A leaking roof is a nuisance and a danger to your home. Water damage from a leaking roof can lead to mold growth, rot, and structural damage that can compromise the integrity of your roof and the safety of your home.
Know Early Warning Signs of a Leaking Roof
The first step to fixing a leaking roof is to identify the source of the problem. Unfortunately, this is not straightforward because water can enter your home in unexpected places. As a result, a homeowner may only be aware a leak is occurring once the damage becomes advanced. A very common sign of a roof leak is water stains. These stains can be yellow or brown and may form on the walls or ceiling. Peeling paint or wallpaper is another sign that a leak is occurring. Repeated water exposure can cause these materials to lose their bond with the surface, leading to them peeling away from it.
If these issues are present, urgent repairs are needed. While placing a tarp over the damaged area of the roof may slow this damage, it will only be a temporary solution. Rather, a professional roof repair service must inspect and repair the roof to fully restore it.
Identify the Source of a Roof Leak
Fixing a leaking roof can be challenging because the water can travel far from where it entered the roof before it becomes visible. For example, the leak that causes a water stain on the ceiling may not be directly above it. Instead, the water entering through the roof may travel along supports, pipes, and other components before dripping on the ceiling tile. Due to this reality, a comprehensive professional roof inspection is likely needed to determine the source of the leak.
After finding the source of the leak, the contractor can prepare a quote for the repair costs. In addition to patching the roof, this may also require repairing rotted or other water-damaged components. Delays with this repair can allow this rot to spread, drastically increasing the home's repair costs.
Minimize the Risk of Roof Leaks In The Future
After repairing the roof leak, there are steps to take that may help limit this risk in the future. A straightforward way to help stop leaks is to seal the roof. A protective sealant can close the gaps and openings where leaks tend to form. A roof sealant can last for several years before it needs to be reapplied. Cleaning the roof yearly can extend these results by removing debris that would otherwise gradually degrade the sealant.