There’s a reason why there are over 150,000 roofers found in the United States. Roofs not only add an attractive appearance to many homes, but they also protect all of the contents inside.
As such, it’s vital to address any problems that occur with roofs as soon as possible. And, there are a few problems that are more obvious than a leaky roof. So, if you discover a leaky roof should you try and fix the problem by yourself?
Or should you contact a professional? If you want to know the answer to these two questions, then you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about roof leak repair. That way, you can get on track to having your home back in tip-top shape. Let’s get started!
When to Handle a Roof Leak Repair By Yourself
Not every roof leak situation warrants a professional call. The fact is that there are some problems that you can likely handle yourself. However, keep in mind that this work likely will require the use of a ladder and working from high elevations.
As such, if this makes you uncomfortable, then you shouldn’t be embarrassed to call a professional service. Now, on to the minor leaks that can be repaired by yourself. The first is a leak that’s caused by caulk.
If you discover cracks or holes in your caulk, then you can try tackling it yourself. First, you will need to remove all of the old caulk from the area. Next, you need to take a new caulk and replace the area you just removed.
Once you finish make sure to seal everything off. The other roof leak cause that you can tackle yourself is leaks caused by clogged gutters. Your gutters are responsible for redirecting water away from your house.
As such, when they become clogged with leaves and other debris then it can cause the water to pool on your roof. Because of this, you should make sure that you clean your gutter regularly. At least once a month is good (and more in the Fall if you live around trees).
When to Contact a Professional Service For Roof Leak Repair
In our opinion, anything greater than a minor leak requires immediate attention from professionals. The reality is that you might only have hours to act before irreversible damage occurs.
So, if you don’t act fast, then what might have been a simple repair job can quickly transform into a full-blown roof replacement. The good news is that there are a lot of professionals out there that offer twenty-four-seven emergency services.
So, don’t put off professional repairs if you can help it. In this next section, we’ll go over some of the consequences that come with waiting.
Why Should You Not Put Off Roof Leak Repair?
There are multiple reasons why you should never put off roof leak repairs. The first of these is the mold that they cause. Environments with a lot of moisture in the air quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Not only does mold give off an unpleasant smell and appearance, but it can also cause significant health problems. Leaking roofs are also a potential fire hazard. When water drips into your home it has the potential to come into contact with electrical wiring.
This, in turn, can cause sparks caused by a short circuit which is a serious fire hazard. Next, there’s the water damage. Water and housing material typically don’t get along. For ceilings, it can cause brown spots and weak structural integrity.
Any paint in the area will likely be damaged. On top of that, it can also cause the plaster to expand and bubble. Make sure to check out this article for more helpful information on why you shouldn’t put off a leaky roof repair.
What Should You Do While Waiting For a Professional to Arrive?
If you discover a leak in your roof, then hopefully you call a professional and they’re on their way. But, is there anything you can do to minimize the damage while you wait for them? The good news is that there is.
First things first, move everything out of the way. Clear the area of any furniture, clothing, bedding, or anything else that might be in the way. This is both to prevent damage to your belongings and to provide a clear path to the leak once the plumber arrives.
Next, you should try and contain the leak. This is a temporary fix, but a band-aid is all that’s needed while you wait for someone to arrive. The best tools for containing a leak are simple household objects like a bucket, trash can, or towels.
Spread these out as thoroughly as you can. They will prevent a lot of damage from occurring to the surrounding area. If water is pooling in your ceiling, then you might want to relieve the water pressure by poking a hole in the area with a screwdriver.
This might seem counterintuitive. But, if you let the water pool, then it can move on and damage other parts of the roof. Instead, puncture the lowest point of the bulge and get a bucket ready to collect any water that comes out.
Depending on the size of the leaking it may be necessary to puncture it several times.
Want More Content? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you learn more about roof leak repair. As you can see, roof repair is not something that you want to put off. And, if you aren’t confident in your repair skills, then you must contact a professional right away.
Otherwise, you could end up doing more harm than good. Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep exploring to find more topics that you’re sure to love.
