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When the April showers lead to a leak: Here’s what to do

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Mika, Staff Writer

Friday, 16 April 2021

As the April showers hit, homeowners across the country will inevitably experience roof leaks. But do you know what to do if your roof begins to leak?

When you notice the drip of a leaking roof or see a damp patch slowly appearing on your ceiling, you must know what steps to take. Taking the correct action quickly can help to limit the damage of a leaking roof, avoiding expensive repair bills.

Here’s what you should do if you notice a leak in your roof.

Limit interior damage

The first thing to do when you notice a leak in your roof is to limit any further interior damage. If it’s safe to do so, climb up into your loft and find the source of the leak. You’ll need to stop the water from coming into the interior of your home.

The best way to do this quickly is to put a suitable container such as a bucket or Tupperware container underneath the dripping leak. This will collect the water, preventing any further damage from being done.

You’ll need to make sure that you regularly empty this container to prevent it from spilling over the edges. This is particularly important if there is heavy rain outside.

Patch up the leak

Next, have a look at the inside of your roof to try and identify where the leak is coming from. If you can identify the source, you may be able to create a temporary repair from the inside.

You can use any form of waterproof material to create a temporary roof fix. This could include taping a plastic bag to the inside of your roof using waterproof tape. This will prevent the water from coming into your home in the short term.

However, you’ll need to find a more permanent fix as soon as possible to prevent any further damage from being done. You can buy specialist roof patches as a more substantial temporary fix, but you’ll still need to arrange for professional roof repair as soon as possible.

Check your insurance

Before you begin your search for a professional roof repairer, it’s a good idea to check whether your home insurance covers roof damage. Some insurance providers will cover it, especially if it has been caused by storm damage, whilst others may not.

If your home insurance policy covers roof repair, you may need to use a recommended tradesperson. This is why it’s best to check before you begin your search for a roofer. If your home insurance doesn’t cover roof leakage, you’ll be free to choose your roofer.

Call in the professionals

Your roof will need to be repaired by a professional as soon as possible to avoid any further damage. If left untreated, your roof leakage could lead to repair bills increasing and additional problems that will need addressing.

You should never attempt to fix a leaking roof yourself. It can be a dangerous job which involves working at height, so it should always be left to the professionals. Attempting to repair your roof yourself could lead to further damage occurring.

If you’re looking for a professional roofer to repair your leaking roof, you can hire a roofer on Bark. 

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