If you're not the skilled type, it can be intimidating to try to figure out who to call for help if water damages your roof. If you have any idea of the cause of the damage, this is a good place to start. Call a roofer or plumber to prevent the damage from worsening, and then ask if they have someone to recommend for the rest of the repair. The first step is to stabilize the area around the escape.
Remove valuables from the area and then remove a bucket and a tarp to catch and contain any water that has accumulated behind the roof. Most likely, the ceiling cover is made of plaster, which will absorb or disperse water. It is best to control where the water enters through the roof. To do this, drill a small hole in the center of the leak with an awl, screwdriver or other similar object, so that water passes through that controlled opening and enters the bucket.
Remove materials that have been damaged, such as discolored materials, anything containing mold or mildew, and damaged drywall. Be careful not to cut any electrical wires. This is the most dangerous part of this process and one of the reasons why you may choose to go to a professional to take care of this step. If you have more than an inch of standing water or if the water is “dirty”, it's a good idea to hire professionals so they can assess the extent of the damage and contamination and make sure everything is well taken care of. Your roof may be fine and water may drain from the gutters into your house because they are clogged and the water has nowhere else to go.
While it would be wise to rush to repair the roof as soon as you've removed all the damaged items, when it comes to a water-damaged roof, patience is a virtue. If it seems that the water is coming from a poorly waterproofed bathroom, refrain from using that bathroom or place enough towels if you need to shower or do anything else that could cause water to seep through the floor. This could mean turning off the water supply to a leaking toilet or placing a tarp over a damaged section. of the roof.
A large damaged area the size of a room or more might be better managed by a water damage mitigation expert working in conjunction with a water damage restoration expert. As water can accumulate behind drywall, it can also be useful to drill a small hole in the ceiling with an awl or screwdriver so that water can drain through a single point. On the other hand, if it's water damage to a roof with rooms above it, you should check that room or the internal pipes. While a water-damaged roof can be difficult to fix on your own, it's certainly not an impossible situation. The roof may need to be inspected to locate a missing tile or a damaged ventilation grille that allows water to flow into the attic.
If the attic is empty and that's all that's left above the roof, it can be a little more complicated, since water usually follows the structural elements as it passes from damaged areas of the roof to the wet roof. When water drips from the roof and you end up with water damage, the end result can be quite distressing, especially if it took you a long time to notice the problem. Drywall can absorb water like a sponge, so be sure to start the cuts a few inches away from any visible damage. If you haven't noticed the damage long enough to get worse, a water damage mitigator and restorer will also help you find other problems that may have been caused by the leak.
Water damage to the roof is, without a doubt, one of those situations that must be investigated and resolved.
