Even when you take all the preventative measures you can think of, life happens. One day, you’re relaxing care-free in the comfort of your home, the next you notice, with increasing apprehension, a water stain spreading across the ceiling. When it comes to repairing a leaky roof, time is of the essence as addressing a roof leak immediately can save you thousands of dollars in repairs later on.

Immediate Actions to Take and Stop Further Damage

Contact your insurance company before committing to professional repairs. Then, phone a roofing company immediately to help troubleshoot, ask about an estimate, and schedule an emergency roof repair. You want to prevent as much interior damage as possible so there is no time for hesitation.

Minimizing interior damage is the next critical step. This may seem counter-intuitive, but locate the wettest spot or bulge in the ceiling and make a small hole in the middle of it. Place a bucket underneath to collect incoming water. Consider a spare container to catch drips when one fills in the event of heavy leakage.

Move furniture and other objects out of the way; if the furniture can’t be moved, at least cover everything with tarps or plastic. Roll away area carpets, move and unplug electronics and floor lamps. Leave space for repair people. Grab towels to soak up as much moisture as possible and prevent mold problems from developing.

Next Steps and Troubleshooting

It’s not recommended to attempt roof repairs if it’s still raining. Not only will the moisture make certain roof top material slippery, but it can also make it challenging to locate the source of the leak. And obviously you don’t want to step out onto any roof during a lightning storm! Not everyone is comfortable working with heights, so don’t attempt anything you don’t feel confident doing.

Then, try to find the point of entry, the area where the water is coming from. If you can access the attic, examine the area you think the leak may be coming from with the aid of a flashlight. Depending on your roof, it could be coming from the attic or a broken shingle on the rooftop.

If it’s dry outside, consider temporary repair measures you can take until a contractor arrives. This is where roofing cement, roofing tape, or a tarp will come in handy. The roofing cement or tape can be applied to the inside of an attic leak or the outside of the roof. A tarp can be placed overtop the roof to provide a barrier between the rain and your home until proper repairs can be undertaken. A tarp can be secured to the roof with boards or other stable objects that can weigh it down into place. A staple gun can also be used to keep the tarp in place.

Moving Forward    

While prevention is crucial in preventing leaking roofs, it’s not always a perfect science. Leaks can happen to the most fastidious of homeowners. Take charge of the situation immediately and prevent further damage. Choose a trusted local roofing company like Shoreline Roofing & Exteriors in Victoria to ensure professional repairs are done right. Remember, it’s all a learning experience and you may discover new ways to protect your home from the elements in the future.

Call the experts at Shoreline Roofing in Victoria at (250) 413-7967 or email us at ed@shorelineroofing.ca today for more information about our services and to arrange your free quote!