The last thing you want to deal with in your Little Rock, AR home is a roof leak. The potential damage and repair costs can be daunting. Since the leak may have already taken a number of days or weeks to seep through all the layers of roofing, you need to take some steps as soon as you see the water dripping from the ceiling. It may be tough to know where to begin, but there are some helpful steps to aim you in the right direction.
1. Shut Off Electricity and Remove Furniture
If the leak is dripping a lot of water, you should shut off your electricity in the area that is affected. Unplug and remove lamps and other electrical appliances that are located near the leak. If water has gotten under the furniture, move it to a dry area. Any sofas or heavy furniture that can't be moved should be covered in plastic.
2. Contain the Water
A plastic bucket is ideal for containing the water. If the roof leak covers a large area, you will need a large container. Make sure to keep an eye on the bucket, and empty it when it gets about 3/4 full. To lessen the annoying dripping sound, place a rag or towel inside the bucket. Wipe up as much water as you can reach and hang the wet towels outside to dry, if possible.
3. Call a Professional Right Away
As soon as the water is contained, call a professional to inspect the leak. Most leaks require a technical expert to assess the damage and determine the cause of the leak before any renovations can take place. Make sure you call a company that is licensed and insured so that the damage is handled safely and professionally.
