Steps to Take When You Discover Your Roof is Leaking

Name: Dynasty Building Solutions
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Finding water running down an interior wall or hearing the drip-drip-drip of a leak in your attic is not something homeowners look forward to dealing with. Unfortunately, it’s not an uncommon occurrence here in the Tampa area, where daily summer downpours, tropical storms, and hurricanes blow through regularly. The hot sun also can wreak havoc on a roof, causing degradation over time. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or if a severe storm has caused damage, you might experience a leaking roof. Here are the immediate steps you can take to minimize damage and get your roof fixed as quickly and efficiently as possible. Determine Where the Leak Is Coming From

If you see or hear water, your first response might be to assume that the roof is leaking. If there was recently a bad storm or you knew that the roof was ready to be replaced, that is a good assumption, but it still should be checked. In some cases, water dripping from the ceiling can actually stem from a leaky pipe in the attic or a problem with the air conditioning system.

If you can safely access your attic, try shining a light around to see if you see signs of a roof leak on the ceiling. Dark spots, mold, or a drip are obvious signs that the issue is stemming from the roof. Also, check out the pipes running through the attic. Are any of them wet with condensation or is there a puddle under a joint? These can be indications that you’re dealing with a plumbing problem rather than a roof problem.

Don’t venture far into the attic if it’s very hot (like it will be during the summer) or if you aren’t sure where to step. Remember that stepping on the drywall can lead to a big hole in your ceiling. If you aren’t comfortable and don’t know where the water is coming from, move along to the next step. Your roofing company will be able to tell you whether the water is coming from the roof or if you need to call a plumber instead.

Catch the Water If You Can

Water can cause mold and other damage, so it makes sense to contain it the best you can. A drip in the middle of the room can usually be caught with a bucket. If you can set up a bucket in the attic to prevent the water from dripping through to the floor below, that is ideal. If not, at least protect your belongings and flooring on the bottom floor by catching the water there.

Remember that water will take the path of least resistance. A drip in one particular room does not mean that the water is entering directly above; it could instead be coming from another area and simply rolling downhill before it drips. So feel the ceiling and look for damp or discolored spots that could indicate water damage that is not right where the drip is. If you can contain any of that water in the attic safely, do so.

Call Your Florida Roofing Company

Once you have minimized immediate damage (if possible), it is time to call your roofing company. Dynasty Building Solutions has a quick response time and an assessment process to determine whether your roof leak is urgent or an emergency. We will get someone out to you as soon as feasible to perform an inspection and emergency roof service. We might use emergency tarping as a temporary measure to prevent further interior damage until we can do a full repair or replacement.

Contact Your Homeowners’ Insurance

If your roof leak is due to a knocked-down tree, a strong windstorm, or some other sudden event, then your homeowners’ insurance should cover it (but do check into your specific policy, as they differ across the board). This is true even if your roof was old or worn.

Talk to your roofing company first to find out why the damage occurred, then look at your homeowners’ insurance policy carefully to determine whether it is a covered incident or event. Dynasty Building Solutions can assist with the claim submission process.

Ask Your Roofer About Additional Services Needed

Depending on the extent of the damage, you might need a water damage restoration specialist. Mold, water seeping into carpeting, and soft spots on the wall or ceiling are all indications that you might need repair in addition to the roof repair. Your roofing company can arrange for a water damage specialist or a mold remediation company to perform the necessary testing and repairs. We can guide you through the entire process of getting your home back to its original condition after a roof leak.

Dynasty Building Solutions performs roof repairs and replacements for both residential and commercial properties in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas. Contact us to schedule your inspection to determine the location and extent of your roof damage.