Roof Leaking? Here’s What You Need to Do First

Is your roof leaking? Act fast, here is exactly what you need to do!

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Water always seems to find a way to get into any structure. Before a homeowner notices the small opening where water has found a way in, a long time can go by. In many cases, by the time the leak becomes obvious, severe damage to the structure of the home may have already taken place, accompanied by mold growth.

Unfortunately, the damage caused by water does not contain itself to the roof area. The number of health and safety risks increases as the water finds a way to continue its path down, into the home, and all the way down to its very foundation. Water intrusion can compromise the entire structure, endangering the integrity of the property. It can also leak into electrical wiring, posing risks of fire if there is a short circuit. If it saturates walls, mold can easily start growing and cause serious health issues.

Will Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Cover the Leak?

The answer depends on your particular policy but, in general terms, your insurance will expect to receive a call as soon as you notice the leak. They will want to know that you took decisive and corrective actions as soon as you noticed the water intrusion. Also, you have to prove that this leak was “sudden and accidental”, as opposed to the normal wear and tear of any home. If you take too long to notice the problem and attempt to correct it, your insurance might consider this as negligence on your part and not cove the repair. Don’t wait until you are facing a denial from your insurance company, practice frequent home inspections, and make note of any changes or unexpected finds. However, even if your claim is accepted, the roof must have been damaged due to a covered peril which could be a fallen tree, a big hail storm, ice dams, heavy snowfall, or unusually high winds.

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What Can You Do When You Discover You Have a Leak in Your Roof?

After notifying your insurance company, you should try to determine whether the leak is due to a recent weather event or due to a burst pipe. Gaining access to your attic is a must. Take a light with you to shine it into every corner and look for obvious signs of moisture, dark spots indicating mold, condensation, or puddled water. Look at any visible pipes running through the attic, they may give you an indication as to whether this is a plumbing problem or a leak coming from outside. If you don’t have access to the attic or are unsure as to where to step, call your roofing repair company and have them do this for you. Don’t risk a fall that could cause other unwanted consequences.

Catch the Water

If this is a leak in the middle of a room, placing a bucket under it should be quite easy. This way the water will be unable to do damage to the lower floor. If you are unable to catch any water, at least take action to protect your belongings by covering them with plastic or removing them whenever possible. Water always finds the easiest way to roll down and expand so that it might be tricky trying to determine where it is starting from. Your roofing specialist is the best source of information in cases like these.

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Get an Expert Opinion

Your roofer can help you detect the origin of the roof leak. They will also be able to tell you if you need a mold remediation company, fix or replace your roof and return your home to its original condition.