Oh, no: you’ve just discovered a leak in your roof. It’s impressive enough to give you a worried feeling. How can you make sure that your home is safe? There are a few steps that you need to take right away to minimize the damage.

1. Deal With Puddles 

The first step that you need to take is to create a drain for the water. If you discover a pool of water that has leaked into your home, this water will soak in and spread until it finds a place to rest. A heavy puddle of water in the ceiling can compromise your structure. Water can easily damage an entire ceiling this way. According to Redrive Roofing, “To minimize your ceiling damage, find the wettest spot or a bulge in the ceiling and poke a small hole in the middle.” The opening will allow the water to move out. Make sure that you have a place to catch the water so that it doesn’t cause additional flooding when it comes out of the area where it has pooled.

2. Protect Your Valuables 

If you notice that you have a leak where there are valuables or furniture present, make sure that you cover all of these items or remove them from the space that has the leak. Water can cause your furniture, clothing, and most household items to degrade. Over time, they could rot, grow mold, or smell like mildew.

3. Put Temporary Measures in Place 

Prevent the leak from getting worse. The solution here depends on where the leak has occurred. For example, if the leak is occurring due to a hole in the roof, put a tarp over the hole. If the leak is occurring because the gutter is backing up onto the roof, clean out the gutter. 

4. Take Photos 

If at all possible, take photos as you go. This allows you to file a claim with your insurance later. Insurance requires documentation that shows the damage caused by the leak. Some of the damage that you can document could include: 

• Mold growth
• Pooling water 
• Rotten beams 
• Damaged insulation
• Collapsed areas of your ceiling 
• Peeling paint 
• Damaged wiring and plumbing 
• Wet, mildewed, or moldy furniture 
• Structural damage

5. Schedule Restoration 

After you’ve completed the in-the-moment emergency measures, contact a home restoration company to help you return your home to its usual state. According to Service Master, “It takes heavy equipment and special techniques to dry, dehumidify and sanitize ceiling tiles, sheetrock and insulation.” Make sure that you look for the source of the problem as well. There is no point restoring your ceiling if your gutters back up water onto your roof, causing ongoing leaks. Installing preventative measures such as a gutter cover will help prevent this problem from happening again.

At Harry Helmet, we’re here to help you make your home renovations easier. If you have a problem with your roof or gutters or need a gutter cover, talk to us. Make an appointment so that we can help you solve your home problems. Schedule a free estimate today.

Written by Del Thebaud