There are many reasons why your roof may be leaking. In old homes, leaks may be due to normal wear and tear or insufficient maintenance. Even well-maintained roofs may sustain damages, especially during strong winds, heavy rainstorms, or snowfall. During severe weather conditions, tree limbs may also hit and puncture your roof. Below are some steps you can take to contain the damage by calling for roof replacement or repair.

What to Do When Your Roof Is Leaking

1. Prevent Further Damage

Especially during bad weather conditions, ensure that the leak does not cause more damage. Move your furniture, electronics, books, and floor covers away from the leaky sections. Keep these off the floor and put a plastic covering over them.

Next, get a bucket and place it under the dripping area. Surround the container with a rug or any material that can soak up the splash. This will keep the spatter from damaging your wooden floors or prevent your tiles from becoming dangerously slippery.

2. Cover the Hole

If the weather and your physical health permit it, climb up your roof and cover the hole with plastic sheeting. Keep the sheeting in place by attaching it onto a wooden plank and nailing the timber on your roof eaves. This emergency measure stops the rain from damaging your ceiling, floor, and belongings.

3. Contact a Reliable Roofing Contractor

When looking for a contractor to handle the repairs, choose one who will take the time to visit your home to assess the damage before providing you with a quote. Also, ensure that the company has the necessary license and experience, especially if your home sustained severe storm damage and may need a complete roof replacement. If your homeowner’s insurance policy is covering the cost of the repairs, pick a contractor who is willing or has a track record of working well with their clients’ insurance companies. 

4. Call Your Insurance Company

Water damage and roof leaks due to sudden events like storms may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. However, your policy does not cover damages due to normal wear, inadequate maintenance, or a property owner’s neglect. Also, some damages may only be covered if you bought a special or additional type of insurance. To be sure, call your agent and ask if your policy can cover the needed roof replacement or repairs recommended by your contractor. 

Neglecting leaky roofs can lead to more extensive and costly water damages. When you need a roofing contractor to provide fast, affordable services, turn to Berry Construction Storm Repair. This roofing contractor specializes in storm damage roof repair, roof replacement, and siding repair in O’Fallon, MO, and the Greater St. Louis area. For more information on their services, call (636) 294-7663. To check out their client testimonials, visit their website.