Owning a home is a dream come true for many, but it can be a nightmare to look at a leaking roof. If not repaired promptly, roof leaks can lead to mold growth, electrical hazards, and other safety issues. While you can contact us for emergency roofing services any time of day, you should be aware of the dos and don’ts regarding what to do in the moment of a roofing emergency.
At Trusted Roofing, we aim to help you live under a safe and sturdy roof by sharing our roofing knowledge and advice. In this blog post, we’ll explain the dos and don’ts of emergency roof leak repair, as advised by roofing experts. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to handle the situation confidently and efficiently.
How to Handle Emergency Roof Leak Repairs
While a leaking roof is an emergency, it’s crucial to approach the situation methodically. The last thing you want is to put your family and property at risk. So let’s have a quick look at the dos and don’ts to help you make the right decisions.
What to Do
In this section, we’ll focus on the dos – the steps you should take to address the issue effectively and safely. The first and most important step is to contain the leak if water is dripping from the ceiling.
#1 Contain the Leak
When water starts dripping from the ceiling, you must act fast to control the damage. One of the first things you can do is to contain the water using a bucket. Place the bucket directly underneath the leak to catch the water and prevent it from spreading. This will also help you to avoid slipping on wet floors and protect your furniture and belongings from water damage. Remember to empty the bucket regularly, so it doesn’t overflow and cause additional problems.
#2 Call the Right Professionals
After containing the leak, it’s time to call a reputable, local roofing contractor for an emergency roof leak repair service and a thorough roof inspection. A licensed and experienced contractor can find the actual cause of the leak and repair the roof efficiently. They can also provide a detailed estimate of the repair costs and guide you through the insurance claim process if required.
#3 Check the Attic
Before the professionals arrive, you can take some actions to contain the leak further and prevent property damage. If you can safely access your attic, it’s a good idea to go up there and check if you can contain the leak from there. Wear rubber-soled shoes and rubber gloves in the attic to avoid electrical accidents if wiring is present. Once up there, look for the source of the leak.
If you can spot the source, contain it using a bucket, tarp, plastic sheet, or some other waterproof material. This will prevent water from leaking into your home and causing more damage. If you can’t find the source, don’t try to check the insulation, especially if your insulation is old and asbestos based.
If you need help with what to do, or are uncomfortable working in small and dusty spaces, it’s best to ask your contractor for a free roof inspection. Some roofing contractors also offer 24/7 roof leak repair services for leaks caused by storm damage.
#4 Document the Damage
Take pictures and videos of the leaking areas and the damage caused by the leak. With this proof, you can explain to your roofing contractor how it looked initially, compared to how bad the situation is by the time they get there. These images will also help support your insurance claim, ensuring that you receive the compensation you need.
But before you get started or call anyone, it’s crucial to learn about the things you shouldn’t do in this situation.
What Not to Do
While it may be tempting to cut corners or save money when dealing with a roof leak, taking the wrong approach can lead to costly mistakes and potentially, even greater damage. So here are some things you need to avoid doing:
#1 Don’t Hire Unauthorized Personnel
When it comes to an emergency roof leak repair, you should only trust the job to a professional who has the proper training and qualifications to get the job done safely and effectively. Hiring an unauthorized handyman or roofer without a license can lead to defective work that may not solve the actual issue. Instead, it could lead to unexpected roof leaks and even more costly damage.
#2 Don’t Attempt DIY Repairs if You Aren’t Confident
In case of emergency roof leaks, your first instinct may be to try and fix the problem yourself. But if you aren’t knowledgeable about such tasks and the safety protocols involved, it can be dangerous to work with roofing systems. It is also not easy to find the root cause of an emergency roof leak, without working with all the layers of the roof. In such cases, DIY repairs may also lead to issues with your insurance claim and end up voiding product warranties, if any.
#3 Don’t Use Cheap Roofing Materials
Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to repairing or replacing your roof, instead, choose the best materials your budget allows. Choosing low-quality roofing materials to save a few bucks may seem like a good choice at first, but it can be a costly mistake in the long run. Cheap roofing materials are prone to premature failure, meaning more leaks, and can require frequent repairs.
#4 Don’t Use Temporary Fixes as a Long-Term Solution
While temporary fixes can help mitigate immediate issues, they should not be considered long-term solutions to your emergency roof leak. Using tarps, duct tape, or other temporary materials to patch leaks or damage might work for a short time, but they won’t provide lasting protection. It’s crucial to address the underlying issue and seek a professional for a permanent repair solution to ensure the longevity and performance of your roof.
#5 Don’t Forget About Your Homeowners Insurance
Moving forward with emergency roof leak repairs can be stressful when you need to pay the total amount. Fortunately, many homeowners’ insurance policies cover roof leaks and related damage caused by storms and other reasons, depending on the specific terms of the policy. Don’t forget to review your policy carefully and understand what is and isn’t covered in the event of an emergency roof leak. And as mentioned before, attempting DIY repairs or hiring an unlicensed contractor may void your insurance policy or lead to claim rejection.
If you are dealing with an emergency roof leak in Tennessee, we can help repair your roof permanently.
Get Prompt & Reliable Emergency Services For Roof Leaks
We understand the stress and frustration that comes with a roof leak, and that’s why we offer 24/7 emergency roofing services to safeguard your home. At Trusted Roofing, we’ve been helping homeowners in Tennessee for years, and they trust us with the safety of their homes. If you require emergency roof leak repairs in Hendersonville or the surrounding areas, we can come to your rescue as soon as possible. With our skilled and expert team, you can trust that your roof will be repaired permanently, giving you the peace of mind to move forward confidently.
Call us at (615) 714-4300, and we will be happy to offer you a free consultation and estimate after looking at the condition of the leak and your roof.
