When moisture stains your ceiling or raindrops splash onto your floor, you’re dealing with a leaky roof. Instead of panicking, roofing contractors suggest taking these four steps to reduce damage and restore your home as quickly as possible.

What to Do When Your Roof Leaks

1. Catch the Water

Protect your floor from water damage by putting a bucket directly beneath the leak. Place an old towel or T-shirt in the bucket to absorb the water and prevent it from splashing onto your floor.

If you see moisture spreading or paint bubbling on your ceiling but no leak, the water hasn’t broken through yet. If you leave it to accumulate, your ceiling may collapse. Grab a ladder and use a screwdriver to puncture the part of the ceiling that’s holding water so it can fall into the bucket.

2. Protect Your Possessions 

Unplug any electronics near the leak to prevent an electrical fire. Move the electronics (and other valuable items such as furniture) to a leak-free room. If you can’t move them, protect them with plastic covering.

3. Close Any Holes 

Go to your attic and search for damage like holes and gaps. Cover them with roofing tape or caulk, which is available at your local hardware store. These items will temporarily curtail water damage until roofing contractors arrive to make permanent repairs.

4. Dry Your Home

Decrease the risk of stains and mold by thoroughly drying all areas that were exposed to the water. Remove your carpeting so that air can circulate and dry both sides of the rug and padding. Clean water from hardwood floors using a wet vacuum. If the damage is severe, call a professional water extraction company.

When your roof suffers a leak, turn to the team at NuVue Products. These experienced roofing contractors provide roof repairs and replacements throughout Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding area. After determining the source of the leak, they’ll restore your roof with maximum efficiency and give you expert advice on preventing future leaks. To schedule an appointment, visit the team online or call (513) 631-1801.