If you’re asking yourself “What do I need to know about roof leaks?” Watkins Construction & Roofing is here to help you out. In the wake of a rainstorm, finding a leak puts the fear of God in a homeowner. Most people want to know what else to do if they leak, whether it is a drip, dripping, or gushing into their home. It’s a good question because you probably discover leaks weeks or months after you’ve experienced it. Homeowners who know there is a leak but cannot locate the source are even more distressed.
In addition to causing cosmetic damage, leaks can also cause structural damage. There can be many consequences, including water damage and mold, as well as electrical short circuits and fires. To keep your roof from raining on your parade, I thought I would blog about what you need to know about roof leaks.
Where is the water coming from?
You can determine where the leak originated if you climb up your roof and see missing or bent shingles. It’s not always easy to decide on the source of a roof leak. It may not be coming from your shingles either. A corroded vent, a leaky skylight, or flashing could be responsible for the water leak.
To determine the origin of the leak, sometimes you should start beneath the roof unless you see an obvious source. In your attic, you’ll have to crawl around. However, it can help you eliminate where the leak is not. It will be much easier to locate the leak from above once you have determined the general location of the leak.
What should you do if you still can’t find the source of the leak?
The leak may not be identified because water always runs downhill. Whenever you discover a leak, the best thing you can do is place a tarp in the area and call a contractor. In addition to detecting the leak, a licensed roofer can also plug the hole before it does further damage.
What else can cause a roof to leak?
Often, clogged gutters cause leaks. As soon as your gutters become clogged, you can’t let water flow from your roof, and you can also suffer expensive leaks when the water backs up onto the roof. Since they’re gravity-fed, water that cannot run off the shingles tends to back up underneath the gutters. This will result in water finding its way under the shingles.
For water to penetrate your home, even the tiniest crack or crevice must exist. It won’t be long before the water puddles or mold grows on the exterior walls since the gutters are directly above the walls. It is relatively easy to prevent this leak.
The light of your life or the bane of your existence?
It is not just that skylights let light into a home, but they can also leak water if they are not installed correctly or if their flashing is damaged. Applying a bead of silicone sealer will fix your skylight leaks if it occurs. If that does not fix the problem, you’ll have to call your roofer to have it replaced.
What else can leaky roof damage?
The main concern of most people when they detect a leak is to fix the immediate source of the leak as soon as possible. A big mistake could be made here. Water damage to a home could have been severe if it went undetected for an extended period that could affect the homeowner later. The first step in a leak is preventing the timber from rotting or mold growing between your walls.
If left untreated, it may be a few months or years before either of these problems will become gargantuan proportions. To prevent a much bigger problem in the future, every homeowner should trace a leak from the cradle to the grave. When water damage occurs, it is cheaper to fix it as soon as possible.
What can you do to prevent roof leaks?
When it comes to roof leaks, prevention is better than cure, as Ben Franklin once said. The best thing you can do to prevent leaks from starting on your roof is to perform annual maintenance. Your roof should be swept of leaf litter, and gutters cleaned. Give your roof and once-over now and then by climbing a ladder.
A local roofer can schedule free roof inspections if you prefer not to do it yourself. They will more easily spot any problems with your roofing system than by you. Your roof will last longer if you do this since it will keep the rain off your head. A roof beyond its useful life should be replaced as soon as possible. The longer you delay the inevitable, the more damage you will suffer and the more money you will have to spend.
Watkins Construction and Roofing can provide you with the help you need. Getting in touch with us can be done by calling us at 251-299-8151. We service areas in Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Foley, Fairhope, Robertsdale, and Orange Beach, AL.
