{"id":6402,"date":"2020-05-18T14:26:15","date_gmt":"2020-05-18T18:26:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/?p=6402"},"modified":"2020-05-18T14:31:34","modified_gmt":"2020-05-18T18:31:34","slug":"what-to-do-when-your-roof-is-leaking-9-key-steps-to-take","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/what-to-do-when-your-roof-is-leaking-9-key-steps-to-take\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do When Your Roof is Leaking: 9 Key Steps to Take"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Roof leaks aren\u2019t just annoying and embarrassing; they\u2019re also a health hazard. These leaks may lead to the growth and proliferation of mold and mildew. The spores from these fungi can then lead to serious respiratory complications<\/a>, especially for people highly sensitive to the allergens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health matters aside, the water from your leaking roof can also lead to mild structural issues. The water that accumulates when your roof is leaking damages your ceiling and attic\u2019s interior. Depending on the extent of the damage, it could even affect your ceiling fixtures like fans and lights that you mount on the ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So the next time you want to ignore that roof leak, you better think twice. Plus, repairing a leaking roof isn\u2019t as difficult as you\u2019d think. If you have a leaking roof problem, here\u2019s what to do to address the problem once and for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Steps to Take When the Roof Is Leaking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most folks solve their leaking roof issue with a simple mop and a bucket. Others just use the bucket only by placing them below the roof leak. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, it\u2019s time to put those mops and buckets away, because here\u2019s a step-by-step process on how to take care of that annoying roof leak permanently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Cordon off the Area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s just a fancy way of saying mark the area where the roof leak is. That\u2019s easy to spot because of the puddle that forms beneath the roof leak. In some cases, you might have multiple leaks, so make sure you get all of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A puddle doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that there\u2019s a roof leak. Sometimes you\u2019ll just feel a drop on your head while walking in your house. Also, a discolored patch on the ceiling means that there\u2019s water pooling on that part of the ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you establish the point of leaking, place a bucket or any other container underneath to catch the falling drops. If you can\u2019t stand the dripping sound, then place a cloth or scrap wood to muffle the sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Drain Everything<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Get a firm ladder and place it under the leaking area. Climb onto the ladder until you get exactly where the leak comes from. With a screwdriver, palette knife, or pen, puncture the area to make the water run freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It seems counterproductive, but you\u2019re actually helping the situation by punching that hole into the ceiling. Doing so prevents too much water from pooling on your ceiling. In some cases, the water weight makes the ceiling sag and even crash in severe cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, don\u2019t punch a hole that\u2019s too large, a hole about half an inch wide should be easy to repair once you\u2019re done with everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Get to the Bottom of Things<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just because water comes from that point on the ceiling, doesn\u2019t mean that\u2019s where the hole is on your roof. Water travels down your trusses before it finally drops to the ceiling. If you have flashing, then the water finds a weak spot on the flashing before getting to the ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The easiest way to find the hole on the ceiling is by shutting out all the light from outside and then checking the spot on the roof where the stream of light comes from. Mark the area with whatever you can before moving to the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other method is to have someone pour water on the roof with a hose, while you check for any leaks. The first method is way easier and less risky than this method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Get the Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Up to this point, you\u2019ve done a pretty good job, and now the pros can take it from here. You\u2019re never too good for some professional help, and sometimes finding the source of the leak is more complicated than you\u2019d think. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also lots of things that could lead to a leaking roof. Anything from clogged gutters, cracked shingles to a weak flashing may be causing the leak on your roof. A professional roofing contractor will quickly get to the cause of the issue and carry out the necessary repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how you find the right roofing contractor<\/p>\n\n\n\n