A leak in the roof may seem like the least urgent of the major repairs on the list, but it’s certainly no issue to ignore. Water coming in from the roof, when unaddressed, can lead to further problems.
Ice dams on your roof are a leading cause of leaks. These are formed by snow and ice buildup on roofs and in gutters, which back up the natural flow of water off the roof and can cause structure damage, as well as leaks for water damage in your home.
The biggest struggle with a roof leak in winter is it may be days or weeks before a professional can safely get on your house to make the repair. Still, that doesn’t mean you should delay in contacting a professional. Every time it snows or rains, the leak will just get worse.
Here’s what you should do if you discover a leak:
- Place a bucket under the leak to collect water and avoid damage to your floor.
- If the paint or drywall on your ceiling is bubbling full of water, poke a hole in it to let the water drain in the bucket.
- Don’t go on your roof.
- When the weather is clear, use a long-handled rake or pole while standing on the ground to try to remove as much snow from the leaking area as possible.
- Direct a fan at wet spots inside your home. If moisture sits, it only takes about 24 hours for mold to start growing.
- Contact a professional roofing company to examine the damage and schedule the repair for when weather allows.
- For interior damage, you may need to call a handyman or general repair company. While you wait for the roof to be fixed on the outside, a professional may be able to reduce the chances of further damage from the inside as well.
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