Leaky Roof in Colorado
There is never a good time for a roof leak, but there are things you can do to mitigate the damage, reduce the repair costs and help prevent further leaks. The steps include:
1. Contain the Water
Put a bucket or a large bowl beneath the leak(s) to catch the water. If the water is splashing up onto the floor, either 1) tape a long string from the leak source into your bucket so that water can run down the line or, 2) put an old in the bottom of the bucket to eliminate the splash. If your paint or drywall is starting to bubble, water is building up behind it. Lance the bubble with a screwdriver or knife to release the water build up into your bucket. If you cannot contain the water, it is time to call a licensed Denver roofing contractor like Cenco Building Services; Many offer 24-hour emergency services.
2. Reduce the Water Damage
The second goal after you discover you have a leak and contain the water is to reduce the water damage as much as possible. Move out any valuables, including furniture and electronics, from below and around the leak area. Then cover the area or anything that could be damage with a plastic tarp. We recommend you store a small tarp (6′ x 8′) in your garage, in case something like this happens.
3. Remove the Water
Once the leak area is protected and water is contained, you need to dry the area thoroughly and quickly to prevent stains and mold. Separate any carpet from the carpet pad and start a fan on high to circulate air underneath both surfaces. If the water has been extensive on the carpet or drywall or on wood floors, you may need to call a professional water extraction and remediation company to have the surfaces professionally dried.
4. Call your Insurance Agent…maybe
Whether to call your insurance agent the next morning depends on a lot of factors. If the damage is minor, non-structural, or will not exceed the cost of your deductible, it is probably not worth filing an insurance claim. If you have sustained extensive damage, call your agent. Let them know you have taken steps to prevent further damage–a responsibility under your insurance contract–but that you may need remediation as well as repairs to the roof and whatever areas the water damaged. Ask them to help you to determine what may and may not be covered under a water claim.
5. Fix the Roof Leak
Once the scope of the leak has been determined, use a licensed, insured contractor with professionally trained crews to complete the repair process. Make sure your bases are covered and that the contractor is able to offer a warranty on the repair they are about to complete.
