A leaking roof can be a very stressful situation for any homeowner, 无论大小, 程度上, 或者泄漏的位置. 知道如何应对屋顶漏水, 然而, including what steps to take to repair the damage, can help you correct the problem and be confident in the strength and durability of your home’s roof.
屋顶漏水可以通过几种方式发现. 在极端情况下, actual dripping water could be seen from visible holes, 裂缝, 或者屋顶或天花板上的裂缝, 其他, more subtle indications can point to smaller roof leaks. 油漆下垂或开裂, 发霉的气味, 霉菌生长, or stains on the ceiling or walls can all indicate a roof leak.
As soon as even the smallest sign of a leak is noticed, it is important to deal with the issue right away. 小的泄漏会迅速扩大, 更持久的问题, causing greater damage and eventually compromising the structure of the house if not repaired.
Regardless of how large or small a roof leak may be or where the water is flowing, certain steps can help minimize damage and make it easier to repair the roof properly.
First, the origin of the leak must be pinpointed. Because water can flow or seep in unexpected directions, it may be difficult to find the exact origin of a roof leak, but diligent inspection can help isolate where it may have originated. Different sources of roof leaks might include:
即使你在找泄漏源, it is important to simultaneously take quick steps to minimize damage resulting from the leak. This may include mopping up accumulated water, putting out buckets or pans to catch drips and protect flooring, spreading tarps to divert water from entering a compromised roof, and improving ventilation and airflow to dry surfaces quickly. 虽然这些措施无法阻止泄漏, they can help minimize damage and make it easier to clean up after the leak is repaired.
Depending on the source of the leak and the condition of the roof, the home insurance company may cover some repair costs. Because many insurance companies require specific documentation of leaks and damage, 然而, as well as have a list of preferred contractors, it is best to contact the insurance company right away for guidance on how to proceed with a roof leak repair.
If it isn’t possible to wait for action from the insurance company, take plenty of photos or video of the roof and have all documentation available if possible, including when any previous repairs may have been made or when the roof was last replaced. 如果屋顶相当新, it may still be under warranty from the roofing company and it is a good idea to contact the roofer about repair and possible compensation options, 如果适用的话.
If you are certain of the cause of the leak and have appropriate home repair experience, you may be able to repair small leaks yourself, such as replacing a vent boot or a missing shingle, or cleaning out gutters and downspouts to eliminate dams that cause water backups. 如果维修范围更广, 然而, 或者泄漏的原因尚不清楚, it is best to contact a professional roofing company for expert service and thorough repair.
与此同时，泄漏正在被修复, consider repairing or upgrading similar materials to prevent 其他 imminent problems. If just one or two shingles were missing and caused the leak, 例如, it is wise to check for 其他 loose shingles and resecure or replace them as well. 类似的, inspect all caulking and seals around skylights, 通风口, 烟囱, and 其他 areas that may be showing degradation, 并在必要时进行先发制人的修复.
In the case of very severe damage or an older roof that is showing significant weaknesses, a full re-roof may be the best course of action to prevent additional leaks in the near future and to put the roof back under a protective warranty.
在修理完成之后, the roof should be thoroughly inspected to be sure there are no 其他 causes for concern. This may include looking for mold or 其他 evidence of past issues, 以及检查相邻的横梁, 绝缘, and 其他 materials to ensure they are not damaged.
Submitting a report from a certified roof inspector may be necessary for an insurance company to approve reimbursement for repairs, or to keep insurance rates as low and affordable as possible after a leak.
修复破损油漆, 干墙, and water spots should be the last step after repairing a roof leak. This will return the home to its previous condition and remove reminders of the leak. 取决于使用的材料, it may be necessary to repair larger portions of walls, 天花板, or floors to ensure materials match – repainting a whole wall instead of just patching a spot with paint that will not be faded with time, 例如.
在修理完成之后, 把所有合同归档, 许可证, and receipts in case they are needed for the insurance company or for future work that may now be under warranty. While repairing a leak can be a time-consuming and potentially expensive process, 取决于泄漏的严重程度, a job well done can repair the home and mitigate further damage and future problems.