Discovering a roof leak in your home is always a stressful experience, regardless of how small or large the leak may be. Roof leaks can be caused by many things, ranging from poor roof maintenance to storm damage or even a fallen tree limb. Regardless of the cause, there are some steps all homeowners should know to take in the event of a roof leak. By following the right steps, you can mitigate damage and have repairs done in no time.
Find a Way to Catch the Leak
As water enters your home from the leaky roof, it can cause major damage to drywall, framing, and anything else it comes into contact with. For this reason, it's important to "catch" any water as it enters your home. Typically, the easiest way to do this is to place a bucket underneath the leak. This is a practical way to collect water from a small or even moderately sized leak; just be sure to swap the buckets out as needed.
Locate the Source, if Possible
Sometimes, the location of the leak in your roof isn't so obvious. You might have visible water stains on your ceiling, but the leak may actually be located somewhere else along your roofline. Usually, the best way to locate a roof leak is to take a look in your attic while the leak is actively happening (such as while it's raining). This should reveal the actual location of the leak, which can be helpful for making patches and repairs.
Contact Your Home Insurance Agent
If you have homeowners insurance, don't delay calling your agent to report the leak. While not all causes of roof leaks are covered by insurance, many are. This is especially true if you've been properly maintaining your roof with annual inspections and the like. Your agent will be able to walk you through the claims process and may even be able to help get a roofing company out to perform a repair.
Find a Qualified Roof Repair Expert
Speaking of repairs, make sure to carefully vet any residential roofing company before you trust them with your roof repair job. Take time to ask for the company's proof of insurance and have them talk you through the exact repair they'll be performing. From there, you can have your roof leak fixed and be back to life as normal as soon as possible.
Dealing with a roof leak is a real hassle, but by taking these steps, you'll be on your way to a successful repair. Contact a local residential roofing company to learn more.
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