Leaky roofs and blotchy seepages sure feed off of our sanity, money, and time. Everybody wants a sturdy roof over their head, and a leaky roof fails to meet the basic level of security a roof is supposed to provide. While it can be a major inconvenience in our life, the reality stands that roofs do leak, and there is not much we can do about it. However, getting them fixed from a reliable source is something that can not only solve the immediate problem at hand but eliminate any forthcoming ones. There are many companies out there who will fix a roof for you, however, finding the ones who will really go that extra mile and deliver quality is something worth looking for. Tried and True Roofing is a company that provides any roof solutions you need and fixes any lingering problems! If you have been wondering how to find roof leaks and how to fix them, look no more because we come bearing answers.
Finding Roof Leaks
Sometimes, the fixes can be quite simple, but it’s finding the leak which can get a little exhausting. Listed below are some of the tried and tested ways to apply when trying to find them.
- Look for Leakage Signs on a Roof: This can be water stains on the roof or any sighting of water dripping from the roof. These are the first signs which are easy to discover and will make an occurrence first before the situation worsens. Some of the telltale signs are musty odors, spots and water stains, bulging patches, and warped shingles. These signs can indicate that there is a leakage on the roof.
- Check Attic: Grab your flashlight and take a look at the attic. However, be careful as water damage can be dangerous. Look out for water stains, molding, black marks, and any potential roof sheathing.
- Check Roof: If you live in a place with no attic, check the roof for any sign of damage. If you stay at a rented place or as a part of a condominium, get in touch with your landlord or your property manager and have them get this sorted.
- Test with Water: If no evident roof leaks have been detected after doing all of the above, you can do a rain test. This essentially entails having a helper stay inside the house as you go to the roof and pour water at the spot which is assumed to be leaking. If you notice a drip, it is time to fix that.
Fixing Roof Leaks
After you have done the tests, you have confirmed that you have a leak and where exactly, it is time to fix that! Depending on the location of your leak and the gravity of the damage, you can either fix it yourself or ask for professional intervention. Some of the common ways to go about fixing the leak are highlighted below:
- Try Replacing Shingles: In case the leak is seeping in from a damaged shingle, you will need to remove the nail and remove any remaining roofing cement. Replace it with a new shingle after laying down fresh cement.
- Reapply Caulk: You can reapply caulk around the vents, window edges as well as chimneys if you happen to find any leaks around these areas. This will essentially fill in any gaps since the roof was last replaced.
- Fix Damaged Vent Boots: Damaged vent boots can enable leakage and let in water where it is not meant to. You can replace these from your local hardware store. Even though your vent boot might look like it’s in great shape, it might still need replacing, or the crews might need to be replaced. Replacing the screws will eliminate water seepage through the holes.
- Roofing Emergency Prep: In case of a roofing emergency, you might need to cover the leaking roof with a plastic sheet. Partially unfold the polyethylene sheeting in order to cover the leaking area of the roof, and cut it with a utility knife. Sandwich the assembly with another 2 by 4, and nail down the boards with common nails.
- Call a Professional: If the problem is not fixable with some DIY fixes or involves professional skills and types of equipment, it is best to call the professionals. They will be able to detect the extent of damage and provide an estimate accordingly. Whether you need to replace roof flashings, install heat cables, or entirely redo your roof, your professional roofer can provide you with the perfect solution.
Leaky roofs are something that we can’t live with, and they will need to be fixed regardless. While you can try to do it yourself, you will have to approach the professionals if you fail. Finding the right professional will ensure that the roof is fixed, and you can also take any precautionary measures to avoid further leakages.
