If you notice water stains that extend beyond your ceiling, the cause is probably a leaky roof. Repairing a leaky roof is pretty easy; the tricky part is tracking down the leak. When you find a leak, fix it immediately to avoid a lot of damage which may cost you much in the long-run. Here are some common causes roof leaks and repairs:
Changes in temperatures cause roof shingles to age, turn brittle, and eventually crack. Strong winds and heavy rains can also rip shingles from the roof. Anytime you find a shingle in your yard, chances are good that your roof is leaking somewhere. When shingles wear, rain will find its way through the openings into your house. Shingle roof repair by a professional roofer is the best way to avoid further damage.
If you have trees near your home, your roof will accumulate a considerable amount of leaves and branches, especially in the gutters. This can block your gutters and impede normal water flow when it’s raining. If not checked, leaves in your gutters will decompose and stick to the channels. Clogged gutters are an invitation for trouble, which could eventually cause a leak in your house. If you find that this has happened, the gutters will need to be emptied with a hand shovel, brushed, and cleaned with water. Gutters should be inspected at least yearly to ensure they remain in good condition.
Skylight leaks usually occur due to decayed insulation along the edges of a skylight, or improper measuring and fitting of skylight during installation. If you discover broken or missing shingles near your skylight, the surrounding shingles will need professional repair or replacement. Sometimes the rubber surrounding the skylight may dry and crack and will need to be professionally replaced. If you don’t have the budget to completely replace the leaky skylight, a temporary restoration is recommended, which will involve applying high-quality caulk such as Lexel or Vulkem.
Vent flashings are notorious spots which can cause leaks. Locate rust holes or cracks around the metal or rubber vents. Hire a roofer to replace or repair the vents using vent booting to seal the cracks.
Chimneys are one the leading places you may find roof leaks. Chimneys contain four types of flashing, and all must be right. Otherwise, you will experience a leak. Counter flashing that joins brick and mortar joints can be a problem spot. The mortar erodes when exposed to weather elements and crumbles over time, thus allowing water to leak in. Inspect the chimney and joints where your chimney enters the roof for any wear. Such faults can allow a vast amount of water in your house before you even see water coming in, and by then a lot of damage can happen.
A roof valley is the line of shingles between two planes of the roof. Valleys can be problematic, and the leading cause is shingles trimmed improperly. Shingles must be cut to fit well when intersecting to avoid any leaks. Also, the valley might have been stepped on, or excess rain and ice may have collected there and caused it to erode. The complexity of fixing a valley leak necessitates the need for a professional roofer to make repairs.
Whether you have new a roof or old roof, wear and tear are unavoidable. With regular roof inspections and professional roof leak repair, your roof should keep you and your family safe and dry for decades. As you plan your yearly house maintenance routine, be sure a roof inspection is on the list. If you suspect a leak, or are interested in a professional roofing inspection, please contact All-Nu Construction today.