If your roof has sprung a leak, major damage can occur in your home. With the rainy spring weather steadily approaching, it is important to educate yourself on how to protect your home from damaging leaks should the event occur. Old roofs or roofs that have endured rough seasonal weather have the potential to leak. Turnbull Roofing, an Oshawa roofing company, can help you fix repair your leak or replace your roof to protect your home. For immediate action for trying to prevent a rainstorm in your living room, you can use the following steps below.

Damage Control

Once you find a leak in your home, the first step is to prevent damage. Move or put plastic covering on anything that can be damaged by water such as appliances, furniture, electronics, paintings, or valuables.

Contain The Water

Place a bucket or other waterproof container beneath the leak(s) to catch water. Put an old T-shirt or towel in the bottom of the bucket to absorb splashing if it becomes a problem. Containing the water will ensure that it does not spread to places it shouldn’t be or leak through to other areas of your home. If there is too much water to be contained or controlled, call a licensed roofing contractor that offers 24 hour emergency services.

Remove The Water

Once you have the leak(s) contained and under control, dry any carpet, furniture, woodwork, etc. that was exposed to water. Water will damage and stain the object but most importantly, drying objects thoroughly will prevent mold from growing in your home.

Call Your Insurance Company

If you know or suspect that your home has sustained heavy damage, call your insurance company. Determine what is and isn’t covered in your policy to see what kind of financial help you are eligible to receive for the repair of your roof.

Get The Leaky Roof Repaired

Once you’re done with damage control and minimizing the affects of the leaky roof in your home, immediately get your roof replaced/repaired to avoid future damage. Call a licensed roofing contractor and be sure to follow the following tips so that you find the right people to fix you roof:

• Get several quotes from different companies.
• Make sure you contractor is licensed, insured, and has all of their required permits.
• Be sure your contractor agrees to locate and repair all wood damage before reroofing your home.
• Ask for an outline of specific maintenance instructions for your new roof.
• Ask about guarantee offers and the expected life of the roof.

Prevent Future Leaks

After you’ve had your roof repaired or replaced, here are a few easy tips you can follow to prevent it from leaking again:

• Trim any trees surrounding your home. Falling tree branches can puncture your roof and low hanging branches can scrape your roof’s surface and make it weaker.
• Keep your gutters and downspouts clean. If these areas are clogged, water will accumulate and potentially cause damage. Use a garden hose, mop handle, or other long object to remove debris and clogged materials.
• Check your collars and flashing for damage. Damaged chimneys, pipe collars, and/or vent flashing sometimes cause roof leaks. Replace or repair what needs to be replaced or repaired in order to prevent leaking.

Leaking roofs are a hassle. Don’t let it damage your home by following these helpful tips. Choose the right contractor for your repairs, reroofing, or maintenance to help ensure it performs well for years to come. Call Turnbull Roofing, your local Oshawa Roofing Company, today at (insert phone number) or visit our website for your roofing services needs.