Roof leaks can be hard to repair yourself and sometimes even difficult to find. Here in Jacksonville, FL, roofs can be damaged by our stormy weather and long-term exposure to hot sun, hurricanes and even hail. Here are five things you should do whenever you discover your roof is leaking.
1. Manage the internal damage
When water seeps out from the ceiling, chances are good that there will be damage to your walls, ceiling, furniture and other property. First, find anything that is still dry and move them to a different room which does not have any damage from your roof leak. For heavy items like furniture that cannot be moved easily, cover them with plastic sheets. Use a bucket to catch any dripping water from the ceiling.
2. Get rid of the water
If your furniture or carpet gets wet, get rid of the water as soon as possible. In the case of wet carpets, remove it from the padding. The backing should be open to the air and allowed to dry. The padding will also need a fan to help it dry. This will prevent mold and mildew from growing underneath the carpet. Allow air to pass through those areas where any water has seeped in. There are professional firms that can help you, or you can use wet vacs to suck the water from the flooring. Either way, be sure to give your carpet and flooring plenty of time to dry completely before putting it back down.
3. Examine the roof in detail
Check the roof for any stagnant water. Check all the rain gutters, down pipes, valleys, etc. to make sure they are free from debris. The water should flow freely through these pipes away from the home. Roof leaks can be caused by many different things, from storm debris to problems with flashing and more. Checking the roof from the attic space can be helpful in locating the entry point of water from the roof.
4. Inform your insurance agent
It is a good idea to inform your insurance agent right away when you discover a leaking roof. Your homeowners policy may cover interior damage due to roof leaks, as well as the cost of repairing or replacing the roof.
5. Look for unseen damage
Sometimes leaks go unnoticed for a while because they are in a seldom-used area of the home, over the garage, or other out-of-the-way locations. So, it is important to inspect your roof for leaks or damage after windstorms, hail or hurricanes. Be sure to look both at the surface of the roof, as well as in the attic or crawl space. Check if you see any discolored wood that may indicate water damage. In the inside of your home, check for peeling paint, cracked ceilings, bulges in walls or ceilings, or discoloration.
DUBO Roofing will provide a free roofing inspection by professional, licensed roofers here in Jacksonville, FL. Call us today at 904.396.1889, request a quote, or stop by our showroom at 830 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, FL.
