One problem that many home owners first discover when they have a roof leak is a brownish stain on their ceilings. When the roof leaks this is usually the first place you’ll see the signs unless you actively inspect your roof regularly. This brown stain is usually caused by water contacting and damaging the drywall in the ceiling and if you have noticed this in your home then there are some steps you’ll need to take to prevent further damage to the home while you get roof repairs in Ypsilanti Michigan done on your roof.

First Steps When You Have a Roof Leak in Ypsilanti Michigan

When you have a roof leak it can put a huge area in your home in jeopardy. As more and more water is introduced into the home the more damage that can occur. And while you may be able to salvage much of the components if the roof leak is small if you continue to allow water to leak inside it will certainly cause loads more damage.

Getting roof repair done quickly can help to prevent more damage to your home once you’ve discovered there is a roof leak. One problem maybe that the roof leak is rather small and it may have been some time since the roof leak started. In any case, here are some steps to help you minimize the damage to your home is you notice water damage on your home’s ceilings.

Clear the Area Near the Roof Leak

Clear the area around the roof leak first to prevent damages to home furnishings. To catch any water that is leaking from the ceiling, make sure to place pots, pans, or buckets as well. Most likely, your ceiling covering is drywall. This will absorb and disperse water. It is better to control where water enters the ceiling. You can do this by making a small opening at the center of the spot where the roof leak is with an awl or screwdriver. The water will then flow through that controlled opening into your bucket. It may damage your home’s ceiling but it will allow trapped water behind the drywall to escape.

Call a Roofing Contractor to Repair the Roof Leak

You’ll need to contact a roofing contractor to repair the roof where it is leaking. Water can travel quite a distance from the source, especially roof leaks. Even though the situation may seem simple, like a bathroom located directly above the stain’s location, there are many possible sources of water. You could have a leaking drain or a loose supply line. A good quality roofing contractor will be able to locate the problem and advise on solutions.

Dry the Water Quickly

Allow any materials affected to dry completely after repairing the source of leakage. Ceiling cavities are especially vulnerable to mold because moisture behind the drywall can cause mold growth. While a minor leak can be repaired by itself, larger leaks will require the assistance of a fan to air out. It is best to place fans to attempt to dry the area faster. Standing water in your home can promote mold growth in the home and getting the water dried quickly can help to prevent further damages done by water. You’ll also need to dry areas such as flooring as well.

Make Repairs to the Ceiling

This could be as simple as a touch-up with some Spackle and paint or it could involve replacing the entire ceiling. It is often simpler to just remove damaged drywall and then dry it. This exposes ceiling joists which makes hanging patches much easier. It’s also easier to paint larger areas or the entire ceiling if there is a bigger leak.

Always Call a Professional Roofer

While a small roof leak may not seem like much of a problem it’s best left to a professional roofer. Even a small roof leak can lead to all sorts of water damage to your home. Improper repairs means you’ll need to repair the water damage again so it’s best to get it repaired right the first time by a quality roofing contractor such as Ypsilanti Roofing Company. Give us a call today to get roof repairs done on your home correctly the first time.