor to check if a roof replacement is the best option for your home.
If you live in Atlanta, or a neighboring town in Georgia, our team at RST Roofing and Renovations will be there to help you on priority!
Fix Your Leaking Roof With Atlanta’s Trusted Experts!
At RST Roofing and Renovations, we are your neighbors who are here to help you with our honest, expert, and prompt roofing services. Our certified and experienced professionals are equipped with the latest tools and technology to inspect and repair your leaking roof with durable solutions that don’t compromise the beauty of your home.
Take a look at what our customers have to say about our roof leak repair services.
If you are looking for a reliable roof repair service in Atlanta, Georgia, or the surrounding area, you can trust RST Roofing and Renovations. Call us at (404)-548-8901 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts.
