Is Your Roof Leaking? Everything You Need to Know
What to Do if Your Roof is Leaking
Did you know that on average there are 106 rainy days every year in the US?
If you have a roof leak then all of that rain is soon going to end up inside your home, causing damage and costing you money.
When you have a leaking roof, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage.
Read on to learn more.
Signs of a Leaking Roof
Your roof may be leaking for some time before you even discover there’s a problem. At this point, a lot of damage may have already occurred.
That’s why it’s important to be able to recognize some of the signs of a leaking roof as early as possible.
Water Stains
If you have water stains on your ceilings or walls, then this is a good sign that there is a leak. The sooner you can spot these stains, the better, so be sure to regularly give your ceilings a quick glance to see if you can spot any issues.
Dripping
Can you hear dripping when you’re lying in bed at night? It could be a plumbing issue, but it may also be a leak in your roof.
One of the most common causes of roof problems is shiners. These are nails that have missed the frame of your roof and come through into your home. These nails frost up and then thaw, leading to dripping water.
Mold
Mold is a sure sign of excess moisture. Whether you have mold inside your home or growing on your roof or home exterior, the cause may very well be a leaking roof.
How to Find a Roof Leak
If you think you have a leak, the next task is to find it. This can be easier said than done; some leaks will be obvious, but others may take some hunting for.
First off, take a look at your roof, and look for anywhere where tiles are worn, missing, or buckled. Areas, where objects penetrate your roof, are often the sources of leaks, so look carefully at chimney flashing, roof vents, and other potential hotspots to ensure everything is in order.
If you still can’t find the source, then it’s time to safely climb onto the roof, and use a hose to soak small areas of the roof at a time. Keep the hose running for a few minutes, and get a helper inside to look for any signs of a leak.
Work your way over the whole surface of the roof and you should be able to narrow down the location of the problem. You can then inspect more closely to find exactly where the leak is coming from.
What to Do About a Leaking Roof
Once you’ve tracked down the source of the leak, you need to take action before more damage occurs. The sooner you act, the better.
Contain the Problem
The most important thing to do is stop the leak from causing any more damage to your home.
If there is a drip, put a large container underneath to catch the water. Be sure to check on the container regularly so that you can empty it before it starts to overflow.
If the leak is more widespread, use a waterproof tarpaulin to try to stop the leak from penetrating any further into your home.
Make Minor Repairs
If the repair is simple then it should be something you can handle yourself.
If the issue is a shiner, for example, then all you’ll need to do is use some pliers to clip off the exposed end of the nail. The head of the nail itself should maintain a seal.
Be very wary of trying to make repairs on the outside of your roof; you should always take great care when working at height.
Try to Patch Things Up
If a simple repair isn’t possible, you can try to put temporarily patch up the problem area to reduce the leak until it can be properly dealt with.
This could be something as simple as a piece of waterproof sheeting or even a plastic bag nailed down over the damaged area, to stop any water from entering. Obviously, this is only a stopgap measure, and should not be used as a permanent solution.
You can also buy temporary roof patches from hardware stores which will offer more substantial protection. Again, the keyword here is “temporary” because these products are not designed to be used as a long-term solution.
Call a Professional
Once you’ve done your best to try to minimize the risk of damage from your leaking roof, it’s time to call in the professionals. Call 281.782.7116 to schedule a complimentary roof inspection.
A professional roofing company will be able to examine your roof and determine whether it’s possible to repair the leak, or if you’ll need more drastic work done, such as a roof replacement. When it comes to your roof, it’s always advisable to not try to cut corners; if work needs doing, holding off to try to save money may end up costing you more in the long run.
The sooner you get your roof inspected by a professional, the sooner you can take the action necessary to return your roof to optimal condition.
Are You Suffering From a Roof Leaking?
If you think you have a roof leak then it’s always best to call the professionals as soon as possible.
We provide both commercial and residential roofing services, including emergency roof repair, as well as roof restoration and replacement. And of course, we can provide roof leak repair too.
Don’t leave it too late. Schedule an appointment today.
