When you are a homeowner and you have a leaky roof, then you know that a lot of stress can be associated with deciding what to do while you are waiting for the roof to be fixed. Even if just a day or two will pass before your roofing contractor can get to your home in order to make roof repairs, you may be wondering what you should do to protect your roof and your home from weather elements that can be harmful.
In the worse case scenario, and this is often the case, you discover that your roof has a leak during a rainstorm. If the rain continues to fall for some time, the first thing that you will want to do is remove all of your belongings from underneath the leak. For example, if you have furniture underneath the leak, or clothes, or something else that can be moved easily, then placing the items in another part of the room is a great thing to do.
The next step that should be considered is to figure out a way to contain the water that is falling into your home. Perhaps you have a few water buckets in the garage that you can use, or maybe you have a kiddie pool that you can place underneath the dripping water. Whatever you decide to use to collect the falling water should have ample space, so the collection bin does not fill up before the roof repairs can be performed.
If the leak is significant, and you notice a bulge occurring across your ceiling, then you will need to remove the weight of the water in order to prevent the whole ceiling from collapsing. The best way to relieve the water bulge is to use a knife, a screwdriver, or some other tool that you have available, to poke a few holes in the lowest point of the bulge. This will allow the water to flow freely from the bulging ceiling, which will keep the ceiling from falling altogether. Remember, it is important to have something underneath the falling water, in order to prevent damage from occurring on the floors underneath the leak.
Once you have the inside of your home protected the best that you can from the water leak, then consider if there is something that you can do to the outside of your home, while you wait for a roofing company. If you are comfortable with going onto the roof of your home, you can place a tarp over the area where the leakage is occurring. You may also be able to hire a handyman or ask the roofing contractor to send someone out to your home to tarp the area, while you wait for the major repair work to be completed. It is extremely dangerous to walk around on a wet roof, so finding someone who has professional experience doing this is the best option.
Another thing for you to consider is to take photographs of all of the leaking area as thoroughly as you possibly can do. If you need to file an insurance claim, then pictures are a great way to document the damage that has been done to your home. It is also important that you take note of when you take the photos, as the damage may progressively get worse before the final repairs can be completed.
Many homeowners experience a leaking roof at some point or another, and it is important for you to remember what you need to do in order to protect your home, your belongings, and yourself as thoroughly as you can when this damage occurs to your home. Nashville Roofers is available to take care of your roof repairs. We typically can complete the repair within hours of your call, or at least put a protective covering over it to prevent any further damage. Contact us at any time!