What to do if New Roof is Leaking?

What to do if New Roof is Leaking?

The purpose of a new roof is to replace an old roof that may be leaking. Therefore, seeing a new roof do the same thing is frustrating. Roof leaks can cause water damage to the attic and the entire roof, which can lead to mould growth. Fortunately, if your new roof leaks, you can follow these nine steps to fix the problem as quickly as possible.

MY NEW ROOF IS LEAKING – WHAT DO I DO?

  1. Remove or cover items around the roof leak.
    If you notice signs of a roof leak, remove items such as furniture, clothing, and photographs from the area where the leak is. This process may also include going to the attic and removing these items until the leak is at least temporarily repaired. If the leak is near electrical outlets, you should cover them with outlet plugs. You may also need to cover the outlet with a plastic bag, tarp, or something else to prevent water from splashing into the outlets.
  2. Limit the leak with buckets or containers.
    For the leak itself, you can use buckets to collect the water until a professional comes to fix the problem. You will need to find the leak in the roof to do this, but collecting the water can also help you determine how much water is flowing through the leak. This step will help your insurance company determine the severity of the problem. As the bucket fills, dump the water outside. The water contains parts of the roof or attic insulation. By disposing of it outdoors, you ensure these materials are removed from your home and do not clog the drain.
  3. Pierce the ceiling
    If the blanket sinks due to the weight of the water, you will need to prick it and wring it out. This will help the water drain from the roof and prevent it from spreading over a larger area. To do this, get a sturdy ladder or stool and use a screwdriver to make a hole in the centre of the hollow point of the ceiling. Ensure you have a bucket ready to catch any runoff; a few towels can help, too. You need to repair the sagging part of the roof due to water damage, so don’t worry about the hole created.
  4. Damage to documents for insurance purposes
    From the moment you notice a leak in your roof until someone comes to repair it, take photos and videos of the affected area. Having photographic evidence ensures that the insurance company and roofing contractor know the extent of the problem. These will also help the roofing company determine the cause of the problem and repair the roof leak.
  5. Find out where the roof leak is coming from
    If possible, go to the attic and see if light is coming in. These points usually indicate the cause of a leak. Note where the holes are on the inside, and then you can even go up to the roof if it’s safe and you feel comfortable. Wear non-slip shoes while on the roof to prevent slips and falls. If your roof has a sharp angle, do not try to walk on it. Always work with a friend. To avoid injury, it is often best to leave the job to professionals. If you go up to the roof, locate the area where the leak is and take photos of the damage. If you’re having trouble finding it, consider running water on the roof to see an area where it drains (have someone look for water draining inside). Do not try to put anything into the hole where the leak is located, as this could worsen the situation.
  6. Cover the roof with a tarp.
    Since you’re already on the roof, you can cover the leak with a tarp to protect your home from the elements while you wait for a roofer to arrive. Learning how to cover a roof is easy. Start with a tape measure to see how large the affected area is. This will help you determine how many tarps are needed. Next, place the tarp over the affected area and weigh it down with a wooden board. Begin placing the tarp on top of the roof, holding it in place with the board. Make sure there is a 4-foot tarp around the leak to prevent water from seeping underneath.
  7. Contact the roofing company that installed your roof.
    Now that you know ​​where the leak is, contact the local roofing company you worked with. If the damage is caused by the roofing company’s work, such as improper installation of shingles, improper flashing for penetration, or forgetting to nail sure shingles, the warranty will likely cover it. However, this warranty only applies if a licensed roofer installed your roof. If it is not a manufacturing or manufacturing issue, you may have to cover the cost of roof repairs. It’s not what you planned, but it’s best to repair the damage immediately. Use your warranty if the damage is caused by the roof manufacturer, such as poor shingle adhesion. This warranty process could delay repair time, as manufacturers typically have a list of roofers they work with.