If Your Roof Starts Leaking

What to Do When Your Roof Starts Leaking

The first thing to do if you notice a leak in your roof is to clear the area around the leak and contain the water. Sometimes this means moving furniture out of the way and then finding a bucket or trash can that you can use to collect the water. This keeps your furniture and valuables out of harm’s way, and by collecting the water in a container, you are preventing damage to your carpet or floorboards.

Look for Water Buildup and Determine the Source

After everything is out of the way, you will want to inspect the ceiling for any bulges where water might be trapped. If your ceiling is painted, and you notice a bubble where the water is, you’ll want to use a screwdriver or something similar to poke a hole to relieve the pressure. This gets the water out of the ceiling and prevents it from spreading further. Regardless of what you do, the water will eventually come out of the ceiling, so it’s best to have a bucket ready.

At the same time, you’ll want to inspect your ceiling and determine where the leak is coming from. If you have an attic, check the attic to see where the water is coming from. Sometimes it will be straight above the leak, other times the water might have traveled down a support beam and collected a few feet away from where it’s entering your home.

Document, Tarp if Needed, and Start Repairs

At this point, go around and take photos of the damage inside and outside for your insurance company. The more photos you take, the better. Homeowner’s insurance can help cover the cost of both your roof and anything else that might have been damaged by the leak. The more you document, the better.

Outside, you’ll want to make sure the area where the leak is coming in is tarped off until a roofing company in Ann Arbor can start repair work. If you’re in the Ann Arbor, Michigan, area, we recommend contacting Roofman USA to get a free estimate. Roofman USA guarantees the best roofing repair workmanship and service, and can take care of the issue quickly. A leak can be a major undertaking to repair. It’s not uncommon for there to be multiple entry points for the water hidden under the shingles. You’ll want to make sure the problem is properly fixed, otherwise it can lead to other problems like mold growth or structural damage.

Ongoing Maintenance

Once the leak is fixed, it’s important to remember that roofs need ongoing maintenance. Shingle roofs have a lifespan of about 20-30 years, so if yours is around that old and leaks are becoming more frequent, it might be time to replace it.

Work with a Roofer in Ann Arbor!

If it’s a newer roof and you keep having problems, talk with your roofer in Ann Arbor to see what other issues there might be. They might recommend improving the ventilation, clearing trees that are too close to your home, or a good cleaning. Whatever the case, make sure you take care of your roof, so it can take care of you!