Finding a roof leak during bad weather can be a nightmare. Whether it’s a heavy storm, rain, or even snow, the last thing you want is water dripping through your ceiling, causing damage to your home. Leaking roofs are stressful and frustrating, but acting quickly can prevent further issues.
Here’s what you should do if you find yourself dealing with a leaking roof in bad weather.
What you should do immediately with leaking roof
1. Stay calm and act quickly
First things first, try not to panic. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you notice a leak, but keeping a clear head will help you manage the situation better. Leaking roofs can cause significant damage, but the quicker you respond, the more you can minimise the problem.
2. Move valuables and furniture away from the leak
As soon as you notice water coming in, move any furniture, electronics, or valuables away from the leak. Water can cause severe damage to your belongings, and it’s best to move things out of harm’s way immediately. If you can’t move something, cover it with plastic sheets or large towels to protect it from getting wet.
3. Contain the water
Grab a bucket, pot, or any other large container to catch the dripping water. Place the container directly under the leak to prevent water from spreading across your floor. If the water is splashing out of the container, put a towel or old t-shirt inside the container to absorb the impact and reduce the splash. This will help protect your floors and carpets from water damage.
4. Relieve the water pressure
If you notice that your ceiling is bulging, it means that water is pooling above it. This can cause the ceiling to collapse if the weight becomes too much. To prevent this from happening, you need to relieve the water pressure. Take a screwdriver or a sharp object and carefully poke a small hole in the bulging area. This will allow the water to drain out into your container. It might seem like you’re making the problem worse, but it’s better to control where the water is going rather than letting the ceiling give way.
5. Identify the source of the leak (if possible)
While it might be tricky to spot the exact source of the leak during a storm, take a quick look at your leaking roof from the inside (usually in the attic). Roof leaks often happen around areas where there are openings or seams, like chimneys, vents, skylights, or roof valleys. Try to pinpoint where the water is coming from so you can inform a professional later. However, don’t spend too much time in unsafe areas, especially if there are signs of structural damage.
6. Tarp the roof (if safe to do so)
If the weather allows and it’s safe, you can try covering the leaking roof with a tarp as a temporary solution. Use a large, heavy-duty tarp to cover the section of the roof where the leak is coming from. Secure it with bricks, heavy objects, or nails to keep it in place. This will help prevent more water from entering your home until the weather clears up and a professional can make repairs.
Be extremely cautious if you attempt this. Wet roofs are slippery, and strong winds can make it dangerous to be on your roof. If you’re unsure or don’t feel safe, skip this step and wait for professional help.
7. Call a roofing professional
After you’ve taken these immediate steps to contain the leak, it’s time to call a roofing expert. They will be able to inspect your leaking roof and fix the damage. Make sure to let them know it’s an emergency, especially if the leak is severe. The longer the leak is left untreated, the more damage it can cause, so it’s important to get someone to your home as soon as possible.
Most roofing companies will offer emergency services for situations like this, and they’ll be able to make temporary fixes until the weather improves. Once the storm has passed, they can do a more thorough inspection and make permanent repairs.
8. Check for damage to insulation and plastering
Water from leaking roof can often seep into insulation and plastering, especially if the leak is severe or goes unnoticed for a while. Insulation that gets soaked can lose its effectiveness, meaning your home won’t stay warm in winter or cool in summer. Wet insulation can also develop mould, leading to health issues down the line. If you notice water damage to plaster or insulation, it might need replacing.
Plastering is another area that can get damaged due to leaking roofs. If you notice any peeling paint, sagging, or cracks in the plaster after a leak, it’s best to get it checked out by a professional. Left untreated, the damage can spread, and you’ll end up needing a more expensive fix later. We offer expert plastering services to repair any water damage caused by leaks. Whether it’s patching up small cracks or replacing entire sections, it’s important to address these issues before they lead to more problems.
9. Document the damage
While you’re waiting for the professionals to arrive, it’s a good idea to document the leaking roof damage. Take photos or videos of the leaking roof, the water damage, and any other affected areas. This will be useful if you need to file an insurance claim for the repairs. Most insurance companies require proof of the damage, so having clear documentation will help speed up the claims process.
10. Clean up any water
After you’ve dealt with the immediate issue, it’s time to start cleaning up the water. Use towels, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water from your floors. The quicker you can dry out the area, the less chance there is for mould or mildew to grow. If the leak has soaked through carpets or furniture, consider calling in a professional water damage restoration company to properly dry and treat the affected areas.
11. Prevent future leaks
Once your leaking roof has been repaired, take steps to prevent future leaks. Regular roof maintenance is essential, especially if you live in an area prone to storms or heavy rainfall. Have your roof inspected at least once a year and after major weather events. Keep gutters clean and free of debris, as clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep into your roof. Trim back any overhanging branches that could fall and damage your roof during a storm.
12. Know your insurance coverage
Roof repairs can be expensive, so it’s worth checking what your insurance covers. Some home insurance policies will cover the cost of repairs if the damage was caused by a storm or unforeseen event. However, they may not cover damage caused by wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Review your policy and talk to your insurance provider to make sure you’re clear on what’s covered and what’s not.
Get in touch with AAA Fast Plastering
Dealing with a leaking roof during bad weather can be a stressful experience, but acting quickly can help minimise the damage. By moving your belongings, containing the water, and calling a professional, you can protect your home from further harm. Remember, regular roof maintenance is key to preventing leaks in the future. If you ever find yourself facing a roof leak in the middle of a storm, these steps will help you handle the situation with ease.
If you need help with plastering or insulation repairs caused by a leaking roof, our team at AAA Fast Plastering is here to assist. Get in touch with us today!
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