Storms can be a big problem for homeowners. Trees or branches can fall. Power lines can go down. The power at your house can go out. And water can break into your home, damaging your property. A small leak during a thunderstorm can turn into a flood before long. So what should you do if your roof begins to leak during a heavy storm?
You will want to stop the water infiltration immediately and see what you can do to patch up the opening as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more about what to do if your roof starts leaking during a storm.
1. Find Where the Roof Leak Is
Your first step is to locate the problem at its source. Keep your cool and so you can stop the extent of the water damage. Notice where the drip comes from above your head. If you notice the boards above straining, they may be holding more water up. You might need to cut a hole to relieve some of the pressure, so your ceiling doesn’t collapse. The source of the water getting in may be a different spot than where the drip happens.
2. Stop Further Water Damage
Before doing anything else, let’s take care of the water coming in. Grab a pot, bucket, or trash can to catch dripping water. This will help prevent water from spreading into your home, onto your papers, and into the floorboards causing further damage.
3. Patch the Hole with Roofing Tape
For a quick fix, consider using roofing tape. This will plug up the hole, at least in the short term. Roofing tape is easy enough to get at hardware or home improvement store. Make sure to stick the roofing tape on the INSIDE of your roofing material. Reapply roofing tape as time goes by in case the water dripping in is too great for the first patch.
4. Close the Hole with Tar
You may find your roof lacks a shingle or a tile. That would be a good reason for the leak. A quick solution during the storm is getting roofing tar to close up the gap more thoroughly than the roofing tap will. Shove the roofing tar into all the holes, cracks, and crevices so you can completely seal the opening. Add a bit more tar around the edges in case the leak spot widens.
Call the Leak Detection Experts Immediately
The above are all great steps to help you slow or stop the water leak during the storm. These DIY solutions are good to save your property in the short term. If the steps above are too difficult or your leak is more intense, call the water damage prevention experts at Orlando Leak Detection. Our staff has experience locating, stopping, and fixing a water leak as quickly as possible. We have emergency service to help you out when you need it most. Give us a call immediately for quick service.
