After a powerful hurricane or storm tears through the neighborhood, your home might experience a leaking roof. However, even before you call a professional roof company to fix the leak, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage. If you don’t take action, then more mold, bacteria, and other issues will occur. Below are four vital steps you should take if your roof leaks during inclement weather.
Contain and Remove the Flooded Water
If your roof leaks, the first thing you should do is contain the water that’s flowing into your home. If water lingers in the same area for too long, the more challenging it is to repair the water damage. Put a bucket or other waterproof storage devices underneath the leak to catch the water and safely contain it. However, while that may work for small leaks, larger leaks may require bigger containers or even tarping. Also, be mindful of furniture and electronics in the same room as the leak, as they can be damaged if they’re exposed to too much water. Remove the valuables from the room before they are damaged, and if you are unable to, cover them with a plastic or water repellant cover.
Dry and Clean the Affected Rooms
After containing the water from the leaky roof, it’s time to begin cleaning up the area. As with before, it’s essential to address the problem as soon as you possibly can: the longer you wait to remove the water, the more serious the damage will be. Scrub the floor with towels if tiled, but use a dry vacuum if the affected room is carpeted. It’s also important to dry out the ceiling and walls within 24 hours, as mold could start to grow there.
Dehumidify the Dampened Area
Even after cleaning up the water intrusion caused by a leaking roof, the remaining moisture in the room can still lead to mold growth and other potential damages. There are many ways homeowners can dehumidify a space, such as leaving the fans on, opening windows for ventilation, or using a dehumidifier.
Identify the Damage
Before contacting your roofing contractor, you ought to identify and document the damage caused by the leaking roof. Not only will it help the roofing company understand the specifics and severity of the roof damage, but it will also help out when you file a home insurance claim. Providing evidence of the damage incurred by the roof leak will assist in proving your eligibility for the claim on your insurance. Also, consider snapping a quick photo of the damage before drying and dehumidifying the room. This evidence will provide a picture of what the damage looked like at the time of the flooding. Once everything has been documented and cleaned up, it’s time to consult your roofing company so they can help repair your home’s leak!
If you’re searching for a high-quality roofing contractor or garage door installation in Bucks County and other Pennsylvania locations, consult A. Brooks Construction Kanga Roof today!
