One of the important things to consider about roof leaks is that it can damage the underlying roofing structure. Not only that but affect the overall structural integrity of your home if not handled properly. Here is what you need to know about roof leaks and how you can correct them to avoid further issues with your roof.
The Signs That Your Roof Is Leaking
a) Is there water pooling on the floor or running down your walls? Well, it’s a sign that your roof is leaking. The leaks will leave water stains that look like huge puddles on the ceiling with brown rings. However, there are some water stains that occur in the dark corners so they are tough to identify. All the same, if there is discoloration on your walls or ceiling, you should check closely for mold or moisture.
b) Are there visible damp spots in the ceiling? If there are any parts of the ceiling in a darker color than the rest, it’s a sign of a roof leak. It might be too wet such that if you poke it with a stick it will become a huge hole. Therefore, you need to be careful with the detection methods to avoid causing further damage to your ceiling.
c) Is there mold in your attic? Just because you haven’t noticed any water stains or damp spots in your ceiling, it doesn’t mean your roof is clear of leaks. You need to check the attic too for any mold, water marks or dark stains. The presence of such is a clear indication that your roof is leaking and needs immediate attendance.
d) Is there water dripping inside your house from the roof? During the rainy season, any roof leaks will spring water in your house. It’s the surest sign that your roof is leaking and needs immediate repair.
Once you notice any of these roof leaks, you need to contact a good roofing specialist to help you repair your roof. Remember, failure to repair the roof leaks immediately might cause future damage that will be a huge expense to you in the long run. For instance, if the moisture gets into the underlying roofing structure, you will be forced to spend a lot of money replacing the entire roof.
When looking for a roofing specialist, you need to consider their experience, reputation, cost of services, guarantees, warranties, licensing and certification. Take the time to find the best roofing contractor for the job to make sure the roof leaks are repaired accordingly. Additionally, you can choose to handle the repairs on your own but it’s best to hire professionals for the best results.
How Can You Prevent Future Roof Leaks
Once the present roof leaks have been repaired, you need to prevent any future ones using the methods outlined here.
a) Start by trimming any tall trees near the house. Falling branches can puncture the roof and trees with low-hanging limbs often scrape the roof’s surface. With time, your roof’s performance will be severely compromised.
b) Clean the gutters and downspouts regularly. A lot of debris such as falling acorns and leaves often collects in these places clogging them. When it rains the water accumulates in one area thus causing roof leaks. With a simple garden hose, you can remove the water clogs and keep the gutters clear.
c) Don’t forget to check the collars and flashing. Some roof leaks might be caused by missing or cracked flashing in the vent or chimney. If your pipe collars are compromised, they might result in roof leaks too. You need to replace the flashing or collars if they are severely damaged. If the seal isn’t working properly, you can also use roofing tar as an alternative.
With these tips, you should be able to know how to prevent future roof leaks and handle the current ones effortlessly. However, if you would like a professional to look at it get in touch with our Portland roof repair experts.
roof leak