Is your roof leaking? Act fast, here is exactly what you need to do!
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Water always seems to find a way to get into any structure. It can be a long time before a homeowner notices the small opening that water has entered. In many cases, by the time the leak becomes apparent, severe damage to the structure of the house may already have occurred, accompanied by the growth of mold.
Unfortunately, the damage caused by water is not limited to the roof area. The number of health and safety hazards increases when the water finds a way to continue its way down, into the home, and to its foundation. The ingress of water can affect the entire structure and compromise the integrity of the property. It can also get into electrical lines and cause a fire hazard in the event of a short circuit. When it saturates walls, mold can grow easily and cause serious health problems.
Does your homeowner's insurance policy cover the leak?
The answer depends on your particular policy. Generally, however, your insurance company will expect a call as soon as you spot the leak. Once you notice the water intrusion, you will want to know that you have taken decisive and corrective action. You will also need to demonstrate that this leak occurred "suddenly and accidentally," as opposed to normal wear and tear on a house. If it is taking too long to notice the problem and fix it, your insurance company may consider it negligence on your part and not cover the repair. Don't wait to get rejected by your insurance company, practice frequent home inspections and write down changes or unexpected finds. Even if your claim is accepted, the roof must have been damaged by a covered hazard, which could be a fallen tree, large hailstorm, ice dams, heavy snowfall, or unusually strong wind.
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What can you do if you find that your roof is leaking?
After notifying your insurance company, you should try to determine if the leak was due to a recent weather event or a burst pipe. Access to your attic is a must. Take a light to bring to every corner and watch for obvious signs of moisture, dark spots indicate this Mould, Condensation or puddle water. Look at all of the visible pipes running through the attic. They can give you an indication of whether it is an installation problem or a leak coming from the outside. If you don't have access to the attic or are unsure of where to go, give your roof repair company a call and let them do it for you. Do not risk a fall that could cause other undesirable consequences.
Catch the water
If this is a leak in the middle of a room, putting a bucket under it should be pretty easy. This way the water cannot damage the lower floor. If you can't catch water, at least take steps to protect your belongings by covering them with plastic or removing them if possible. Water always finds the easiest way to unroll and expand, so it can be difficult to tell where it starts. In such cases, your roofing specialist is the best source of information.
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Get an appraisal
Your roofer can help you identify the origin of the Roof leak. They can also let you know if you need a mold remediation company, repair or replace your roof, and restore your home to its original condition.
