What do you do when your roof is leaking?
A Gold Coast leaking roof is common as our weather is notorious for extreme rain events. Summer storms are the most likely time you may experience a leaking roof. Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds can create the scenario for a roof leak that cannot be replicated. Like all plumbing problems, a leaking roof will not go away.
Signs that you have a leaking roof
heavy rain causing gutters to overflow can create a Gold Coast leaking roof especially if you also have blocked stormwater drains
A leaking roof does not always show up when the rain is pouring down. Obviously, the water inundation occurs during the storm, but signs of the roof leak can show up much later.
Water dripping through the light fittings or a crack in the ceiling creating a wet patch is a visible sign you have a Gold Coast leaking roof. Some of the obvious signs that you have a leaking roof are:
- water drips occur while it is raining or shortly after the rain stops
- water is running down interior walls
- the water drops will be a dirty brown colour resulting in dirty wet stains on gyprock ceilings
- your gyprock ceiling develops a bulge
- gyprock ceilings or walls become mouldy
- ceiling insulation is wet
Water damage from a roof leak
A Gold Coast leaking roof is an unwanted water feature that can create multiple hazards in your home or business premises that include:
- damage to the timber trusses that hold your roof up
- bulging to the gyprock ceiling that can result in it falling down in sections that are inundated with rainwater
- damaged roof insulation
- damage to electric lights and wiring
- create a breeding ground for mosquitos
Health risks from a leaking roof
An obvious risk from any water leak is the occurrence of mould and mildew. An intermittent roof leak that creates dampness is more likely to create the perfect breeding ground for mould in carpet and gyprock.
Mould spores from wet carpet, gyprock ceilings and walls can transfer quickly via air conditioning that can cause respiratory issues for everyone who comes in contact.
What you should do if your roof starts leaking
A roof leak that suddenly occurs as a result of storm damage will usually take you by surprise. The first thing to do if you experience a sudden roof leak during a storm is to move furniture, electrical appliances and any valuable personal belongings away from the leak area. If you cannot transfer your furniture, try to cover it.
Once you have moved your personal belongings, try to put a bucket under the water drip to contain the mess from the dripping water. Having further buckets is a necessity so you can empty the buckets. If the water is spreading use towels to contain it and try mopping the area to soak up as much water as possible.
How to repair a Gold Coast leaking roof
A roof leak needs to be investigated and repaired as soon as you become aware of it. Roofing repairs are not DIY jobs and squeezing silicon all over a roof achieves very little. A roof can be a dangerous place with falls from roofs by DIY warriors accounting for a large number of hospital admissions.
There are no quick fixes with a leaking roof. A leaking roof can be leaking in more than one place, and it is a process of elimination to solve the roof leak. You need to be aware that your house insurance will cover you for storm damage. However, if the water damage is attributed to your negligence due to you ignoring a previous leaking roof, there is a strong possibility they will reject your insurance claim.
Whywait Plumbing is Gold Coast leaking roof specialists. Our plumbing technicians have experienced most leaking roof issues and will ensure your roof is inspected and repaired before the water damage becomes worse.
Call us today on (07) 5580 4311 to organise for a fully licensed Whywait Plumbing roof leak expert to inspect your roof.
