Unfortunately, homeowners and building managers usually don’t discover a roof leak until it starts to rain. Once water has started seeping inside, the first and most important step is to make an appointment for professional roof repair as quickly as possible. In the meantime, however, there are steps you can take to contain a leak and prevent further damage.

Get the Excess Water Under Control

Whether in a residential or commercial space, roof leaks tend to begin as soggy patches in the ceiling, which indicate that water is pooling into one location. Instead of waiting for that water to reach an easy escape point—for example, a light fixture or an air vent—find what appears to be the wettest, most vulnerable spot and poke a hole there. This will allow the water to drain out into a bucket before it has a chance to spread out and cause further damage. 

Find the Water’s Point of Entry

As long as it’s still raining, it will likely be difficult to stop a leak in its tracks before roof repair professionals arrive. But check out the attic nonetheless, and try to find the portion of the ceiling that’s causing the problem. Since a leak in the roof may not perfectly align with a leak in the ceiling, you might not be able to discern the exact location of the problem, but you’ll be able to contain more excess water and direct the repair expert to the leak. 

Try a Temporary Fix​​ 

If you can see where the water is getting in from the damaged roof, there may be a few temporary repairs you can make while waiting for help to arrive. Products such as roofing cement, tarps, and waterproof tape can be useful in a pinch, and they can be found at any home improvement store. The key is to minimize water damage inside until the roof can be repaired permanently.

Southeastern Roofing & Construction offers Tampa-area residents and businesses a wide range of roofing services, including emergency repairs. To learn more about our services and areas of expertise, contact us online or call (844) 473-7663.

Especially for people who are new to Florida, brushing up on hurricane preparedness is the key to making it through a storm with minimal damage. Hurricanes can quickly batter roofs and homes, but taking these four steps in preventive maintenance can save homeowners time and money.

Secure All Windows and Doors 

One of the best ways to prepare for a hurricane is to protect every window and door from wind, including the garage door. Windows should be boarded, and doors should be deadbolted, if possible. Garage doors should be secured using a bracing kit.

Prepare and Protect the Roof

Homeowners who are due for a new roof should consider exploring options that provide resistance against hurricane-force winds, including specialized application processes and materials. It’s also recommended that homeowners have a yearly roof inspection to check for existing weakness or damage in case they need roof repairs. When a storm is imminent, hurricane straps can be placed on the roof to secure it to the house.

Clean Up the Yard

Before a hurricane rolls in, homeowners should trim any dead or decaying sections of trees, especially if they could affect someone’s property. Falling tree limbs can cause thousands of dollars in damage to roofs and homes, and removing them is another expense. Storing all patio furniture, yard decor, toys, and other outdoor items inside can prevent them from being flung against the house or blown away in high winds.

Check the Homeowners Insurance Policy 

It’s important to know the details of a home’s insurance policy, especially the amounts covered in case of storm damage. Homeowners should make adjustments as necessary, paying extra attention to gaps in their coverage. People are often surprised to find out how little their insurance covers once the damage has been done.

The best way to protect your home and roof from hurricane damage is to make sure they’re maintained year-round. Whether you need a new roof or just some repairs , you can trust Southeastern Roofing & Construction to help you get ready for hurricane season. For a free estimate, call us today at 844-473-7663 or contact us online .

The lifespan of any structure’s roofing system depends on a number of factors, such as climate and geography, building materials, and unforeseen damages. But one thing is certain: every roof should be evaluated periodically and, if necessary, remodeled. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning a roof remodeling project.

Evaluate the Current Roof 

When considering replacing your roof, a good place to start is to have a licensed roofing contractor inspect your current roof system and point out any potential issues that may need to be addressed. The next step would be to determine what type of new roof system you are looking for, whether it be shingle, tile, metal, or one of the other options that may be available in your area. Once you have selected the roof system best suited your needs, you can then let your selected roofing contractor/s know, and they can then provide you with estimates on a replacement.

Choosing a Roofing Contractor

When selecting a contractor to replace your roof, you want to make sure that they are fully licensed and insured. Ask them to provide you with copies of their license and insurance for you to review. You can also research their company online and look at some of their reviews from previous customers. Getting multiple quotes from different roofing contractors will allow you to compare products and pricing in your market. Once you have received the quotes, you can review them to make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. Keep in mind that the lowest price is NOT always the best option; as the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for.”

Consider Building Codes and Laws

Before jumping head-first into a remodeling project, be sure that your chosen contractor will be pulling all necessary permits and following all state and local building codes. Replacing your roof without following these rules and regulations may result in your new roof to not only fail inspections but also have to be redone in order to correct any deficiencies. A qualified roofing professional will know all the latest codes and laws and can make sure that the plans are workable.

Don’t Wait for a Catastrophe

Unfortunately, whether it involves a home, a car, or even one’s health, too many people wait until there’s a serious problem before taking action. Stay on top of the roof’s condition by scheduling regular inspections. This allows one to be ready to address any problems before they have a chance to worsen or cause intense structural damage. For example, with regular preventative maintenance, property owners can locate and fix small leaks before they cause water damage or harmful mold. Taking preventative measures can extend the life of a new roof significantly.

Southeastern Roofing & Construction is a premier residential and commercial roofing contractor in the Gulf South, with ample experience in roof remodeling and preventative maintenance. To learn more about our services, contact us online or call (844) 473-7663 today.