The worst thing you can do to a leaking roof is to ignore it. You should fix a leaking roof as quickly as possible, although it is not an emergency. Failure to repair will lead to more moisture damages in the house, costing you more money.

The duration between the leaking roof discovery and the time to fix it depends on the extent of the damage. Minor damages like small holes lead to slow leaks, while damaged shingles and worn-out flashing can be more significant.

If you are unsure about repairing the leaking roof immediately or waiting for a little longer, this article is for you. Continue reading for more tips on your damaged roof.

Tips on Dealing with Roof Leaks

Discovering discoloration on the ceiling or wet floors after rains can be overwhelming. The first thing that comes to mind is roof replacement, and the thought of it can also be stressful because roofs are expensive. Water can also cause significant damages.

Before raising funds for roof repairs or replacements, precautions are essential. So, if leaks happen whenever it starts raining, follow these key steps to keep your house safe.

1.  Clear Things Out Of the Leaking Spot

A leak is already bad enough to damage the most significant part of your house, the roof. So, leaving the water to fall on your furniture, carpet, or floor can lead to more damages, costing you more money.

Once you notice leaks from a specific part of the ceiling, clear the things around where the water is dropping. Move the bed, clothing, and any furniture around. Cover it with a waterproof carpet if the floor is wooden to protect the tiles from absorbing water.

2.  Collect the Water

Water spreads fast and can spread damage to other parts of the house. Place a bucket under the dripping ceiling to collect all of it. Doing so will also protect the walls and furniture nearby from splashes.

Ensure the bucket is balanced because when it gets heavier, water can overflow. Also, monitor the amount of water collected in the bucket and exchange it to avoid overflows.

3.  Relieve Water on the Ceiling

Sometimes water gets trapped in the ceiling, causing sagging. If you notice sagging, make small holes in the ceiling to relieve the pressure. Leaving the ceiling that way loosens it and can lead to the destruction of the entire structure.

If you are unsure how to handle the ceiling, experts that provide professional roofing Lubbock TX. are the right people to consult. These professionals use roof equipment like a screwdriver to puncture the sagging part and do the proper repairs.

4.  Document with Photos and Videos

If you want to rely on insurance for repairs or replacement, take pictures to help file a claim. The photos will show the extent of the damage and any other parts of the house and household items exposed to water damage.

Ensure you have all the records for any electronics, furniture, or walls that suffered water damage. Without the evidence, you will less likely get compensation.

Dangers of Leaving the Leaking Roof Unrepaired

Most people ignore small leaks thinking they can only cause minor damages. However, they fail to know that the damage on the roof could be more extensive than the signs of the leaking roof.

Leaving the roof unrepaired can extend the damage leading to an entire roof replacement. So before deciding to leave your roof unrepaired for two or three months, check out some dangers you are exposing it to.

1.  Mold

Mold grows well in wet areas. Even the tiniest drops can be a thriving place for decay, and it starts spreading immediately. If the mold gets to the HVAC system, the family members could suffer allergic reactions and respiratory complications.

Mold also grows on clothes, carpets, and furniture, causing permanent stains and weakening door and window frames. Treating the leaking roof almost immediately will protect your home from mold problems.

2.  Pests

The roof shields the home from adverse weather conditions like rainfall, direct sunlight, pests, and small animals. If the cause of the leaks is missing shingles, it will be a big enough entry of pests.

Pests cause a lot of discomfort in the house, and others can lead to more damages to the furniture and house structures. Homeowners should inspect the roofs to ensure all the shingles are intact. A roof professional can repair and replace lost shingles.

3.  Reduced Energy Efficient

A good enough reason to repair the roof as soon as possible is to maintain your home's energy efficiency. If there are leaks, there is damage to the roof insulation, which allows the exchange of cold and hot air with the environment.

Energy efficiency reduces energy bills, and although repairing the roof is more expensive, it will maintain comfort in the house.

Roof Maintenance Is Important

Roof repairs and replacements are expensive, but routine roof maintenance will help you avoid roof leaks. You minimize the money spent on repairs and roof replacements without the leaks. Some tips to consider for roof maintenance are;

●       Cutting loose branches near the roof reduces the chances of shingle falling if strong winds lead to the branches falling.
●       Ensure the drainage system, like the gutters, are in the proper condition. Clean them regularly to remove any debris and ensure water runs away as it should.
●       Carry out roof inspection to ensure all the shingles are intact and harsh weather cannot loosen them. The assessment is best when done by roof experts.
●       Ensure the flashing around the chimney, skylights, and vents is good. A poorly done flashing can cause leaks leading to water damage.
●       Replace any lost shingles and repair any damaged part of the roof that can lead to roof leaks. Take the roof master's advice on fixing the cracks before the damage spreads to other parts of the rooftop.

Final Words

Roofs are costly to repair and replace, and most homeowners ignore the leaks. Even if a leaking roof is not an emergency, you should schedule a repair as soon as possible. The waiting duration depends on the magnitude of the damage and the expert's advice.