Help! My Roof is Leaking!
Telltale signs of a roof leak getting you down? Are pictures of huge contractors’ bills running through your head? Don’t fear. It may be simple fix. But simple does not mean that the potential to cause damage should be underestimated. Here’s some help from the pros:
Do You Have Skylights?
Skylights are great features and let in an abundance of natural light, but when not installed properly or are not maintained as they age, they can be leak hazards. If you find that water seems to be pooling at the lower end of the slope of the skylight, it is a leak waiting to happen. The skylight housing itself can often not be able to support too much weight or stress, so standing water will often find that vulnerable spot in the framework.
Do You Detect Damage or Wear at the Flashing?
Flashing can become easily damaged over time due to weather and age and is the most common cause of roof leaks. Often, when flashing is poorly installed or if the quality of the product is substandard, it is highly susceptible to wear from harsh weather and thereby more susceptible to water intrusion. Flashing wear and damage will be a strong indication of whether you are likely to develop a leak over time.
Do You Have an Old Roof?
Your roof has a life span. As the roof ages, deterioration takes place. Depending on the weather your roof has experienced, it will hold up better, or worse than its expected lifespan. Roofing technology has produced materials that are far more durable and wear better than older roofing materials. Shingles, in general, are expected to last fifteen to twenty years without the added components of harsh weather and accidents. Proper maintenance of the roof is always advised, but there comes the time when the roof has just outlived its purpose.
Do You See Loose Fasteners and Shingles?
Fasteners and shingles can easily become damaged or pulled away from the roof structure after heavy storms or high winds. When this happens, water is able to seep into the underside of the roof itself and cause issues such as mold and staining, not to mention more severe water damage. Shingles that are deformed or not stable will often be further damaged by harsh weather and leave your roof vulnerable.
Are You Questioning the Quality of Workmanship?
Professional contractors should always have references of previous clients on hand and photographs of work completed. Needless to say, an unprofessional contractor who has a history of poor workmanship is not where you want to spend your money for a large investment such as a roof. This is where it pays to do your homework and hire a contractor that you can rely on and hold accountable.
There are a great number of reasons that a roof can develop a leak. If you are unsure about the severity of your leakage problem, you should consult a professional first. A true professional will help you pinpoint the exact issue and advise you of the alternatives to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
