It’s the sound every Pennsylvania homeowner dreads: drip… drip… drip. A leaking roof is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Poor installation, damaged or missing shingles, ice dams or clogged gutters could all lead to a failing roof. Sometimes it is just a strong storm. Before you start looking up the cost of a full roof replacement, take a breath and calmly follow the steps below because every second counts when it comes to water exposure in your home.
A professional roofer, from Bauer Specialty, inspecting damaged roof shingles in Erie, PA.
Step 1: Contain Any Dripping Water from the Ceiling
The moment you spot a leaking ceiling. Your goal is to minimize interior water damage and quickly find help with a repairing a roof leak.
- Clear the area: Move everything you can from the drip zone. Especially items like electronics, furniture, and rugs. Always start with your most valuable and sentimental items that can’t be replaced.
- Get ready to collect water: Start by placing a bucket, garbage can or bin under the leak and cover anything that you can’t move, such as carpet, with tarps or garbage bags.
- Drain what you can: This might sound scary, but if your ceiling is bulging with water, take an item, like a pen or screwdriver, and poke a small hole in the center. This will allow you to drain the water in a controlled way and prevents the further ceiling damage. You can add more holes as needed, just be prepared to collect the water.
Step 2: Find the Source of the Leak
Running water can be unpredictable, and it rarely travels in a straight line. It might enter the roof near the chimney but run down a rafter and drip over your bedroom. If possible, head into the attic with a flashlight and look for damp insulation, water trails on the wood, or “shiners” (nails that look frosted or wet).
Safety First: Never walk on a wet or icy roof! This inspection should happen from inside the attic or from the ground. Be cautious of rotten wood that might have been exposed to water for longer periods.
A damaged roof and gutter system in Erie County forming an ice dam and icicles.
Step 3: Emergency Roof Repair
If it is safe to do so, you can attempt one of the below temporary roof repair options to prevent additional water from pouring into your house. These can buy you time until a professional contractor can look at your roof.
- Tarping: If you can safely reach the area, a heavy-duty tarp should be weighted down with sandbags or nailed with wooden strips over the affected area.
- Roofing Mastic: For small visible holes around vents or chimneys, a bit of roofing cement can stop water from dripping in the gaps around your chimney.
Step 4: Call a Local Professional Roofer Immediately (Hey, that’s who we do!)
A patch is never a permanent solution. In the Erie and Buffalo climate, a small leak today can lead to a massive ice dam, structural rot, or a mold issue tomorrow. This can also pose as a fire or electrocution hazard. You should call Bauer Specialty immediately and we can help you create a long-term roof repair plan starting with a free estimate. We are local, certified, and ready to act fast!
Step 5: Document the Damage
Be sure to take clear photos and videos of all items and rooms affected by the leak and contact your insurance company. Be sure to immediately file a home insurance claim for a roof leak or any roof damage.
Step 6: Skip the Roof Leak, Get an Inspection
Most ceiling leaks are preventable with an annual roof inspection and gutter cleaning. If your shingles are curling, your gutters are clogged, or your flashing is rusted, your home is on borrowed time. Don’t wait for the next storm to test your roof and have you scrabbing for an emergency roof repair! Schedule a roof inspection with Bauer Specialty online today or call us at 814-898-8517. We provide free estimates!