HOME: A roof over one’s head…

Yes, the very definition of a home is “a roof over one’s head”. It’s clear to see the importance of a roof to shelter you from the elements, keeping you dry and warm.

Did you know that roofs, on average last only half their designed lifetime? In fact, 40% of building-related problems are due to water intrusion through roofs.

This means, at some point, whether you like it or not, you’ll have to deal with a leaking roof in your home.

But how can you identify the problem before it causes any major damage to your home and belongings? Read on to find out!

Drip by Drip

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” – Benjamin Franklin.

Being prepared for the worst is the best way to prevent future roof leaks. How can you be prepared? The main thing you need to do is to keep your eyes open and do regular thorough checks throughout your home.

A thorough examination of your home is especially advised before and during seasons that are prone to wet or snowy weather. Identifying a potential problem before it causes damage will not only save you money but also possible heartache if any of your precious belongings are damaged.

How can you identify weak spots? Where do you need to look? Keep reading to find out 5 ways on how to stop a leaky roof.

1. Leaky Roof Hotspots

First things first you should check out the areas of your home that are most prone to roof leaks.

A good rule to remember is – if it pops through the roof, take a look at it. For example chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents, wall step flashings, fields of shingles, furnace shingles and missing shingles.

Your chimney may have a crack. Or your skylights may have water trapped behind them. Your plumbing vents may have cracked with age. Or pesky critters might even chew through pipes or roof flashing.

Check out all these hotspots, and make sure they are sealed properly and repaired before any water damage occurs. This will enable you to solve the problem before it even arrives.

2. The Edge of Glory

A drip edge is the lower edge of the roof that extends beyond the fascia board. The purpose of the edge is for water to run off into the gutters keeping everything on the inside dry.

It additionally keeps out snakes, insects, and other critters too!

It should stick out about 3/4 inches. But if the overhang isn’t long enough, water will drop behind the gutter. This could lead to rotted roof fascia and sheathing. It could also leave stains, create soil erosion and could even flood parts of your home.

Always check this area when you’re looking for leaks. Keep it well maintained throughout the year, so as to be ready for those rainy months.

3. Attic Antics

Do you know what’s lurking in your attic? When there is a leak many homeowners blame the roof. But in some cases, problems can come from inside the house.

Sometimes improper ventilation is the culprit. Other issues include plumbing, air conditioning, vent fans, condensation or some kind of infestation.

Keep on the lookout for patches of mold and algae stains. Check if there are areas that are wet even when it hasn’t rained. Have a look at your ventilation, is it sufficient? Or are your rooms overheated or damp? Are there black rings or rust around nails? These are signs that moisture is collecting in your attic space, or even in other rooms around your home.

Your ventilation fans may also be clogged up with spider webs, paint, insulation or just dust. Check all these areas when you’re inspecting your attic. You may find your roof isn’t the culprit after all!

4. In the Gutter

Gutters and pipes are a common source of leakage in many homes, with many homeowners not realizing the importance of professional installation.

Gutters need to first be installed correctly. The gutter needs to be sloped properly to drain and fastened tightly. This will enable them to do their job correctly.

Over time wear and tear can damage gutters and pipes. This requires them to be replaced now and again. The most troublesome spots include the brackets, hopper and other weaker parts of the system.

If you’re sure your gutter is installed correctly and well maintained, the problem may be that the gutter is full of unwanted debris. You can try and tackle this yourself, but it can be a dangerous task. When it comes to anything that’s so high up, it’s generally best to leave it to the professionals.

5. Step by Step

Step flashing is used where the roof hits the wall. Each section of the flashing is designed to stop water from getting through any gaps between the roof and the wall running alongside it.

If the flashing gets rusty, or if a piece becomes lose or even falls off, water will run into the house causing damage.

While you’re inspecting your house for possible leak areas, you must always check the step flashing. If they are becoming rusty, they need to be replaced quickly before any damage ensues.

Roof Leak Solution

If you’ve located areas that may cause leaks now or in the future, get them repaired immediately, as you never know when a storm will come your way.

You may be able to repair a few things yourself, such as small holes, missing nails, lose shingles and other simple issues. But in many cases, you may need a professional to help.

We Can Fix Your Roof Leaks

As you can see there are many simple ways to prevent roof leaks in the first place. But there will be times when you miss the warnings signs, or there are adverse weather conditions that leave you with a leaking roof.

During these unexpected times, there is no need to panic. We are here to help you fix your roof leaks. Our mission is to ensure you have complete peace of mind knowing that we will carry out the work in the most exceptional way.