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Roof Leak Detection

Roof Leak Detection

Maintaining a leak-free roof is critical to both the security of your belongings and the safety of your household. Left undetected, leaks can severely compromise your roof’s structural integrity.

And when it comes to a wooden home, the effects of a leaking roof can be even more devastating. If they’re not fixed, leaks can cause your home’s wood to rot and ruin any insulation you may have installed. 

What’s more, if this issue is left unattended for a prolonged period, it may lead to high repair or replacement costs, which you could otherwise avoid by acting early. Here are some tips to help you detect possible roof leaks and subsequently fix the problem areas.

When to Check for Roof Leaks

As a homeowner, you should check for roof leaks regularly. Early detection will save you many headaches and help avoid expensive repair bills. Typical indications of a leaking roof include:

  • Water running down the walls or pooling on the floors 
  • Visible damp spots in the ceiling
  • Water stains, dark marks, and mold in the attic

Be observant and regularly look through every part of your home to figure out if there’s a leak. Ignoring a leaking roof can quickly lead to:

Spotting Roof Leaks

Although there are various ways to check for leaks, the easiest DIY method is to get on the roof with a garden hose and soak every part of it. Be sure that you have a partner, friend, or family member inside the house, directly beneath the section you’re dousing, checking for leaks. 

Slowly move across every part of the roof while assisting you looks for spots where the water runs down. Even though this may be a slow process, it’ll provide you with a reasonable indication of the section in which the leak(s) may be.

Alternatively, you can also lift the roof slats and look for mold or cracks. 

Roof Flashing

After finding the leak, it’s crucial to fix the problem as soon as possible. Should you decide to do it yourself, you need to guarantee that whatever you’re doing is best for the roof flashing. It’s critical to exercise caution when completing this aspect of the job — it’s not only essential to the process but doing things wrong can become costly. 

Flat Roofs

It’s essential to keep in mind that, although flat roofs are simple to build, they require regular inspections and maintenance to guarantee that everything is okay.

What’s more, if the large panels on a flat roof start disintegrating or if it develops holes and you start experiencing leaks, it’s generally an indication that it needs to be replaced. 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Commercial Roof Inspection

Detecting roof leaks early enables you to avoid greater problems from occurring, saving you a significant sum of money in the long run. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when inspecting your home’s roof.

Do’s

  • Do check the roof for signs of minor damage
  • Do perform inspections regularly
  • Do hire a professional roof-repair service
  • Do install hatches for easy access

Don’ts

  • Don’t ignore any damage, even if it’s slight
  • Don’t attempt to replace or repair the roof yourself
  • Don’t put your safety at risk
  • Don’t bypass thorough research

What to Do When There’s Leakage on Your Roof

Roof leaks are often easy problems to fix. However, it’s advisable to have at least some experience handling shingles, as you may need to loosen or remove a few temporarily. In many cases, these fixes require minimum DIY know-how and some tools. 

Simple Fixes:

  • Vent leaks are common issues that can be sorted out quickly. In general, these problems are attributed to a worn-out rubber foot or a cracked plastic vent, and you merely have to replace the broken part; just be careful when removing the surrounding shingles. While you’re working, keep an eye out for missing or damaged nails and replace them with rubber-washer screws. 
  • Dig out and replace loose grout with silicone latex caulking, as it’ll provide a more robust seal.
  • Replace all missing or broken sidings, and ensure that they overlap the step flashing by at least two inches.
  • With persistent leaks, remove the corner boards and replace the grout where the flashing overlaps.

More complex fixes:

  • Flashing is typically used where the roof connects to a vertical surface, such as the wall or a valley. Therefore, when you install flashing, it has to be done correctly. If not, water will run in under the connecting shingles.
  • Ice dams may arise from inadequate insulation or some other issue. They commonly appear near gutters and in soffits. Should you choose to repair these yourself, use a rubber mallet to break down the ice and exercise extreme safety precautions when doing so. You should never use a sharp metal object or fire, as they’ll damage the roof, causing more leaks and potentially costly repairs.

To find any roof leaks, schedule an appointment with the experts from Dominion Roofing.

How a Professional can Help You

Hiring a professional is often the best and most convenient solution. Periodic inspections done by qualified pros will result in identifying and locating all possible leak sources quickly. They’ll also look for secondary problems, such as early mildew and mould growth, that could lead to leaks later on. 

Even though this may carry a higher initial price tag, it can save you a large sum of money in the long run. Additionally, most roofing firms and contractors will provide you with a warranty for any work done by them.

Suppose your roof’s warranty approaches its end or your home is known to develop canopy leaks. In that case, you may also choose to have it inspected on a semi-annual or annual basis to ensure early detection of possible trouble spots. 

And of course, if you feel uncomfortable or don’t have the confidence to attend to your roof issues yourself, it’s always best to hire a professional. Remember, it’s easy to make mistakes that are both dangerous and expensive.

If you’re considering employing the services of a professional, it’s essential to keep in mind five main factors that influence the cost of roof repair:

  • Type of roof
  • Pitch, slope, and shape
  • Canopy size
  • Chimneys and skylights
  • Necessary permits 

Contact Dominion Roofing Today

If you’re struggling with roof leaks and need help to either repair or replace your home’s canopy, contact Dominion Roofing today.

PRO TIP :

“If you notice a musty smell in your attic or elsewhere, water staining, or swollen sheetrock, window trim, or other components of your home, you should contact a qualified professional to investigate further.”

Roof Leak Detection FAQs

Can a roof leak be fixed from the inside?

It’s vital to apply a high level of maintenance to your home’s roof. Should it start to leak, though, it can be fixed from either the outside or inside, provided you know where the leak is and what’s causing it. 

Is a leaking ceiling an emergency?

Yes, it is. In general, roof leaks initially damage the attic area and whatever you have stored in it. If you’ve got a severe leak or your home doesn’t have an attic, the water that seeps through will damage and weaken the interior ceiling. This water pooling puts extra stress and weight on the insulation, drywall, and beams that lead to sagging, which can ultimately cause a collapse. 

Can water leak through roof tiles?

Leaks can develop on tiled roofs if:

  • Some of the tiles are cracked or broken
  • Valley flashings or sidewalls are blocked
  • The areas contain ridge tiles where the water can seep in under the membrane

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