A leaking roof can be alarming, and it’s not a problem you should ignore, especially during heavy rain. Failing to address a roof leak can result in more significant damage to your home. What’s more, many home insurance policies require the property owner to carry out regular maintenance in order for a claim to be upheld. A minor roof leak that has gone unnoticed or ignored and leads to water damage can result in the claim being rejected. In this article, we’ll go over what to look for if you think your roof is leaking, common causes of roof leaks, and what to do in an emergency if your roof is leaking.
Reasons that your roof might be leaking:
Let’s talk about some of the primary culprits behind a leaking roof:
- Blocked gutters: When your gutters get clogged up, water can’t flow away from your roof, but it has to go somewhere. If water gets diverted into your roof space or wall cavities, you’ll know about it.
- Loose or cracked roof tiles: If your roof tiles are damaged or out of place, they should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent water from coming in.
- Faulty flashing: Flashing around the base of your chimney can rust, crack, or not be properly sealed with roof sealant, leading to leaks.
- Leaking around skylights or whirlybirds: If the rubber seal around your skylight glass is damaged, water may seep in and leak into your home’s interior.
- Damaged roof valleys: A puncture in the roof valley can also cause leaks.
- Poor installation: Improper installation of the roof membrane or sarking can cause punctures over time, leading to leaks. Have you had solar panels installed? Sometimes roof damage can occur when tradespeople are working on your roof.
- Age: As your roof ages, the materials can start to degrade and compromise your roof’s integrity, potentially leading to leaks. In such cases, replacing your roof or applying new waterproofing may be necessary. A roof restoration can address your entire roof and is a more affordable alternative to roof replacement.
What to do if your roof starts leaking:
Step 1: Protect Your Things:
The first thing to do when dealing with a leak is to protect your possessions as best as possible from water damage. Any furniture, electronics, or valuables that can be moved away from the affected area, preferably to another room, should be relocated. If that’s not possible, cover whatever you can with sheets of plastic or a tarp.
Step 2: Contain the Leak.
If you can, place a bucket directly under the leak to collect the water. If it’s a heavy leak, you may need a second bucket to alternate when the first one fills up. You may even be able to fashion a water chute out of a tarp and redirect the water to a drainage point such as the bath or sink.
Step 3: Absorb Excess Water.
Try to soak up as much water as possible with old towels or a mop and bucket. Once the initial leak has stopped, running a fan can help circulate air, dry the area, and prevent mould growth. Be mindful, however, of using electricity in a situation where water has entered your home. It’s always advisable to get an electrician out. Certain moulds, especially black mould, can pose health risks if inhaled or ingested, so the sooner you can dry and remediate the affected area, the better.
Step 4: Call a Professional.
The solutions above are only temporary fixes in an emergency, and the leak is likely to occur again during heavy rain. Neglecting the issue can cause significant damage to your property. Contact a professional roofing company that can prevent future leaks by ensuring proper installation of roofing materials, applying a roof sealant, and using high-quality waterproofing products.
It’s important to hire a licensed, insured, and experienced contractor with positive customer reviews. After the repair, ask for specific maintenance instructions to keep your roof in good condition.
Don't Delay!
Schedule a roof inspection today
Fill in our contact form and one of our friendly roofing team will contact you to arrange a quote.