Often caused by problems like broken shingles, cracked flashing, or clogged gutters, a roof leak may go unnoticed until there’s rain. Unfortunately, water infiltration may cause damage to the structure of your home and your furniture. To help you minimize problems in this situation, here are a few tips for protecting your home if you’re facing a leak during inclement weather. 

What to Do When It’s Raining & There’s a Roof Leak

1. Contain the Water

If you have a roof leak and it’s raining outside, the priority is containing the water. Excess moisture can cause problems like mold and wood rot. To mitigate water damage, grab as many buckets, basins, and pots you can find. Place them directly underneath dripping spots and keep extra containers nearby. When one gets full, switch to the other— this way, you don’t risk water dripping onto your furniture or flooring while you pour out the original. 

2. Contact a Roofing Contractor & Insurance Company

Once you’ve set up the necessary buckets and pots, call a professional roofing contractor. Even if the rain has stopped, the roof surface is still wet, and roof repairs are dangerous if you don’t have the training and experience. Don’t forget to contact your insurance company to inform them of the claim. If you haven’t neglected routine maintenance, roof leaks may be covered by your policy. 

3. Remove & Cover Belongings

As you wait for your roofing contractor to arrive, remove what you can from the room. Start with the items that are closest to the leak before moving onto the surrounding areas. For the large pieces of furniture you can’t easily move, try to rearrange items so nothing is directly under a leak. Afterward, use plastic tarps to cover everything that remains in the room, including your flooring.

If you have a roof leak, Cameron Roofing will help. Based in Pittsford, NY, they’ve served residential customers throughout Rochester and Monroe County for nearly 20 years. Licensed and insured, they offer a 10-year warranty on labor. Whether the required repairs are minor or extensive, their solutions will be of excellent quality. Learn more about their repair work online or call (585) 851-6169 to schedule an appointment.