Water damage caused by a roof leak doesn’t just create unsightly stains on your ceiling and walls. Moisture produces mold and it spreads. Worse yet, mold can be deadly, so it’s important to prevent it from growing in the first place. Roof leak repairs should be done immediately.

At The First Sign Of A Leak

Unlike a leaky faucet, a leaky roof can’t wait. Water that passes through the roof or runs down the wall has already passed through layers of roofing materials, insulation, and more. Complete drying of all such materials is essential to prevent mold growth.

Find And Repair A Roof Leak

Because most roofs are not flat, detecting a leak can be difficult. Crowded and dark conditions in an attic can also present a challenge. Your local roofing company may have the tools you need to find and plug a leak quickly.

Identify The Source Of Mysterious Leaks

Your roof is responsible for keeping water out of your home, but rain is not the only source of moisture. Couldn’t find a hole in your roof? Consider alternative problems. Condensation builds up around pipes and ducts. Plumbing leaks. How can you tell if your water is coming from one of these sources instead of your roof?
Disposing of a leaking water pipe is easy. Your water meter tracks the gallons you use in real time. Turn off all water sources in your home, and if your usage continues to increase, you’ll know to turn off the water supply to the house and call a plumber. Detecting a condensation problem is more complicated.

Repairing Water Damage Caused By A Roof Leak

You can often fix water damage from a roof leak with just a wet and dry vacuum and some fans if you catch it right away. Remove as much moisture as possible from the area, dry affected materials completely, and monitor them over time for signs of problems.
Mold usually appears as colorful spots spreading across the surface, but that’s not the only type of water damage. Wet roofs, for example, experience a color change even once dry. Wait at least a week and then paint over the dried surfaces with a mildew-resistant paint.
Floors are especially susceptible to water damage from a roof leak. When wet carpet padding remains for more than a few hours, replacement is the safest option. If installing new carpet is not possible, at least remove the damaged carpet and move it out of the house. Mold that grows on carpet padding causes serious illnesses. It’s not worth the risk. Damage to the wood can also lead to replacement, as over time the wood
bends and curves.