Don’t Let a Roof Leak Go Unnoticed
Although the literal roof over your head is your home’s most critical structure, homeowners usually don’t think about it—until an obvious problem arises. No one wants a leaking roof.. No one wants to run around trying to cover holes or place buckets under dripping water from the ceiling.
A leaking roof is not merely a nuisance; it can cause significant damage beyond just the cosmetics of a stained or sagging ceiling. It can compromise the wood supports and underlayment of your roof, create mold, and even cause the ceiling to cave in. That’s why the problem must be addressed as soon as possible.
In fact, a few simple measures can help you find potential leak points in your roof before water gets in, and be proactive about early repairs. The easiest solution is committing to an annual roof inspection, using an experienced roofing company. Quality Built Exteriors offers this service, with the added benefit of a discount on any repairs needed on problems found during the inspection. They recommend all homeowners have their roof checked before and after winter—roof leaks tend to pick up immediately after winter, during the heavy downpour of spring.
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a regular, professional roof inspection, then here are some tips to manage the situation yourself:
How to Spot a Roof Leak
Many times, roof leaks can be hidden or difficult to spot. Regardless of the size of a leak, it can eventually affect the rest of your roofing structure, necessitating costly repairs. You can inspect the roof from within the attic once in a while. Rainy days are some of the best days for this, as it’s easier to see and mark the leaky areas when water is coming through. (But use caution while in your attic, so as not to damage the underlying ceiling. You also may want to carry a flashlight to help you see!)
The telltale signs you should look out for are water stains and mold growth. Mold is a red flag of roof leaks since it generally grows under moist conditions. Water stains appear as areas on your ceiling or walls that are darker than their adjacent surroundings.
It often might be hard to pinpoint the exact location of the roof leak. In such cases, the signs mentioned above will prove useful.
Common Signs your Roof Needs Repair
Broken or Missing Shingles
Examine whether or not the roofing shingles are still in good shape and in the correct position. Broken or missing shingles make room for rainwater to penetrate the underlying structure. Fortunately, missing shingles can be spotted from the street and often result in a roofing color mismatch.
Cracked Vent Booting
Roof vents are small, pipe-like protrusions on your rooftop that regulate the moisture content within your home. Although critical in purpose, cracked vent booting can cause considerable damage to underlying parts by allowing water leaks. This happens if the rubber boot improperly seals the vent or the flashing at the opening is damaged.
Ice Dam Build-Up
During winter, you might notice a pile of ice formed around the roof edge, preventing water from draining. This should be a serious concern, since the combined weight of the sitting ice and water can cause considerable damage to the roof and form leaking spots.
Piled debris on the roof can also stop the proper water flow off the top and can clog the gutter system, letting water sit on the roof and seep through cracks.
Always Be on the Lookout
Roofing issues need urgent attention, whether they are minor or significant. The sooner you attend to your roof, the less damage you’re likely to incur and the less you’ll spend on repairs. If you are looking for a certified and insured company for all your roofing needs, contact Quality Built Exteriors at: https://www.qualitybuiltexteriors.com/.
Quality Built Exteriors
929 Ventures Way, Suite 109
Chesapeake VA 23320
(757) 389-5519
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