Everything You Need to Know and Do When Your Roof Is Leaking

Blog Post Tags: Storm Guard of SW Austin, Austin roofer, residential roofer, roof damage, water damage, storm damage, roof leak, Austin roof repair, roof sealants, roofing emergency, leaking roof, home value

Leaking roofs are every homeowner’s nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be as bad as the worst-case scenario you may have conjured up in your mind. 

By taking some basic first steps to quell the leak, followed up by professional assistance, you’ll be on your way to never having to worry about the leak again. 

Read on for everything you need to know and do if you discover a leak in your roof, including:

• What to do first if you find an active leak in your home
• Action steps you should take to temporarily patch the leak
• What to expect during the roof repair/replacement process
• The value of a roof replacement

Let’s get started.

What To Do if You Find an Active Leak in Your Roof

Roofs, though intended to provide shelter and keep us dry, are susceptible to damage, especially as they age under the intense sun and heat of Austin. If there’s a strong storm with wind or hail, the damage can worsen even faster. 

If you notice a leak in your Austin home, the first thing you should do is try to contain it with temporary patches and call professional services.

How Long Can You Leave a Leaking Roof?

Roof leaks should always be fixed as quickly as possible. You may be wondering exactly how long you have before severe damage begins to set in—a day, a week, a month?

The answer will depend on your given situation, the extent of the damage, and the type of materials you have, among other variables. One thing is certain, however, and that’s the longer you wait, the more damage you’ll have. And more damage nearly always means more expense.

One of the biggest byproducts of a leaking roof is rapid mold growth throughout your home. Mold only needs 24 hours to begin actively munching on your walls, ceiling, and floors. If it gets into your HVAC unit, it can begin circulating throughout your entire home.

Additionally, if water finds its way into your Austin home and doesn’t have an escape route to drain away, it will pool up and get bigger… and bigger… and bigger. The larger the pool of water, the heavier it will be. If it happens to be pooling above your ceiling, eventually that weight will be too much for it to bear, and your ceiling could collapse.

Action Steps You Should Take to Temporarily Patch a Leak

Because of these dangers, leaks need to be addressed as soon as possible, even if it is to apply a temporary patch. Sometimes a roofer cannot come to your home right away, and you need to perform triage in order to stay afloat until they do arrive.

Moreover, we know that even a small leak can lead to expensive damage, so it’s also a good idea to contact your insurance company if you intend to file a claim. Be sure also to take some pictures and video footage of the damage so you have a record of the event. 

Before doing any roof repairs or patches, however, it’s worth noting to always be careful when accessing your roof, especially during storm situations. Being that high off the ground comes with risks, especially on steeply graded roofs. Get help if you need it, even if it’s just to apply a temporary fix. 

Here are some patching options you can use to tide you over until a professional arrives onsite:

• Cover the roof leak with a waterproof tarp or plastic sheets – The classic waterproof tarp is a multi-purpose wonder, and it performs reliably well at staving off roof leaks, provided it’s used correctly. 

When using a tarp to cover a leak, make sure it spans the entire leak area and that it is completely flat against your roof. Water is sneaky, and if there are any gaps, it will find its way through. You can nail down the edges of the plastic sheets or tarp, use duct tape to secure it, and weigh it down with heavy rocks or bricks if needed. Don’t be afraid to use extra layers.

• Patch, plug or seal the leak – There are numerous roofing products on the market that can be used to temporarily stop a leak, but the key again is that they are temporary. Products from your hardware store, such as roofing cement, roofing tape, or a rubber sealant, can help stop or slow a leak. Just be sure to read the product instructions. Some may only work in dry conditions; others can be applied in wet or dry conditions. 

• Reattach loose shingles or use tar paper to cover the leak – If shingles have come loose, reattach them or use a substitute to cover the area. Tar paper and roofing cement can also be used to cover a damaged area and protect your home. 

Determining Your Path Forward

Roof leaks are a nightmare no one wants to wake up to, but if you do find a leak, know that it can be fixed—and it can be fixed without the expense of replacing your entire roof. 

Most roof repairs are in direct response to a damaging event or storm, in which case they need to be addressed as soon as possible. An emergency roofing situation is one in which the leak or damage affects the daily living routines of the home. If you have a leaking roof emergency, call us right away. Then do what you can to contain the leak and clear the affected area of any valuables that could become further damaged by water.

What to Expect a Roof Repair to Cost

When you’re faced with a roof repair situation, you want to know the approximate cost upfront. As with any kind of service, the cost will depend on the type of repair needed, the roofing materials involved, and the extent of the roof damage. 

We do not recommend that homeowners try to save money by holding off on repairs. Saving $500 today could cost you $5,000 down the road.

Below is a breakdown of the costs you can expect for average roof repairs here in the Central Texas area. For an estimate based on your specific situation, contact us to schedule a roof evaluation. 

• Minor repairs: Generally, you can expect to pay around $500 for minor repairs.
• Moderate repairs: These repairs require a bit more time and effort, and their average cost is between $500-1,000.
• Major repairs: If you need major roof repair, you can expect to pay between $1,000 – $3,500.

Most roof repairs take only a few days to complete, and sometimes even less time depending on the severity of the issue. Storm season is naturally the busiest time of year for professional roofing companies, as our schedules are often full tending to roofing emergencies.

To ensure greater availability of an experienced roofer in Austin, it can be smart to repair roof leaks during these “off-peak” times. Late winter and early spring can be good months to repair or replace your roof in Texas, as there are fewer severe storms and therefore less emergency demand.

Final Thoughts

Roof repairs and roof replacements may not be the most glamorous upgrades we want to spend our money on, but a strong and secure roof over our heads is important to protecting our families and keeping them safe and dry.

If you’re concerned about a leaky roof or experience a roofing emergency, the best thing you can do is call a roofing professional right away to have it evaluated. 
At Storm Guard of SW Austin, our priority is keeping you safe while protecting your home and roof for the long haul. For questions or immediate roofing assistance, get in touch.