Leaky Roof? Here’s What to Do Before It Gets Worse From a Houston Roofer
Posted on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at 4:43 pm
As a Houston homeowner, quickly addressing roof leaks is crucial as the area experiences severe weather, like hurricanes and hailstorms, that puts your safety at risk if left untreated. What may start as a minor ceiling drip can quickly become major structural issues, like widespread mold, standing roof water, and even cave-ins.
If you currently have a leaky roof or are unsure of potential water damage, here’s what you should do before it gets worse with preventive tips from a Houston roofer.
Identify the Signs of a Roof Leak
Roof leaks don’t all look the same, so it’s important to know all the signs to prevent more water intrusion from entering your home.
In addition to dripping ceiling water, there are more common indicators you may have a leaky roof or one starting to form:
- Ceiling or wall water stains
- Small mold patches on the ceiling or walls
- Indoor puddles
- Pooling or “ponding” water on the roof
- Missing or damaged roof shingles
- Clogged gutters or slow water drainage in them
If you discover any of these issues, even if minor, take immediate action with the following steps below.
Take Immediate Action First
Before contacting a Houston roofer, take these urgent steps to help control potential water damage:
- Contain the Leak: If you find a leak, use buckets or tarps to collect dripping water and prevent damage to the floors and furniture.
- Minimize Interior Damage: Move your personal belongings and valuables away from the affected area.
- Dry Wet Areas: Grab towels and press them onto the floors dry to reduce mold risk.
- Temporary Fix the Leak: If it’s possible to access your roof safely, apply roofing tar or a patch to visible leaks until professional help arrives.
- Locate the Leak Source: If possible, check common roofing problem areas to find where the leak is coming from to help control it, including chimney seals, skylights, vents, and roof valleys.
- Inspect Your Attic: Confirm if water has entered your attic insulation to determine if you need additional temporary fixes, and tell your roofing contractor.
Call a Professional Houston Roofer ASAP
After taking the initial steps to control your roof leak temporarily, call a Houston roofer for repairs as soon as possible. Some roofing companies offer emergency roof repair services if your damage is severe to prevent compromising your safety and your home’s structural integrity even further.
Roofing contractors will inspect the exterior and interior of your roofing system to determine the extent of water-related damage and the cause. Then, they’ll advise on the repairs required to fix it and prevent leaks in the future. They may suggest investing in additional roof water protection equipment like flashing or ice/water barriers if you live in a flood zone or storm-prone area.
Reduce the Risks of Future Leaks Preventative Roof Care
Water leak damage is one of the most common roofing issues among homeowners. However, you can reduce the risks of leaks with preventive roof care, including:
Regular Roof Maintenance
Like other aspects of your home, regular roof maintenance is required to preserve its durability against the outdoor elements. These steps include cleaning your gutters seasonally from built-up debris, especially during foliage and snowfall, to ensure they promote water drainage and don’t clog.
You should also landscape overhanging trees and branches as needed to prevent impact-related damages like pests and holes that cause water intrusion and structural issues.
Routine Roof Inspections
Scheduling roof inspections bi-annually and after major storms is best practice. These services not only catch existing issues but also identify potential vulnerabilities that put your home at risk. While roofing contractors may not find damage, they may discover loose roofing materials and dented flashing that help protect your roof from leaks.
Routine roof inspections also help promptly address minor issues before they escalate into widespread roofing system damage—increasing your repair costs as a result. Early roof damage detection helps prevent unnecessarily high out-of-pocket expenses and offers maximum protection for those living inside.
Hurricane-Proof Your Houston Roof
You know, as a Houston homeowner, that hurricanes occur. However, these weather patterns are becoming more severe. Last year, the Atlantic experienced an overly active season, with 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and five of them as major ones compared to the average seven.
Now more than ever is the time to hurricane-proof your Houston roof and prevent related damages, including leaks, from impacting your home.
Depending on your region, you may want to consider investing in more secure roofing materials like metal, as they offer the strongest durability and last up to 70 years with regular maintenance. They have naturally sturdy structures from high-impact flying hurricane debris and are also energy-efficient during Houston’s hot summers due to their high reflectivity.
We also recommend installing your metal roof with concealed fasteners to better withstand high-speed hurricane winds. This installation method secures your metal roof panels with fasteners instead of heavy-duty adhesives hidden under its sheeting so it’s not exposed to the outdoor elements–making your roof less vulnerable to water intrusion and ripped-off materials.
Have Water-Related Roofing Issues? Our Houston Roofers Are Here to Help
Don’t wait until it’s too late to fix water-related roofing issues. Whether you spot leaks or want to prevent them, we can help ensure your roof is in top shape against all of Houston’s climate conditions.
At Kidd Roofing, we’ve been serving the Houston communities since 1982 and know what homeowners need to maximize their roof care. From emergency repairs to regular roof maintenance plans, we have you covered—literally.
Learn more about Houston roofing services, or contact us to schedule your roof inspection today!