Heavy rains and ferocious storms are common causes of leaking roofs, which can compromise your home’s safety and appeal. As a homeowner, it’s important to know how to handle such common home repair issues, including a leaking roof during rain. This will help you stop the leaks or limit the damage due to the roof leaks.

While a leak may go unnoticed during usual circumstances, it’s quite easy to spot once it starts raining. So, if you have identified a leaking roof, don’t panic! There are several ways to combat this issue and ensure home safety. You don’t have to be an expert to identify and mitigate these issues. Although a leaking roof is not ideal for any weather, during heavy rains, it can easily turn into an emergency.

With sudden rain, homeowners seldom adopt preventive measures, which results in substantial damage to their properties. The rainwater may start seeping through a hole already there and drips from the ceiling. By the time you notice, it may have become difficult to stop it, especially if it’s raining heavily. The walls have been saturated, and if immediate action is not taken, they could crumble or compromise the structural integrity of your home.

Moreover, finding the leak is a time-consuming process. You need to find it as soon as possible to stop it and proceed with emergency repairs. Even though Florida usually experiences dry and wet seasons, rainfall predominantly occurs between June and October. The annual rainfall in Florida ranges from 40 to 60 inches, depending on the location. Being one of the wettest states, Florida homeowners must scramble to take proper preventive measures against heavy rains and storms.

If homeowners fail to do so, they may not realize they are in a state of emergency until it’s too late. There are various temporary fixes for a leaking roof until roof contractors are hired to resolve the issue for good. Furthermore, as responsible homeowners, it’s important to ensure your home is in optimal condition and safe against harsh weather. This usually implies sufficient house maintenance, especially in areas like the roof.

In this blog, we will take you through some ways of stopping a leak in your roof and preventing any structural or property damage.

The Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks During Rain

Contrary to popular belief, the rainwater itself does not cause damage to the roof most of the time. Often, a tree or branch may puncture a hole in your home roof, but the problem is mostly preexisting. This means that the hole or leak is already there, and the rain just exposed it.

Mostly, a neglected and unmaintained roof will be prone to leaks and damage. Roof maintenance is essential for homeowners to prevent such issues. However, despite maintenance, some roofs may be exposed to damage as the house is old (more than ten years), and seasonal wear and tear are pretty common. This is where homeowners should focus more on regular and detailed maintenance and repairs.

Another reason for roof leaks can be unclean gutters. As the water doesn’t find a clear path through the gutter, it pools back up and goes to the roof, eventually rotting it and causing a leak in your ceiling. Sadly, you won’t know until the celling starts dripping, and till then, it’s too late. This will happen if you are not proactive with your home maintenance. One problem can lead to another, and before you know it, the whole house is leaking.

Ways to Stop a Roof Leak

Start with the Basics

First things first, as soon as you notice a leak, try to contain the water, so it doesn’t spread. Grab a bucket or pot to contain the falling water. This will make cleaning up after easier and save you money as well as you will be able to control major damage to your floors and walls, which reduces the repair costs significantly.

Next, move the electronics and furniture away from the area of the leak. This will prevent the roof leak from transforming into an emergency. Finally, use towels to dry the area as standing water serves as a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Ventilate using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.

Use a Wet Patch or Tape

A wet patch or tapes are temporary fixes that can help contain the leak for the time being. Identify the leak and prepare yourself to go out there. Wear safety gear and practice safety precautions as it will be wet out there.

Next, position the ladder on even ground and carefully make your way up to the roof with caution. Make sure it is not raining heavily before you step out. If it is, wait until it slows down or stops to ensure safety.

Finally, apply the wet patch or tape and ensure the leak is covered properly. This will stop the leak for a while.

Use a Tarp to Cover the Roof

This is a useful method when you can’t locate the source of the leak or it’s raining too heavily to reach the source. Cover your entire roof with a tarp and call the professionals after the rain has subsided. Find a tarp large enough to cover the whole roof and some weights to hold down the tarp as the winds accompanying the rain might blow it away.

Again, wear safety gear like slip-resistant shoes, a helmet, and a raincoat, and place the ladder securely. Finally, roll the tarp all over the roof and secure it in place with weights.

Hire Professional Help!

If you’re searching for reliable roofing companies in Pensacola, FL, you’re at the right place. Certified Pro Roofing is renowned as a reputable company for its roof installation, roof repair, and roof inspection services. Don’t forget to reach out to our roofing contractors for more information.