What To Do When Your Roof Starts Leaking
When a roof starts leaking, it can come as a huge surprise, leaving most homeowners unsure of what to do. It can quickly get out of hand if you are not careful, causing extensive damage to your house and belongings. If your roof is already leaking, don't wait around to fix it. We recommend taking these necessary steps once you notice a leak in your roof.
Contain the roof leak
Once a roof leak occurs, your first step should be to protect your home from any additional water damage. Use a bucket, trashcan, or other large container to catch the water as it comes through the suspected area of the leak.
Next you will want to clean up any mess the leak has caused, such as water or debris. If possible, remove all furniture or appliances which may become damaged because of the leak. This is especially important if moisture will be a problem.
Call your local roofing company
Whether it is due to severe weather conditions, or just everyday wear and tear, roofing problems can occur even in the best of homes. Finding the right roofing contractor can ensure that any issues are swiftly resolved. The repairs could vary between repairing damaged shingles or even replacing the entire roof. If you have never gone through this process before, we highly recommend working with a roofing company that is competent, honest, and qualified to make the necessary repairs on your home.
Learn more about how to choose a qualified roofing professional here.
Prevent future roof leaks
After roofing repairs have been made, there are steps that you should take to prevent future damage and leaking. Here are some general housekeeping items that can help protect your roof from extensive wear and tear:
Clean your gutters. Are they clogged by leaves and debris? If so, this could become a problem. A gutter clogged by debris will cause water to back up, often traveling over the top of the gutters and finding its way into your ceiling via a flat or sloped surface above where the gutters are located.
Trim your trees. Trim trees regularly to keep branches from scraping against your roof. Tree branches above the roof can damage it by puncturing the surface. Over time, large branches can also rub against the roof and scrape against the shingles, causing damage and leaks. Pruning your trees at least twice per year will minimize both problems.
Do not forget the visual inspections. As you are performing the above tasks, take a minute to also perform a visual inspection of your roof area. Keep an eye out for any roof or shingle damage. If you notice any potential problems, be sure to address your concerns with a roofing professional early on. The last thing you want is for a small untreated problem to turn into a larger problem down the road!
Leaking roofs are a common problem for homeowners, but they do not need to be. Contact NH Grand Roofs if you are concerned about the integrity of your roof. Our professionals will help you determine if you have a leak and give you the best options for repairing it.
