While residential roofing is designed to be sturdy and durable, time and harsh weather elements can cause leaks to form. Outdated and worn-out shingles, tree or storm damage, or high winds can all contribute to exposed areas that allow water inside. 

While this situation is certainly distressing, there is much you can do to minimize the damage and get repairs going as quickly as possible. As soon as you’ve discovered evidence of a leaking roof, call your roofing contractors right away. Even small leaks are cause for concern and can expand quickly, so it pays to be quick on your feet. 

3 Tips for Dealing With Leaky Residential Roofing

1. Contain the Water

Your first goal should be to minimize the aftermath of a leak in your home. If water is already leaking into the structure, you’ll need to contain it so everything in the surrounding area doesn’t get ruined. If you know where the leak started, set up buckets or a trash can, as well as a pile of towels or a tarp. A thick, multi-layer barrier will help to keep water from sinking into your floors. While you wait for roofers to arrive, you can also move furniture, extract all electronics, and remove any antique or valuable items out of the path of the leak. 

2. Identify the Source

Your best bet of containing damage is to locate where the leak originated. If you can spot the specific trouble zone, carefully apply roofing cement or tape to the inside to control the water until the professionals arrive. It’s important to note that the entry point may be in a different location than the one you see from the leak inside since water can enter through the roof and travel a long way before it finally seeps through. Be mindful of this as you attempt to cover up the source of the leak. 

3. Contact a Roofing Contractor

While you may think patching up a leak is enough to hold you over until the storm has passed, it’s crucial to enlist professional repairs so more severe damage does not occur. Call your local residential roofing experts to inspect the entire installation and gauge what repairs are needed, as well as any preventative measures that can help avoid the same problem in the future. 

In Cincinnati, OH, homeowners know that Sterling Exteriors is the go-to name for all aspects of residential roofing repairs. For over 15 years, this team of exterior experts has provided services for everything from roofing to siding and even painting. Locally owned and operated, they focus on using high-quality materials and innovative techniques to ensure exceptional results for every home. Reach out online to schedule an appointment or by phone at (513) 685-8055.