A leaky roof is one of the last things you’d want to deal with, much less during a rainy season. Unfortunately, we often don’t realize there’s a leak until it…well, starts raining! Urgent roof leak repair is crucial to preventing further damage to your home. Here are some tips on how to stop a roof leak in the rain so that you can minimize the damage to your roof and home.
Portland, Vancouver, and the rest of the Pacific Northwest are well-known to have quite rainy seasons. It’s best to be proactive before those rainy seasons hit! The best way to prevent a leak is to prevent possibilities of damage to your roof and gutters. Keep your roof clear of debris and trim back any overhanging trees. Make sure your gutters are clean so that water can properly flow away from your home. Many homeowners will install gutter guards to help keep their gutters clear of debris.
Check for existing leaks by looking in your attic to see if there are any wet or moldy areas. If you suspect a leak and it hasn’t rained in a while, spray the top of your roof with a hose and check your attic for any wet areas. If there are, then it’s time to call a roofing contractor to fix the problem right away.
Finding a leak in your home during a rainy week (or month) is not ideal, and figuring out how to stop a roof leak in the rain is even less pleasant. Going on top of your roof while it’s raining is very dangerous and NOT recommended. However, there are other steps you can take to deal with a roof leak while it’s still raining.
Drain the walls: If you notice a wet bulge in your ceiling or wall, it’s probably a pocket of water from the leak. Use a screwdriver to poke a hole to drain the water out (make sure to have a bucket to catch the wate) to avoid further damage to your walls.
Protect your belongings: Drop cloths and tarp are helpful items to protect your floors from a leak, and you can use buckets or pots and pans to catch water. Move around your furniture that are near the leak to protect them from getting damaged by water or falling debris.
Find the source of the leak: Usually, roof leaks will start in the attic; once a leak has formed a puddle, it will find its way and start leaking through open areas. Vents, light fixtures, heating registers, and ceiling joints are all possible passage ways for a leak. When you find the source of your leak, wipe up any excess water and clear away wet insulation. Use a bucket to catch leaking water; lay a large baking sheet across the joists and under the bucket to protect your ceiling tile and drywall from breaking underneath.
Other temporary fixes: If you’re still waiting to repair a roof leak while it’s raining, you may want to cover the top of your home with tarp to help minimize the damage. Again, it’s very dangerous to going on your roof without taking the proper safety precautions. It’s best to get a roofer to help, especially if they can’t fix it right away.
Protect your home from damage and leaks by maintaining your roof regularly and fixing small repairs as soon as possible. Not sure where to start? Call IBEX Roof! We are here to make sure homeowners get the most out of their roof. Call for an inspection today and see how we can help keep your roof safe from leaks.
