Have you noticed a fresh leak in your home? A leaking roof is no joke
and even a tiny leak can result in big damage if it’s not immediately taken
care of. Often, homeowners will try some stopgap measures to help with the
leaks in their roof, but this is one situation where you really need a
professional to handle things.
A leaky roof can be more than just an annoyance. Many people don’t even
notice that they have a leak until there is already some damage. This is why it
is essential that you inspect your roof regularly. This way, you can repair a leak
before it gets too serious.
Roof Leak Repair for a Flat Roof
Flat roofs are particularly bad for leaking. There’s a good reason for
this, though. They can’t shed the elements as easily as a steeper roof. While
even flat roofs are somewhat inclined in order to help with drainage, there is
still the possibility of water standing in places. It can end up being a bad
situation, particularly after a difficult winter or a hard storm.
While flat roofs
are more likely to leak, the
actual reason behind it isn’t just the slope, but poor construction. When built
properly, a flat roof should be good for a couple of decades, if not more. Any
leaks that come about from poor construction will need to be addressed rapidly.
Why do homeowners choose flat roofs? They may opt for the flat choice
because it is more cost effective, using roughly half the materials that a
sloped roof uses. The installation fees are often lower, too, since it’s far
easier to work on a flat surface.
A flat roof has the added advantage of increasing your living space. You
can create a patio or a rooftop garden on a flat roof and enjoy the sights and
sounds from high above the ground. It can even afford you a space to build a
small shed or other living space on top of the roof should you want it later.
While this all sounds wonderful, it does require proper installation in order
to protect you from water damage.
The roof needs to be properly inclined to allow the rain and melting
snow to drain off. Ideally, there will be no puddles left anywhere after a
heavy rain. This also necessitates gutters along the edges of the roof to keep
water away from the foundations and to dispose of it properly.
While there are a number of considerations that you’ll need to look at
when you build a flat roof, a good builder will ensure that the roof is
properly built and is well designed to prevent standing water. As soon as you
have puddling, you have the potential for leaks. If you do notice a leak, it’s
time to do something about it immediately.
It’s best to hire a professional roofer to manage the damage and the
repair of your flat roof. You can’t just patch it and hope for the best if you
want the roof to hold off the rain and inclement weather. A professional will
not only patch the roof, but will do so in a way that the water won’t find a
way around it. They’ll also check internal structures to be sure there are no
trouble spots that need repairing.
Since professionals know exactly what they’re doing and what to watch
for, it’s best to leave a leaking roof up to them. You will regret it if you
try to fix the leak yourself without enough experience.
The Dangers of Leaking Roofs
The main reason you don’t want to DIY this particular type of repair is
that there are too many things that can go wrong if the roof is not properly
sealed. Even a little water getting into the house is a very bad thing. It’s
even worse if you don’t notice it in time. Here are just a few of the things
that can go very wrong:
Mould and mildew: Dampness in the roof and walls can quickly turn to
mould or mildew. Not only does this cause damage to your home’s structure, it
can also activate allergies and even cause ongoing illness. Black mould is one
of the most common types to grow when water is continuously leaking and it can
spread through vents once it has taken hold.
Electrical issues: Water and electricity don’t mix, so if a leak ends up
funnelling water into an area where there are electrical wires and outlets, it
can be dangerous. All it takes is a drop of water to cause a short circuit that
will start a fire. This is obviously very serious and can pose a threat to your
home and your family.
Slipping hazard: Water puddling on the floor and going unnoticed can be
a hazard. It immediately makes the area slippery and someone could fall and get
hurt. While this isn’t something that happens all the time, it can be a
dangerous part of a leaking roof.
Wood rot: Eventually, when kept wet for long periods of time, wood begins
to rot. That is true of the beams and eaves in your home, as well. If an
ongoing leak is left to keep eating away at the wood, you may not even notice
anything is wrong until it’s too late.
How to Catch Leaks Before They Get Worse
Obviously, all the previously mentioned damages can be prevented if you
catch the leak early, but most people have no idea how to even check.
Signs of a leak include:
- Dripping
- Water stains on the ceiling
- Spots under the eaves
- Mould growing on the walls
- Debris in the drainpipe or gutter
To prevent anything bad from happening and to catch a leak before it
ruins your home, you’ll need to perform regular maintenance and check-ups. As
long as you find the leak early on, it will be just a damp spot and nothing to
destroy your home.
Check the roof: Take a look at your roof at least once a year. Note if
there are any missing shingles or if the flashing is damaged. If you’re getting
your roof cleaned, ask the cleaner to keep an eye out for any damage that might
indicate a leak. You should also look after a rainstorm to see if there are any
puddles, as standing water indicates a drainage problem.
Look under the eaves: Watch for water spots and stains under your eaves,
since this could indicate there is a leak within the roof that hasn’t become
obvious yet. Damp spots will usually be more visible if you have wood soffits,
but any signs of dampness should be taken seriously.
Peek into the attic or crawlspace: Whatever you have at the top of your
home, you need to get up there a couple times a year, at least. It’s usually
best to go up to check during a large rainstorm or shortly after. You’ll notice
if there are any damp or damages spaces. Be sure to take a good lantern or
light with you for the darker corners.
Your roofing company may also be able to schedule regular maintenance
visits to help you identify potential problems. The roofer will know exactly
where to check for dampness, wood rot, and mould. This can help immeasurably if
you’re not sure what you’re looking for.
Proper maintenance can prevent leaks from getting out of hand. If left
alone, they can turn into a very expensive mess, so it’s worth paying a bit
more attention after each rainfall to ensure you catch the first signs. Also,
if your roof is nearing the end of its original guarantee, remember that it may
need to be replaced and should be checked annually to see if it’s time for a
new roof. No one really wants to pay for a new roof, but it’s certainly better
than the alternative.
Keep in mind that roofs may seem like they’re a one and done solution,
but they do need upkeep and maintenance on an ongoing basis. If you look after
your roof, it should last you for a very long time and any leaks caught early
will require nothing more than a repair, rather than a rebuild.
Have you been searching for “roofing companies near me?” Contact Leivers
today and find out how we can help you eliminate your leaks and rest easy with
your new roof.
