5 Tips for Repairing Water Damage from a Roof Leak

Water damage from roof leak, the resulting water damage could lead to costly repairs for your commercial property. As the property owner or manager, it’s most likely going to be your job to correctly identify the cause and where potential water damage exists so the problem can be dealt with efficiently and hopefully resolved without a huge budget, and before it gets worse!

How can you tell if you have water damage from a roof leak?

You, your staff members, board members, and even tenants should be vigilant in looking for water damage. Aside from obvious water falling from the ceiling, be on the lookout for cracked, sagging, crooked, stained, or misshapen areas in the ceiling panels or ceiling finish, or any unexplained discolorations, even around windows and doors. You may notice a musty smell, especially in carpeted areas, or bubbling paint on the wall.

If you or anyone else who frequents the property notice any signs of water intrusion in your commercial property, call the restoration professionals at PuroClean! We’ll thoroughly investigate to find the source and can help mitigate, remediate or restore the damaged areas.

What are some causes of roof water damage?

Numerous factors could contribute to water damage from a roof leak. Causes can differ widely, depending on where your property is located and where the damage to the roof is located.

Potential external causes:

• Damaged metal flashings
• Fractured or curled roof shingles
• Improperly sealed valleys and crevasses
• Cracked vent bootings
• Formation of ice dams
• Clogged gutters
• Broken chimney

Potential internal causes:

• Improperly installed lights and fixtures
• Condensation buildup in the attic
• Peeled paint or rotted wood around skylights

How should commercial property owners or managers handle leaky roof repairs?

The most crucial step in repairing water damage from any roof leak is first identifying where the problem exists. The most effective way to repair the damage is to hire a licensed professional. Look for service providers who are certified in commercial water damage restoration, mold remediation, and reconstruction services, like PuroClean. This ensures that the repairs are done correctly, taking into account the health and safety of the occupants and the commercial property, itself.

There are some things you can try if you choose to attempt to fix it yourself, but again, we highly recommend having a professional evaluate any situation before you begin. Attempting to fix the roof of your commercial property on your own is something that should only be done if the damage is minor.

Water will typically accumulate around the source so the priority should be to thoroughly dry these affected areas. Be mindful of any areas where mold is especially likely to occur.

If you spot mold and insist on removing it yourself, be sure to seal off the area and wear protective gear to prevent potential respiratory issues. Once the areas are completely dried, cleaned, and disinfected, patch the drywall and use sandpaper to smooth any rough spots where the new drywall meets the original structure. Lastly, prime and paint over the drywall to make it as good as new!

What can be done to prevent water damage from a roof leak in the future?

The best advice for preventing any possible water damage from a roof leak is to regularly maintain the quality of the roof and the surrounding areas of your commercial property. To prevent roof leaks, a professional roofing contractor can inspect the roof’s integrity and fix or patch broken or missing tiles or shingles, warping, corrosion, or other issues.

Be aware of fallen debris from trees and storms, as these can create punctures. Furthermore, debris on the roof is a common cause of water leaks when the materials decompose, they cause corrosion and can damage surfaces. It is best to have the roof cleaned of twigs, leaves, branches, and limbs frequently. Likewise, have the gutters and downspouts cleaned and inspected for damage regularly. These tasks can be dangerous to perform independently, especially on larger properties, so we recommend contacting an insured contractor to perform these maintenance checks.

What Should You Do If Your Roof is Leaking? | Water Damage From A Roof Leak

Now that you know what can be done to prevent water damage from a roof leak, it’s time to learn what to do if your roof is leaking.

Here are the best steps to take if you’ve noticed water stains, mold, drywall damage, or active water leaks.

1. Using a Tarp to Protect Your Roof

This step is trickier than it sounds.

Using a tarp to help protect your home is one of the steps Rescue My Roof recommends while you are waiting for a roof repair.

The time in-between calling a repair person and them coming to your home should be spent trying to prevent as much damage as possible.

Laying a tarp over the affected areas of your roof can help prevent water from coming in and causing more damage.

Gather a few friends and some weights, and secure a tarp over your roof until the roofing professionals arrive.

2. Contain the Water

When you have an active leak, the goal is to prevent as much damage as possible beyond what’s already been done.

You can protect the interior of your home to a certain extent by containing the water.

Using buckets, towels, or bowls, try to collect the water that drips into your home. This will protect your home until help arrives.

3. Move Important Items Out of the Way

When your roof is leaking, that’s bad enough. You don’t want to add insult to injury by your belongings getting ruined in the process.

To preserve your personal belongings, you should move them out of harm’s way. Clear the affected area and follow the step above to contain the water.

4. Relieve Water Pressure

A sagging bubble hanging from your ceiling is a sign of water collecting in that spot.

While it might seem extremely satisfying to pop that bubble, homeowners may hesitate because they don’t know if it will worsen the damage.

We’re here to tell you to give in to that intrusive thought and pop the bubble.

If you leave it, the water could spread and cause more severe damage to the ceiling. Additionally, it could erupt on its own and create a larger mess.

Puncture the bubble, and put a bucket underneath to catch the water.

5. Take Photos for Insurance Documentation

Documenting the damages will come in handy when you file your home insurance claim (if the damage is eligible).

Photos will show the severity of the roof damage and all other compromised items. If the roof leak ruined items like your television or computer, your insurance could potentially fix the roof and replace the items you lost.

Contact the Certified Professionals at PuroClean For Commercial Restoration Services

When dealing with water damage from a roof leak, ensuring that the job is done thoroughly and correctly the first time is essential. Improper restoration techniques or neglect can compound the issues associated with the property damage and become more costly in the future. While attempting to fix these issues within your own staff might seem like the best way to save money, in the long run, it could end up being more expensive. Call the restoration experts at PuroClean who are certified in commercial property restoration services.