A leaky roof can be annoying, but during a storm, even small leaks have the potential to cause significant damage. Ultimately, you’ll need to schedule roof repair, but your first goal should be to get the leak under control before it causes more destruction. Here are a few of the first steps to take to protect your home and your wallet.

What Should You Do If Your Roof Starts Leaking?

1. Stop Water Damage

As soon as you notice water leaking from your ceiling, move quickly to minimize water damage in your home. First, move all small electronics and valuables near the leak. Find a plastic cover for furniture, and anything else too large to relocate. If the standing water is rising, unplug everything in the house, and if possible, turn your circuit breaker off to avoid electrocution. 

2. Contain & Remove Water

Put buckets underneath the leak to catch the water. Put old shirts in the bottom of the buckets to reduce splashing. If your ceiling begins to bubble, puncture it to drain the water. Call a licensed contractor immediately if you can't contain the water. Once the leak is under control, try to clean and absorb as much water from surrounding rugs, furniture, and wood as you can.

3. Call Your Insurance

This step can be forgotten in the heat of the moment, but if your home has sustained serious damage, call your insurance agent and see if they can cover roof repair, cleaning services, or mold remediation.

4. Fix Leaky Roof

Once the situation is manageable, start looking for the right contractor for roof repairs. Make sure they're licensed, insured, and can pull all permits when requested to do so. A thorough contractor will locate and repair wood damage in your home and outline all maintenance instructions to you, so you're comfortable moving forward. You should also ask about the expected life of the roof, and ensure that the roof can pass municipal inspection.

To repair your roof after a leak or to avoid future ones, contact Mike's Roofing. Licensed and GAF Master Elite® certified, they have served the Licking County, OH, area for over two decades. Mike's Roofing offers residential roofing services with a 25-year labor warranty, so you can rest easy knowing your roof is insured if it leaks again in the future. Visit their website to view their credentials, or Call (740) 763-2867 for a free estimate.