Three Steps to Address a Roof Leak

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

A severe storm or high winds can damage the roof of a building, leading to damaged roofing materials and the high probability of a leak. The following are three steps that building owners and managers can do to limit and prevent storm or water damage from leading to secondary problems, such as mold.

1. Tarp the Damaged Roof Until Repaired

As soon as it becomes apparent that a roof is leaking, a building owner or manager should determine the source of the leak. Hire roofing experts to tarp over the damaged area to prevent additional moisture from entering to the interior of the structure.

2. Mitigate Interior Damage

A roof leak can damage materials such as insulation and ceilings. Fiberglass insulation is not designed to withstand moisture and will need to be torn out and replaced. Ceilings may also need to be torn out. It is a good idea to hire an experienced mitigation and restoration company to take the necessary steps toward to prevent more serious problems down the line.

3. Repair the Roof and Restore Damage

Hire a roofer to repair roof damage. It may take some time for the portions of the interior exposed to water to dry out. Do not rush restoration prior to drying, as this may allow conditions conducive to mold growth to persist. Once the affected area is dry, restoration experts should install new insulation and replace all of the damaged building materials.

These three steps can limit the extent of damage resulting from a roof leak at a commercial building or residential home. Regularly inspect a roof after severe storms to look for missing shingles and other indications of damage and get any areas that need repaired addressed immediately.

And remember, SERVPRO of Gainesville West-Alachua County West can do everything from start to finish in your project.