How to Deal With a Leaky Roof After Installation

A leaking roof can cause extensive damage to your home and lead to expensive repairs. If you spot a leak, make sure you fix it right away.

Before you do anything, find out where the leak is coming from. This will help you determine if the leak is coming from the roof or some other source.

1. Look for the Source of the Leak

When you have a leaky roof, it’s important to locate the source of the damage. Otherwise, the problem can worsen, especially if you wait to fix it.

A good way to find the source of a leak is to look inside your home for signs of water damage or condensation. This can include wet spots on your ceiling, a bulging area of drywall or dampness along a ceiling line.

It’s also a good idea to inspect your attic for mold, mildew or other signs of water infiltration. While this isn’t necessarily a sign of a roof leak, it can be an indicator that your attic ventilation isn’t working properly.

To investigate your attic for leaks, you’ll need to be able to access the space. This can be difficult, as some builders build homes with inaccessible attics or vaulted or cathedral ceilings.

Once you have access to your attic, you’ll need to determine if the leak is coming from the rafters or wall joints of your attic. If it’s coming from the rafters, you’ll need to use a flashlight to examine the interior of the rafters for evidence of water or moisture.

If the leak is coming from the wall or ceiling joists, you’ll need to remove the insulation and check the drywall for water. If the drywall is severely wet, it will be easy to track the water back to where it came from.

You’ll need a flashlight and a hose to track down the source of the leak. Start with the lowest section of your roof and work your way up to the higher portion, soaking each area in the process.

Once you’ve traced the water back to the leaking point, you can then remove any damaged shingles in the area. This will give you an exact location of where the leak originated. You can then call your local roofer to come and repair the issue. A professional roofer will be able to pinpoint the source of your leak in a quick and efficient manner.

2. Collect Water

One of the first things you should do when you notice a leak is to catch and collect the water before it causes extensive damage. This will help you to minimize the extent of the damage as well as protect your belongings from the potential for mold growth and mildew.

To do this, grab several buckets or similar containers that are large enough to hold the amount of water that you’re able to collect and set them up around your home as close as possible to the leaking area. You should also have a tarp handy to use as cover while you wait for a roofing professional to come to the rescue.

Once you’ve collected all the water, a good idea is to run a dehumidifier in the house to speed up the drying process and keep mold growth at bay. It’s also a good idea to empty the buckets and other containers on a regular basis to prevent overflows.

Another great idea is to use a funnel to redirect the water outside of your home. You can create a bottle funnel out of a plastic jug, which is a clever way to divert the water from your home into the garage or other outside areas.

While the bottle funnel isn’t a foolproof solution, it does a great job of redirecting the water so that it doesn’t cause further damage. You’ll want to use a strong adhesive, such as duct tape, to attach the bottle-neck end of the funnel to a hose.

With the bottle-neck end of the funnel attached to the hose, you should be able to direct the water out of your home via a window or door without causing further damage. This will help you to avoid the cost and hassle of having a roofer come out to deal with the problem.

3. Contain the Leak

Once you find the leak, you need to contain it until a professional can take care of it. This is especially important if the damage is severe or if the water is making its way into the walls or other parts of your home.

You can use buckets to collect the water and dump it outside, where it will be easier to dispose of it. This can also help to determine how much damage the water has caused so that you can make an informed decision about your next steps.

If you can’t see the source of the leak, check your roof from a safe distance using a flashlight. Look for any holes or damage that could allow moisture to get into the roof. This is most likely to occur around the plumbing, vents, chimneys, and other structures that are built onto your roof.

Some of these areas can be hard to find, so you may need to go into the attic if you have access to it. You can also inspect your ceiling from the inside to see if there is any water stains or discoloration.

It is also possible to locate the source of the leak by running a hose over the area. This can be done by yourself or with a friend, and you will need to move the stream in different directions up to the leak.

Another common cause of leaks is a tree limb that has fallen on the roof. You can try to remove the limb to stop the leak, but you need to do it carefully and safely. You will need to make sure that you don’t put too much pressure on the limb, which can weaken it and cause more damage to your roof.

If the limb is too large to remove, or you are not comfortable moving it, you can cover the limb with a tarp, polyethylene plastic sheeting, or plywood until you can call a contractor. This will limit the amount of space that water can get into and minimize future leaks.

If you are confident in your ability to find and fix the leak, you can try to do the repair yourself, although hiring a contractor is often recommended. This will save you money and time in the long run.

4. Call a Roofing Contractor

After your roof has been installed, it is important to call a roofing contractor if you notice any problems. They will be able to provide a thorough inspection of your roof and determine the best course of action for your specific needs. You can save yourself the trouble and hire Abilene roofers to install your roof in the first place.

A qualified roofing contractor will have experience in assessing and repairing your roof, which can save you time and money. They will also be able to offer recommendations that will improve your home’s energy efficiency and look.

If you have a shingled roof, moss can accumulate over time and cause water retention. This can lead to rot and other issues. A roofing contractor will be able to inspect your roof for moss and other potential problems.

It is important to choose a licensed and insured contractor. Check with your state’s licensing board and ask for references or pictures of previous projects. It is also a good idea to get several quotes from different contractors before deciding on one.

The contract you sign should include the scope of work, materials, and timeline for completion. It should also have payment terms and warranty information. The contractor should be willing to show you the paperwork that outlines these details before starting the job.

Another benefit of hiring a roofing contractor is that they can handle permits and navigate your local authorities. This can help you save time and money while ensuring your project is completed on schedule.

Many homeowners are worried about finding the right contractor to do the work, but it is easy to find a reputable one that will do the job correctly and efficiently. You can use the Better Business Bureau and local Chamber of Commerce to find a company in your area that has excellent reviews.

Whether you need repairs or a replacement, your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Investing in a high-quality roof will protect your home and your family for years to come.

When you hire a roofing contractor, make sure they are qualified to install your specific type of roof. Some manufacturers require that a contractor has special training and extensive experience before they can become certified to install their products.