Roof leaks are among the most distractive issues homeowners can experience, primarily when they don’t deal with them immediately. Taking action right away helps the homeowner contain the damage caused by the water and prevent the leaks from becoming more significant.
Contain The Roof Leak
This is the first thing a homeowner should do after identifying a leak. They should have a big bucket or container to hold all the water. That prevents the water from seeping further into the floor, furniture, or walls. They should have towels and rags nearby in case the water overflows.
They should also ensure they dry the floor below the leak and assess how much damage it caused. Thankfully, most roof leaks are usually relatively slow with low water volumes.
Identify The Cause
Numerous things could lead to a roof leak. Identifying the cause makes it easier for the homeowner to determine how to fix it. It also makes work easier for professionals when they arrive.
Holes or cracks in the roof – These could result from lost roof nails, falling debris, or roof age.
Missing or damaged shingles– This is among the primary cause of roof leaks but is easy to spot and fix. Shingles could become loose or damaged because of weather fluctuations, direct hits, or age.
Age of the roof– All roofing materials have a designated lifespan, after which their protection reduces, making them susceptible to leaks.
Clogged gutter– When gutters no longer drain water as they should, the water pools around the roofs, increasing the chances of it getting through weak spots and cracks.
Poorly installed or damaged flashing– Flashings are usually installed along roof joints for protection against water or pests. Damage or poor installation creates a perfect place for water to seep through. Damage happens typically because of wear and tear, age, direct force impacts, or temperature fluctuations.
Damaged underlay or roofing membrane– Underlays and roof membranes are designed to cope with small water levels and direct water to the gutters. However, too much water could result in tearing or rot, resulting in a leak.
Poorly placed fixings– When fixings or roofing nails are not properly secured to the rafter, they create an opening for water to seep through the roof.
Poorly installed or damaged roof windows or skylights– This mostly happens when the flashing around the skylights is compromised. They could also suffer damage from animals, falling debris, age, or wear and tear.
Look For More Leaks
One leak might indicate more issues in the roof, meaning there might be a chance for other leaks. Identifying those leaks makes it easier to fix all of them simultaneously, avoiding future water damage. It is also cheaper and less time-consuming than fixing many leaks at different times.
Homeowners can identify additional leaks by looking at their ceilings for visible physical damage. It would also help to look in the attic and gaps around penetrations like chimneys. While it can help go on the roof, it can be dangerous without the right gear and skills. Therefore, homeowners should leave that to the professionals.
Below are some signs homeowners can look for to identify potential leaks.
Water stains on the ceiling or walls
Bulging sections on the interior walls
Mouldy or musty smells
Water pools or wet roof decking
Water-damaged exterior siding
Wrapped, missing, or damaged shingles
Rust on metal roofs
Dripping in the attic or other parts of the house
Conclusion
While some roof leaks might look easy enough for homeowners to fix themselves, calling a professional guarantees better results quickly. In addition to that, leaks could happen at any time, and homeowners can prevent that from happening through regular roof inspections and cleanings, which are also services provided by roofing companies.
Thanks to our experience, expertise, and tools, the professionals at Superior Contracting & Environmental Specialties can identify the cause and extent of the roof leak. This way, they are able to determine the best way to repair it or if the roof needs a replacement. They can also identify other issues with the roof, fixing them early to prevent further damage that might be harder and more expensive to fix.
Working with professionals is also safer for the homeowner, their property, and other people or pets on the premises. In addition to the safety equipment, great, and techniques the professionals use, we have insurance that covers any damage or injuries during work.
