Roof Repair
Roof Leak? What to Do in the First 24 Hours
A roof leak is about limiting the damage inside first. What to do, in order, from staying safe to documenting it the right way.
If your roof is leaking, the first 24 hours are about limiting the damage inside, not fixing the roof. Here's what to do, in order.
Stay safe first. If water is near light fixtures, outlets, or your electrical panel, shut off power to that area at the breaker. A ceiling that's sagging with water can come down, so keep people and pets out from under it.
Catch the water and move your things. Put buckets or bins under the drip, lay down towels, and move furniture, electronics, and rugs out of the way. If water is pooling in a bulge on the ceiling and you can reach it safely, a small hole at the lowest point lets it drain into a bucket instead of letting go all at once.
Stay off the roof. Wet shingles are slick, and a roof in bad weather is no place to be. Covering or tarping a roof is a job for someone with the right equipment.
Document everything before you clean up. Take photos and video of the stains, the wet areas, and anything damaged. The Texas Department of Insurance recommends taking pictures before making any repairs and keeping damaged items for an adjuster to see, in case you end up filing a claim.
Make temporary fixes and save the receipts. TDI notes that homeowners policies may require you to make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage, and that your policy covers those costs. If you're filing a claim, hold off on permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen the damage.
Find where it's really coming from. Water travels. A stain in the middle of a ceiling can start several feet away at a vent pipe, chimney flashing, or a valley. If you check the attic, bring a flashlight and step only on the joists.
Get it looked at quickly. A small leak left alone soaks insulation and decking, and that's how a simple repair turns into a much bigger bill. A roofer can find the actual entry point and tell you whether it's a one-spot repair or a sign of something bigger.
3rd Day Roofing serves Kennedale, Burleson, and the greater DFW area. Schedule a free inspection today.