How to Assess Water Damage on a Leaky Roof

By Categories: Roof Maintenance, Roof Repairs, Winter Roofing

Would you be surprised to find that water damage is the second most frequently filed insurance claim in the US? As a result, water damage claims make up $11 million in annual property damages. The average cost of a water damage claim tallies in at a whopping $5000.

Once a leak has been detected in a routine roof evaluation, it’s time to strike while the iron is hot and assess for potential areas of water damage within your home or business. Finding the location of a leak to repair a roof as quickly as possible is of the utmost importance to prevent further property damage from occurring.

Property Water Damage Classifications

Water damage in a property can be categorized into different classes:

Class I

Least harmful type of damage; property materials have absorbed very little water.

Class II

Has a fast rate of evaporation; cushions and carpeting may have been damaged.

Class III

Has the fastest rate of evaporation; water damage may have leaked from overhead to soak walls and furniture.

Class IV

Requires special water removal treatment; damage may have affected plaster, floors, and concrete.

Accessing the Extent of Roof Water Damage

If you’ve noticed water damage in your home or business, you can use these helpful guidelines to assess the extent of the problem:

  • Allow structure materials to dry completely to reveal the degree of damage.
  • Examine walls, wood, or ceilings for watermarks and deformations like swelling and blistering.
  • Check roof panels, floor panels, and walls for visible damage, including bowing and buckling.
  • Evaluate metal surfaces on a property for rust or corrosion.
  • Check for shingle wear and erosion around the foundation of a building.
  • Look for stains on ceilings, walls, and floors.
  • Examine concrete basement walls and garage flooring for internal cracks caused by water pressure.

Depending on the extent of the water damage, it may be time to call a professional to repair your roof. If your home or business has been flooded due to a roof leak, you will also need to contact your insurance company for coverage information.