No homeowner ever wants to discover a roof leak. Whether it’s the result of storm damage, clogged gutters, or brought on by age and deterioration, the result is the same: a big problem that requires immediate attention.
Unfortunately, in the wake of severe weather or high demand, it might take hours or even days for a professional roofer to arrive.
Here’s how to manage roof leaks and protect your home while waiting for repairs.
1. Protect Your Interior from Further Damage
Once you’ve called a roofer, your first priority is to prevent water damage inside your home.
- Move valuable or delicate items away from the leaking area. Use waterproof covers or plastic sheets to protect anything that can’t be moved.
- Place buckets, pots, or other containers under the leak to catch dripping water. Check them often to prevent overflow.
- Use towels, plastic tarps or other waterproof materials to shield your flooring and walls.
- Water and electricity don’t mix. To avoid the risk of fire or electrical shock, shut off power to the room and cover outlets.
2. Locate the Source of the Leak
Finding the origin of the leak can help you and your roofer address the issue more quickly.
Start in the attic or crawlspace. Water doesn’t travel in a straight line, so the source of the problem is probably not where you think it is. Using a flashlight, follow the water back to its source and take steps to create a barrier so the water doesn’t continue flowing down into your home.
Examining the roof can also help you pinpoint the source of the leak. Sometimes, the issue is obvious, like a tree branch or missing shingles, while in other cases, you may need to use binoculars to get a closer look at the damage.
Unless you have a fairly low or flat roof and a safe ladder, it’s best to avoid going up on the roof yourself to prevent injuries and further damage.
3. Make Temporary Repairs
If it’s safe to do so, temporary fixes can help reduce water intrusion while you wait. Options include:
- Securing a tarp over the area with nails or duct tape
- Applying roofing cement or additional flashing to small cracks or loose flashing
- Replacing damaged wood shakes or missing shingles if materials are on hand
- Carefully removing ice dams using a roof rake or de-icing products
These quick fixes won’t replace professional repairs but can buy you time.
4. Prevent Future Roof Leaks
Once your roof is repaired, take proactive steps to reduce the risk of future leaks by:
- Scheduling regular roof inspections to catch small issues
- Clearing your gutters of leaves and debris
- Trimming overhanging branches
- Checking your attic’s ventilation
Call Munz Roofing and Siding for Emergency Roof Repairs
At Munz, our team is ready to respond quickly to repair leaks and protect your home. From sudden storm damage to subtle warning signs like water stains or odors – we’ve got you covered.
Call us today at (215) 544-3059 for emergency roof repairs and expert advice on managing leaks. Let us help you keep your home safe and secure, rain or shine.
