As a property owner, you cannot afford to ignore when your roof gets damaged, especially due to water. Storms, and the heavy rain that can accompany them not only cause extensive damage to the exterior of the property but also to the foundation and other personal belongings you may have inside your home.
What this does, apart from compromising the safety of your family, is burn a hole in your pocket. The longer you wait to address water damage, especially on your roof, the worse the problem becomes and the more difficult and expensive it is to fix.
This is why you should know what to do when your roof leaks or there is any other kind of damage. Today, our guide on water damage roof repair will list some proactive steps that you can take to protect your home.
Causes of Water Damage
Missing or Damaged Shingles
Shingles are the first line of defense for your roof, protecting it from the weather outside. When these roofing shingles go missing or get damaged, water can easily seep into your roofing system. This causes leaks and water damage inside your property.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home. When they become clogged with leaves and other forms of debris, water has nowhere to go, causing it to flow out of your gutters and damage not only the roof, but the siding and foundation too.
Improper Attic Ventilation
Ventilation is essential for maintaining a healthy roof. If this is not done adequately, moisture can build up in your attic, leading to problems like mold growth and rotting wood, which can compromise the integrity of your roof.
Flashing Issues
Flashing is a thin strip of material that is used to waterproof the joints and edges of your roof. When flashing is damaged or not installed correctly, water can seep through vulnerable areas such as chimneys, causing further damage.
Ice Dams in Colder Climates
Though not commonly experienced in Georgia, living in an area with a cooler climate can cause ice dams to form on the edge of your roof when snow melts and refreezes. These ice dams can prevent water from draining off your roof, leading to water backup and potential leaks into your home.
Also Read: 9 Crucial Signs That You Need Roof Repair In Buford, GA
What Should You Do If You Discover a Roof Leak?
If you discover a roof leak, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage. In this section, we’ll discuss what to do when you discover a roof leak and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Contain The Leak
The first thing you do after you learn that you have a leak is to contain it so that the situation does not become worse.
Place a bucket or container under the leak to catch dripping water and prevent further damage to your home’s interior. If the leak is large or causing significant damage, consider using a tarp or plastic sheet over the top of the leak to divert water away from the affected area.
Protect Your Belongings:
Move any furniture, electronics, or valuables away from the leak to prevent them from getting damaged. Place them in a dry area or cover them with plastic sheets to protect them from water exposure. If items have already been damaged, document the damage with photographs for insurance purposes.
Inspect the Roof:
Once you have taken care of the interior and done your best to contain the damage, it’s time to step outside. A crucial step in water damage roof repair is to inspect your roofing system before doing anything else.
Always make sure it’s safe to access your roof, and then look closely for the source of the leak. Check for missing or damaged shingles, which may be cracked, curled, or completely gone. Additionally, inspect areas around vents, chimneys, and skylights for signs of wear and tear, such as damaged flashing or seals. These areas are common entry points for water and should be thoroughly examined.
Patch The Leaks
Now that you have inspected your roof, it’s time to take action in the direction of roof water damage repair. If you feel confident, you can temporarily patch the leak yourself. Doing this will not only prevent further damage but will also give you a buffer period till the roofing contractors arrive at your property. Here’s a brief rundown on how to do this.
Assess the Leak: Identify the location of the leak on your roof. Ensure that it’s safe to access the area.
Gather Materials: Collect the necessary materials, including roofing cement or a patching kit suitable for your roofing material, a putty knife, and safety gear.
Prepare the Area: Clean the area around the leak thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and any loose materials. This will ensure good adhesion for the patching material.
Apply the Patching Material: Use a putty knife to apply roofing cement or the patching material over the leak. Apply the material generously, ensuring that it covers the entire affected area.
Smooth the Patch: Use the putty knife to smooth out the patching material and ensure it is securely adhered to the roof.
Let It Cure: Allow the patching material to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes a few hours.
Document the Water Damage
It’s essential to document the leak and any forms of water damage that may have occurred. Take clear photos of the leak itself, as well as any water stains or damage to the interior of your home. These photos will be valuable when filing a claim with your insurance company, as they provide visual evidence of the damage.
Call A Professional Roofing Company
It’s good to be proactive and make temporary repairs to avoid further damage. But after you do all this, it’s still important to call a professional roofer.
Roof leaks are quite an intricate problem, and more often than not, they’re a sign several other issues with your roof will need professional attention. So, while patching will buy you time, it may not always fix the underlying issue, and can lead to more damage in the long run.
Hiring someone with experience and the right equipment will help you to safely repair your roof and prevent water damage from occurring in the future, too. A good roofer will also be able to provide you with a more permanent solution to your roofing issues.
Contact The Best Roof Repair Experts In Georgia!
A damaged or leaking roof can be a major headache, and it’s crucial to get it repaired as soon as possible. However, you don’t just want to choose anyone for the job, you want to hire professionals you can rely on. At Division Kangaroof, we offer the best water damage roof repair services in Gainesville and surrounding areas of Georgia. So why wait? Call us today at (706) 778-3516 and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your roof is in good hands.
