With weather events from severe thunderstorms to tornadoes and hurricanes, Texas homeowners know that leaky roofs are almost inevitable. If you’ve discovered a leak in your roof during one of our infamous storms, don’t panic! Instead, minimize the damage with these expert tips on what to do when your roof is leaking.
Need emergency roof repairs? Give us a call to schedule service from our roofing contractors in Texas.
Turn Off the Power if Necessary
Is your roof leaking near a power outlet? Before doing anything else, cut off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker and disconnect any devices plugged into the outlet. This prevents water from splashing on the outlet and causing a fire.
Protect and Move Important Items
Leaks have a habit of springing up in the worst places, such as over your bed or a desk covered with important paperwork. It’s important to act fast for the best water damage prevention.
Move your belongings as far away from the leak as possible, ideally into another room. If you can’t remove the items, cover them with plastic sheeting or even garbage bags.
Contain the Water
It goes without saying, but you can’t simply let water pool on the floor while you wait for the leak to run its course. Contain the dripping with any suitable item you can find, whether that’s a bucket, bowl, soup pot, or even a kiddie pool. Keep an eye on your container and empty it before it gets too full.
Puncture Ceiling Bulges
Cutting a hole in your ceiling seems like a ridiculous thing to do, but if the ceiling is bulging, doing so is a must. Puncturing ceiling bulges prevents the water from building up to the point where it could cause your ceiling to collapse. Ignore the bulge, and you may have a much bigger mess on your hands.
If your roof is leaking, place a large container below the leak, and then cut a hole in the ceiling with a sharp knife or screwdriver. Leave the container in place until the water stops dripping.
Take Pictures and Video for Insurance Claim Documentation
If you plan to make an insurance claim for your leaking roof, you’ll need to take plenty of pictures (and ideally videos) as evidence of the damage. Take pictures of holes in your roof, standing water, destroyed belongings, and so on. Don’t throw away any damaged items until the insurance company gives approval.
File your claim promptly, too. Most insurance companies have a deadline by which you must make a claim. Miss it, and yours won’t cover any repairs.
Contact a Professional Roof Repair Company
Once you’ve taken emergency measures to protect your home and belongings, reach out to a roofing company such as Texas Roofers for repairs. We’ll determine the cause of the leak, whether that’s a hole in your roof or clogged gutters, and fix the problem ASAP.
If your roof is leaking in several places, we may need to replace it entirely.
Install an Emergency Roof Tarp
If you’re unable to have your roof repaired immediately, you can make a temporary repair with a roofing tarp. Choose a tarp that’s at least 6 millimeters thick and extends at least 4 feet over the damaged section of your roof. To secure the tarp, tuck it under the shingles or nail it down using roofing nails.
Unable or unwilling to climb on your roof? Call a professional roofing company to provide temporary repairs instead.
Preventing Future Leaks
Once you’ve repaired your leaking roof, there are a few things you can do to prevent leaks from springing up again.
- Watch for gutter and drainage issues: Gutters can get clogged with soil, leaves, branches, and other debris, which may cause the roof to leak. Clean your gutters regularly to prevent this.
- Look for roof flashing and sealant failure: Chimney and skylight flashing is a common failure point in roofs. Inspect yours for damage at least once a year.
- Schedule regular roof inspections: The best way to prevent leaks is to have an expert from Texas Roofers inspect your roof annually.
Count on Texas Roofers for Fast Leaky Roof Repair
If your roof is leaking, you can count on our experts to come to the rescue fast. We offer reliable roof repairs in Austin, Waco, Dallas, and the surrounding cities. If you need a new roof, we can help with that, too.
To schedule service, call Texas Roofers at (877) 977-0277.
