The moment that you notice that your roof is leaking is never a pleasant one. There are many questions that run through your head: what should I do first? How do I get this taken care of? Who do I contact for help? That is where we can help. At Janney Roofing, we believe in professionalism and quality work, so we can take care of your roof repair before the problem gets out of control.
What Harm a Leaky Roof Can Do
A leaky roof may seem like nothing more than a minor hassle. A busy homeowner may be tempted to put off repair until the time is right. However, there are dangers in waiting and putting off a roof repair. Leaks in your roof can affect many other functional aspects of your house and cause more damage than you anticipated.
- Mold: This is perhaps one of the most significant risks of having a leaky roof. With the excess moisture that the leak is causing, mold can build up. Mold not only any surface it touches, but it is also incredibly harmful to one’s health.
- Fire: If the leak makes its way to your electrical wiring, a fire is a very real possibility. That can turn a small, fixable problem into a major catastrophe.
- Ruined Insulation: Leaks can soak into the insulation in your home. This means not only will the insulation have to be replaced, but energy bills, until that is taken care of, could skyrocket.
- Attic Damage: The first place to suffer damage from a roof leak is your attic. This puts the rest of your house at risk if it travels through to your ceiling, where it can cause bubbling of the plaster and stains.
Steps to Take Before a Roof Repair
Given how much is at stake if you do not take care of a leaky roof, it only makes sense to take action as soon as you notice it. Where do you start? There are a few simple steps that you can take to mitigate the damage and ensure that your home is safe until a roof repair can be done.
Push Furniture Aside
The moment that you notice a leak, you want to make sure that you move aside any furniture that may be in the way. Whether it is a bed, a table, or anything else, the last thing that you need is to have a piece of furniture taking on the water. This is especially true because the excess water can cause damage to wood furniture and mildewing on fabrics.
Keep Water Contained
The next thing you want to keep safe is your floors. If you have wood or laminate flooring, water drips from your leaky roof can cause warping and may lead to a costly repair later on. To keep this from happening, grab a large container to hold the water. This can be anything from a bucket to a trash can. The important thing is to keep an eye on the water level inside the container and switch it out as necessary before it overflows.
Cover Your Roof
If your roof cannot be repaired right away, it can be helpful to at least cover the hole in your roof with a tarp. Make sure to get one that is thick enough to withstand being outside and get one that extends well past the problem area. This won’t be a permanent solution but it should be enough to reduce the water damage in your home while you wait for a professional to come by.
Document Everything for Insurance
Your insurance may cover your roof repair, but in order to make sure that the claim is processed quickly and that you receive the amount that you need, you must have documentation. Take pictures of your roof and where the leak is stemming from. Then take pictures of any damage the roof may have caused inside the house as well. This includes warped floors, mildewy furniture, or ruined electronics.
Contact Us
At Janney Roofing, we know that a roof repair can’t wait. That is why we work with the homeowner to ensure that their roof is repaired as quickly and efficiently as possible. We understand that your time is valuable and your home is important to you, so if you would like to learn more about our services and how we can help you, contact us today.