Roof leaks are not only an annoyance but can also cause significant water damage to your walls and ceiling. These leaks can gradually compromise your home’s infrastructure and facilitate the growth of mold and mildew. The faster you address water intrusion, the less damage it will do.
The team at Restorerz Emergency Services has created this guide on how to mitigate water damage from a roof leak. Contact us today for water damage restoration in Los Angeles!
Identify the Leak Source
When you notice a leak, first identify the leak source. The faster you identify the leak, the faster you can mitigate the damage.
The best place to start looking for leaks is the attic. Search for signs of moisture or standing water in this space. Most of the time, water from roof leaks runs down trusses and beams before it falls on the ground, so the leak might not be directly over the water puddle.
Try to Stop the Leak
Make every effort to stop or mitigate the flow from the leak. Clean up as much water in the attic as you can, and clear the roof leak hole from any loose tiling or debris.
You can perform temporary roof leak repairs by securing a tarp with screws or duct tape. If there are larger cracks, seal them with caulking for a temporary fix.
If the leak has entered your house, place buckets under the drips of water. Remove carpets and furniture in the affected area. You can also use a fan or dehumidifier to remove moisture and prevent the onset of mold or mildew.
Check for Water Damage
Once you have managed to stop the leak, go back to the source and identify the scope of the damage. The level of damage is the difference between being able to repair the damage and having to replace entire areas.
Experts identify four levels of water damage:
- Level 1 damage consists of minimal absorption and evaporation. This water damage is usually salvageable and relatively easy to clean.
- Level 2 water damage involves medium absorption levels and high evaporation loads. Items may reach up to 40% water intrusion. Level 2 water damage may require professional care to repair.
- Level 3 water damage entails high absorption and high evaporation. Items with level 3 water damage have more than 40% saturation and may face severe damage.
- Level 4 water damage is the highest level of water damage and involves complete water intrusion. Level 4 water can cause permanent damage to a structure. Due to its severity, this water damage requires specialized techniques for water removal and damage restoration.
Level 3 and level 4 water damage are the most serious categories and will require professional help.
Salvage What You Can
Once you identify the water damage level, save as many salvageable items as you can. Start with small items like boxes, books, and textiles that you can easily remove from affected areas.
After removing these items, place them in front of fans and air-dry them until they are dry to the touch. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight when drying items.
For larger items like furniture, remove as much water as possible with towels. After, dry the furniture textile with a hair dryer or a large fan. Start salvaging as quickly as possible for the best chance of saving your possessions.
Call a Water Restoration Expert
After taking the above steps, call a water restoration expert to fix water damage from a roof leak. A water restoration contractor can remove all water and restore any areas that sustained water damage. The restoration professional will also thoroughly assess the leak and restore any rotted wood and materials.
Common Causes of Roof Leaks
Below are some of the most common causes of roof leaks.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are a common cause of water leaks, as they create holes that allow water infiltration. Roofing shingles can loosen due to heavy rainfall or high winds. Inclement weather can damage shingles or rip them off entirely, depending on the severity.
Pooling Water
Flat roofs sometimes have problems draining water, leading to standing pools. These pools can leach into your roofing materials, causing structural damage and leaking into your attic and walls.
Even if you have waterproofed materials on your roof, water from a standing pool can leak its way through the seams. Large debris, such as tree branches, could prevent your roof from draining properly.
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters are another major source of roof leaks. Gutters can clog because of plant material, dirt, and other debris.
When gutters have clogs, they cannot drain water properly from your roof. Instead, water flows out of the gutters and down the sides of your walls.
Clogged gutters can force water back onto your roof, increasing the chances of a leak. Regular cleaning of your gutters can prevent blockages and potential leaks.
Burst Pipes
Another common culprit behind a leaky roof is a burst pipe somewhere in your walls or ceiling. Burst pipes can result from many elements, including hard water, old age, high water pressure, and accidental impacts.
Leaking pipes tend to create a more consistent flow of water than roof damage from rain. If you have a leaking pipe, shut off your water supply to stop the excess water flow immediately.
Roof Impact
Impacts on your roof from rocks or tree branches can punch holes in your roof, creating channels for water infiltration. Debris can also trap water and prevent it from draining properly off the roof and into your yard.
A roofing company can repair holes or other trauma to the roof.
Contact Us Today!
Cleaning up water damage is intense if you don’t know where to start. If you have water damage from a roof leak, you’ll need a professional to take care of the issues. Restorerz Emergency Services offers 24/7 emergency water damage restoration and repair services in Los Angeles, CA, and the surrounding areas.
Contact Restorerz online or call us today at (323) 973-1055!