What To Do If Your Ceiling Leaks During a Storm?

Ceiling leaks are one of the problems that we never want to occur in our homes. But, the sad reality is they come uninvited. And if they occur during a storm, it can be really stressful for the homeowner.

Roof leaks during storms and rainy seasons are common. Therefore, it becomes important for homeowners to know the basics and things you can do to stop the ceiling leaks during a storm. Yes, you can always call for professional help but what if they are not available or charging you huge bucks?

1. The first and foremost step is to deal with the leak that has entered inside your home in order to minimize the interior damage. Analyze where the leak is building its escape route. The most common ones are ceiling joints and corners.
2. If the ceiling is retaining water or you see a bump in the drywall, punch a hole in the center with a screwdriver as an immediate rescue. This will drain the water stored in that spot, thus lessening the damage to the ceiling.

Some Other Tips:

1. Choose a large container or bucket to collect the water coming from the ceiling.
2. Move the articles in the room that can get affected by the water coming from the leaking ceiling.
3. Put down drop cloths, garbage bags or tarp on the floor to ensure that the flooring and carpeting stay dry.

Once you have managed to keep the interior of your home away from the least amount of damage possible, it is a suitable time to find the source of the roof leak.

Finding a water leak source is vital. It will not only help you in repairing the ceiling but will make all your efforts and fixes work correctly. Explore and investigate your ceiling for water damage restoration.

Water can travel far from the primary source and can cause damage elsewhere. Make sure that the source of the leakage is the roof and not any other problem. Since the fixes may differ from one source to another.

Recommended Read: How Long Does it Take to Dry Water Damage?

Emergency Roof Patching

1. If you have access and direct insulation of the wet ceiling drywall, go into the attic and sponge off any standing water. Put a piece of plywood across the joints to restrict water from entering.
2. You can even make a temporary patch with roofing gum along with a piece of plywood. Using a putty knife, trowel the roofing tar into the leak on the roots of the roof deck. Shove the plywood into the tar and trowel more roofing tar around the edges of the patch.
3. Also, while you’re in the attic, measure the distance of the leak from the roof and from the ridge. Let the rain to stop for a while, wear your rubber-soled shoes, go on the roof and measure the same dimensions on the roof. Strengthen the roots of the shingles in the region of the leak with more roofing tar.

Note: Do not attempt to access the roof without taking proper safety precautions.

Preventive Measures:

1. Since roofing tar is difficult to get off skin and fabric, always wear old clothes and gloves while using roofing tar.
2. Exercise utmost attention while going on the roof.
3. Wear rubber-soled shoes while going.
4. Also, secure the ladder to the siding to prevent it from being blown by the wind.

Conclusion:

Often roof leaks are caused by not taking the preventative maintenance on your roof. This is because the water is not allowed to flow properly. Clearing leaves and debris regularly, allows water to flow normally and can immediately make a leak go away.

If you are encountering a roof leak, follow the above-mentioned steps or you can call our experts at Dry Effect for leak repair services.