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What Steps to Take Immediately if Your Roof Starts Leaking

Apr 14, 2020

What Steps to Take Immediately if Your Roof Starts Leaking

If you notice your ceiling is leaking it may be a sign of something more serious, and it is recommended you take action as it could potentially lead to water damage, sagging or collapse. Small leaks may not seem like anything to worry about, but they can lead to much larger issues and damage the ceiling in a very short amount of time. At WA Ceiling Fixers our experienced team can provide you with the right advice and either repair or replace your ceiling as required.

Finding the Cause

Depending on the amount of water leaking, try to find the cause of the problem to determine how difficult it will be to fix. If it is raining, place a bucket under the hole to prevent any damage to your flooring. If you are confident, check the roof when the weather clears and it is safe, or call a professional to inspect for damage and make any repairs.

If there is no rain, plumbing could be the problem especially if there is a steady gush of water from a burst or leaking pipe. If you have an upper floor toilet or shower check there are no leaks that are seeping through the flooring, and make sure any gutters are not blocked with leaves, branches, bird nests or debris. If it is a plumbing issue, turn off the water from the mains and call a plumber. 

Look for the area where the water is coming in, for smaller chronic leaks you might spot a stain, rotting wood or black mould on the ceiling or walls. This task can be difficult because the leak might actually be some distance away from the drip or stain. Check for any roof penetrations, small holes, loose nails, plumbing, chimneys, exhaust fans, lifted roofing, iron or tiles, roof flashing, poorly fitted skylights or vents which may be letting the water in. Always be cautious with ladders and slippery roofs as there is danger of falling, calling in an expert is often the best option. 

When to Take Action

Unless there is an obvious heavy leak, signs you might notice include mould or discoloured patches on the ceiling, walls which have become damp, stains and an unpleasant odour, paint which has bubbled and rotting to the wooden framework. 

If the weather is severe and your roof is damaged, you may need to contact emergency services to prevent flooding. As a quick fix you can temporarily place a tarp over the hole to prevent too much damage to the structure and wiring. Any large holes will require the assistance of someone qualified to repair the roof and inspect for structural damage. Dependent on the severity of the leak and your expertise at repair work, you may be able to temporarily fix your problem, but it is a good idea to have a qualified contractor to inspect the roof to check for structural damage. A leaking roof can lead to a sagging ceiling and is not something which should be ignored. 

At WA Ceiling Fixers we can offer you a free quote for any of our ceiling or wall services throughout the Perth region. Please contact us today if you notice any abnormal leaks and our team will take care of the problem with skill and efficiency. 
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