Across the country, the COVID-19 outbreak has affected almost every business and industry. Roofers are, in many cases, considered essential employees since you need your roof to be in good shape in order to stay safe at home. However, many roofing companies are extra busy right now due to a shortage of workers and an increase in health protocols that they need to be following. As such, you may need to wait a few days or a week before a roofer is able to get out and address a leak. Here's how you can address the leak and minimize damage in the meantime.
Place buckets under areas where the water is coming in.
The first thing you should do is venture up into your attic and identify the areas where the water is coming in. Place a bucket under each leaky area to catch any water. If it rains more between now and the time the roofers are able to come, you may need to empty the buckets to create space for more water.
Remove any wet insulation and other materials.
While you are up in the attic, try to peel up any wet insulation or other wet items. Place them in a plastic bag, and take that plastic bag out to the trash. Removing the wet materials from your home will help keep humidity levels down, which will help prevent mold from growing. Recheck for more moist materials and remove them every day or two.
Consider patching the roof.
If you feel comfortable climbing up on a ladder and onto your roof, then see if you can identify where the leak is coming from. There may be some shingles that are lifted up or missing. You could take some new shingles and just nail them on top of the damaged or missing shingles. This will look funny, and it is not a long-term solution, but it is a good temporary fix until your roofer is able to visit.
Use some roofing cement over nails or flashing.
If you suspect the leak is coming from some raised nails or some flashing that is peeled back, then you can temporarily address the issue with roofing cement. Put a big glob of cement over a popped nail or squeeze some cement behind a piece of flashing.
COVID-19 has been disruptive to every industry. Thankfully, roofers are still able to work, and they should be able to get to you within a week or two. In the meantime, you can rely on the tips above to keep leaks under control.
For more information, reach out to a residential roofing contractor in your area.
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