A leaking roof is inconvenient, and the water damage that comes after is costly and time-consuming. While you can’t predict a leaking roof, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage and prevent more leakage later.

What to Do When Your Roof is Leaking

1. Contain the Water

The best step for the first sign of leakage is to catch the water with a bucket. While a slow leak will be easier to contain than a torrent, control the water by changing out the bucket and putting towels around the floor for splashes.

2. Minimize Damage

Move any furniture or personal possessions far away from the leak. For items that you can’t move, place a plastic covering on top of them. Also, cover your floors or carpeting to keep them dry and sealed off from potential water damage.

3. Eradicate the Water

Thoroughly dry anything that gets wet, including carpeting, woodwork, and furniture. Water damage can leave ugly stains or promote dangerous mold growth in your home, so you must get air circulating immediately, ideally before the moisture fully sets in.

4. Take Pictures

If the destruction is extensive and you want to file an insurance claim, you’ll need proper documentation. Take pictures of any damage, as well as the size and location of the leak. This will simplify the process and help you get all the necessary repairs faster.

5. Call for Repairs

Leaking roofs can cause long term damage that leaves your ceiling moist, rots your wood, and soaks through insulation. These are breeding grounds for mold and could cause parts of your home to collapse. Call a professional water damage restoration company to ensure your home is adequately dried, dehumidified, and sanitized.

If you have a leaking roof, call the water damage experts at ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration Services. Located in Lexington, KY, their team of skilled professionals will assess and repair any water damage your home incurs. They’ve provided expert restoration and reconstruction services to the residents of Fayette County for over 60 years. Call today at (859) 309-9964 to request a consultation, or visit their website for more information about their services.