3 Necessary Steps in Leaky Roof Cleanup

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

Steps To Take After A Roof Leak

The slow but steady drip of a leaking roof is a dreaded but often unnoticed occurrence. A roof leak is capable of causing severe damage to the ceiling, floors, walls, inventory and other building contents if left undiscovered for a long period of time. It may also result in mold and mildew development and damage to electrical equipment, both of which constitute safety and health hazards. The leak may originate from missing shingles blown off in a storm or from some other structural problem in the damaged roof; it is best to contact a professional restoration service in North Miami, FL, for help identifying and handling the issue. There are three general steps that need to be taken after finding a roof leak. Here is what they are.

1. Initial Cleanup
One of your first actions upon finding out the roof is leaking should be to clean and protect the area directly under the leak. This involves:

• Drying up any existing puddles of water
• Disinfection in the case that mold has begun to grow
• Moving electronics, furniture and other items you do not want to get wet away from the area
• Placing a bucket or other collection bin beneath the leak
  

2. Damage Assessment
The next step, after any rain has ceased, is a damage assessment. This includes checking for missing, worn or broken shingles, holes, improperly sealed seams or other possible reasons. While this may be performed by the business owner, for safety purposes it is often best to leave it to a professional. Professional services are also more likely to correctly diagnose the cause, and many will provide an initial inspection/assessment for free as part of the repair.

3. Professional Repair
Finally, the roof needs to be repaired. This might be simple shingle replacement, or it may be resealing seams with caulk. Repair services will usually repair any storm damage, though tearing out and replacing parts of the roof may also be required.
A roof leak can quickly grow into a major disaster if not handled correctly. It is important to take immediate steps to clean up and consult a professional after a leak is found.