A leaking roof is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Owning a home is a tremendous responsibility, and you do everything that you can to keep your property safe and secure.
So, what happens when you notice water seeping in your home?
Your first thought may be to pull out your hair and start screaming. Your second may be to move your boxes in storage and place buckets around the attic to catch the water.
But now what?
How do you figure out the source of the problem? At what point should you attempt repairs yourself, and when should you call in the professionals?
At Weather Resistors Roofing, we want to help you know the difference.
If you’ve discovered stains on your ceilings or upper walls, the cause could be a leaking roof. This might mean that you have a small leak that can be easily repaired. Unfortunately, it could also mean that you need a roof replacement. Before deciding if you need to invest in an entirely new roof, take a look at the damage.
If you see slight water leak in only one area, odds are you have a small leak. Sometimes these can be repaired easily from the inside.
If you notice major seeping and water damage, it could indicate your leaking roof needs external repairs. To safely repair a larger leak, it’s wise to hire a professional to climb onto your roof and stop it from getting worse.
Unfortunately, if you have multiple leaks, the problem is most likely a failing roof system. It looks like it’s time for a replacement. Generally speaking, if your roof was installed more than 20 years ago, it could be worn out from our tough winters.
Luckily for you, investing in a new roof will significantly increase your property value when it comes time to sell. Nevertheless, it will protect your home from leakage and water damage for decades.
Not sure how to evaluate your roof before the Spring rains come? Right now, we’re offering fast and free roof inspections that help you determine your next steps! Contact us today at 716-222-ROOF, or click HERE.
In the meantime, here are some tips on how you can deal with a leaking roof.
At Weather Resistors Roofing Buffalo, we’re here to help you get through this!
Don’t let the issue get worse. Small leaks can lead to big problems–mold, rot, damaged drywall, sagging ceilings, and more. Left unfixed, your leaking roof can even damage your home’s structure and foundations, and cause multiple cracks in your walls. You can be certain that every rainfall erodes the situation more.
Inspect your attic. Always begin looking for your leak uphill from the stains that you find. Water follows the path of least resistance to the ground. It rolls downhill.
Leaks often come from roof penetrations that need re-flashing. They aren’t typically caused by open stretches of intact shingles. Examine any patches around chimneys, vents, and dormers, where water may be seeping through. This is a likely cause of your leaking roof.
You can sometimes run water over a small area of your roof to find the leak. You’ll need two people to do this safely and efficiently. Otherwise, simply wait until it rains and search for seeping water.
Sometimes a leak is caused by a simple problem. For example, water can come through a nail that missed the framing when driven into the shingle. Roofers call this a “shiner”. If you find a stray nail sticking through the roof deck and sheathing, then that might be the cause of your leak. Furthermore, simply clip the protruding nail off, and seal the area around it to stop the leak.
Vent boots installed on your roof wear out over time. Obviously, this wear and tear is a common source of leaks, and an easy fix.
If you do find cracked boots or vents, it’s better to replace rather than patch them. If it failed in one area, it will continue to fail in new areas.
Wall joints and dormers are another area where cracks can form. If caulk wears out or becomes brittle, then it may be time to patch or replace them.
We hope our tips were helpful and that your home is safe from any weather. Now, you should have a better idea of how bad your leaking roof is, and whether it’s something you can easily fix yourself or not. Whatever you decide, make sure you never begin a project that’s too large for you to handle. You could create a bigger problem. And as always, Safety is the most important thing. Never risk your health to do a home repair! Obviously, that’s what people pay us to do.
Just give us a call at Weather Resistors Roofing when it’s time to inspect, repair, or replace your roof (716-222-ROOF).
Above all, let us help before your water damage gets any worse!
Most noteworthy, we also offer drone inspections, which is even better than climbing up there yourself. When done, you’ll get a video file examining every inch of your roof exterior from every angle. To be sure, it’s a very useful diagnostic tool. Now contact your Weather Resistors today.
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