As you’re walking through your house, you notice a puddle of water on the floor as water slowly drips from above. When you look up, you notice circular water stains on your ceiling, a telltale sign that you’re experiencing a roof leak.
A leaky roof isn’t something that you want to put off repairing, as it can get worse quickly. As more water pools on your rooftop and in your attic, it will become water-logged, potentially triggering a roof collapse if left to spread. Excess moisture trapped in your attic can also lead to mold and mildew.
If you’re faced with a roof leak emergency that needs immediate attention, there are a few temporary measures you can take while you’re waiting on a professional to make repairs. Keep in mind that these fixes are just for when you’re in a pinch and should not be relied on as long-term solutions.
USE A WATERPROOF TARP
Cover the roof with a tarp to prevent water from dripping into the gaps. Make sure it is covering the entire area where there is leakage and that it is flat against your rooftop to prevent water from slipping through any gaps in the tarp. Tarps can easily be blown away, so make sure it is secured to the roof with nails, screws or duct tape.
PATCH THE LEAK
If you’re able to locate the area the roof leak is coming from inside your attic, try applying roofing tape for a simple temporary fix. If it’s still raining, however, the adhesive properties of the tape will begin to eventually wear away. Applying roof cement to small holes in your roof can also be an effective temporary solution for a leak.
REPLACE FAULTY SHINGLES
Check your roof for any cracked, curled or missing shingles, as they can be the source of the roof leak. If you’re able to narrow down the location of the leak, replace the offending shingle with a new one. But even if the replacement shingle appears to stop the leak, calling a professional to come out and inspect the roof is recommended to ensure there aren’t any hidden surprises.
PROTECT THE INSIDE OF YOUR HOME
If your roof leak has collected enough water that the ceiling is beginning to bulge, move any items from the area and place a large bucket underneath the ceiling dip. Poke a small hole in the ceiling to release the pressure from the bulge and let the water pour into the bucket. Don’t leave the area unattended for long to avoid water overflowing from the bucket. Without relieving the pressure in the ceiling, the bulge will eventually break, leaving behind a watery mess and a lot more damage.
CONTACT A PUBLIC INSURANCE ADJUSTER
If you need to file a water damage insurance claim due to a leaky roof, consider hiring a public insurance adjuster to assist you through the claims process. Water damage can quickly spread and become a costly issue, so receiving a fair settlement amount from your insurance company is crucial. Public adjusters often secure higher insurance settlement claims from the insurance company than the client would have received without a professional on their side.
ABOUT OUR TEAM
If you’re looking for a public adjuster in Montana, K-Factor Advocates has a skilled team of professionals that specialize in insurance claim negotiation, policy language and interpretation, and claims estimating. The K-Factor team has helped hundreds of clients navigate the challenges of the claims process, securing fair settlements in order to restore their damaged property.
