It is obvious that you would like your roof to be in perfect condition all the time. But this kind of situation is only possible in a dream world. Jump to reality, and you will find how tough it is to make sure that your roof is working perfectly.
The unpredictability of mother nature is such that it can strike your roof at any time. Thus they can lead to huge damages no matter how prepared you are.
In this following blog, we will talk about how you can fix one of the biggest causes of roof and home damage, i.e., the problem of a roof leak. So without wasting your time, let’s jump right into the problem.
Common Signs That Your Roof Is Leaking
It can be challenging to predict when the roof will suffer damage, as no one knows what will happen in the future. But there are some signs that signal that you may have a roof leak. If you catch these signs early and act on them, then it can help save you a lot of costs. Here are some of these signs that you should act upon.
The first thing to look out for is drips on the ground or walls inside your home—these will be easy to spot because they’ll often leave marks on surfaces.
If you see water stains on the ceiling, especially near the attic hatch or bathroom vents, then more often than not, it is because of a leaking roof.
Check around windows, doors, skylights, and any other entry points into your home; these spots are usually where leaks occur first because they have less protection from shingles than other parts of your roof do.
Image source: dummies.com
How Can You Start Fixing Your Roof?
After you have successfully located the area of the roof leak, it is now time to take action. Here are some tips to consider when you notice that your roof is leaking.
Precautionary Steps
Before moving ahead with fixing the leak, it is essential to take the necessary precautions so that your home does not have to suffer much.
Protect Your Belongings
A leak will worsen with time, so even if it does not appear as damaging, it is a better idea to move away from all your valuables from the leak-prone area. This is because water can damage your interiors, sofas, and especially your electronic items.
Also, try to minimize the damage by containing the water flow. It’s important to contain water during a leak so that you don’t have to worry about it seeping into your walls or floors.
You can help contain the water during a leak by using a bucket or a plastic bag, or a container.
Different Leak-Prone Areas Of A Roof And How To Fix Them
Fix The Damaged Shingles
Shingles are the first line of defense of your roofing system. They face all the harsh weather conditions and thus can get damaged in the process, giving way to leakages. So if you notice that your shingles are curling or missing, etc., then you need to replace them so as to keep your roof and home safe.
- Remove the damaged shingles by using a hammer or claw hammer to gently pry them off of the roof.
- Clean the area well and remove any remaining nails
- Install the new shingles. Make sure that each individual row of nails is secure.
Check Your Roof’s Flashing
Flashings are the components of your roof that attach to the walls, chimney, and gutters. They are designed to direct water away from where it can cause damage. Flashing is typically made of copper or galvanized steel. It’s very durable and will last for years if properly installed.
However, it is one of the most common factors for a roof leak. If you see that your damaged roof flashing is the cause of the leak, then you need to start to either repair or replace the flashing entirely.
If you want to replace the flashing, then you will need to remove the roof shingles and the flashing so that you can install a new metal flashing. However, if the damage is not severe, you can consider repairing the flashing too.
How To Repair Flashing?
You can repair the flashing by resealing the areas where the metal flashing is installed. This can be done by using a sealant/caulk. Apply the sealant where there are cracks. This makes sure that the You should take note that this is only good for short-term purposes. If repairs are not possible then you have to repair the flashing entirely.
Check The Roof Vents
Roof vents are the key to your home’s ventilation system. They allow air to flow freely through the attic. When these vents become clogged with debris or silt, they can cause roof leaks.
- First, examine the roof vents as well as the nearby areas. Pay attention to gutters and shingles as well.
- To remove the roof vent, use a pry to remove the nails from the adjoining shingles surrounding the roof vent.
- Uplift the roof shingles and carefully remove the vent.
- Clean the area and apply a sealant to the bottom of the roof vent. Place the roof vent back into the place using nails on all sides.
- Finally, roll back the shingles in place. You can also reseal the shingles instead of nailing them back in.
Why Should You Hire A Contractor For Roof Leak Repair?
In this blog, you have seen the most common causes of roof leaks and how you can fix them. But these steps that we have listed are not at all easy, and you are sure to require expertise.
Doing the repairs and fixes yourself also involves the risk of falling and slipping from the roof, ultimately hurting yourself. This is why you should hire a professional roofing contractor.
They have more knowledge regarding roof leaks and can serve you better. They also have access to high-quality equipment and do the work with full safety. This will keep you safe and provide you peace of mind.
So if you are looking for a roofing company that can take care of all the damages, then be sure to contact Capital Roofing at (918) 260-4075.
