There is nothing more dangerous as a leaking roof for you and your property. Upon detecting or suspecting that your roof is leaking, it is usually worth involving a highly skilled roofing company.

Detecting Roof Leaks

The first and most important step in keeping your roof leak-free is determining if there is actually a leak (or suspected leak). In some cases, you’ll run across signs during home repairs or upon casual inspection. In other cases, the signs might be a bit more obscure. Take some time occasionally to visit portions of your home which are less used, such as the attic, to check for any signs of a problem. You will also want to keep an eye on places where there have been leaks previously, as these spots are more likely to develop new leaks over time.

It’s crucial to conduct regular inspections.

The benefits of roofing maintenance inspection is simple – you get to detect problems such as roofing leaks early and have repairs done on your roofing before it becomes bigger, and before damages or huger losses occur. Some roofing leaks may occur without your notice, and before you detect any such sign, the problem is almost out of control already. Roofing leaks are capable of creating moist and humid conditions that are suitable for the thriving of mold and algae, some of which are toxic to humans while others could cause respiratory diseases or trigger allergic complications such as asthma to occupants.

If not detected early, roofing leaks could turn into bigger problems such as water damage incidences. Water damages could lead to losses on property, sometimes worth thousands of dollars. This is another reason why frequent roofing maintenance checks are important to facilitate detection and repair before they escalate to more serious problems.

Easily-Detected Signs of a Roof Leak

The most common sign of leaks are water marks or stains on your ceiling or running down a wall. You can casually check for these signs when washing your walls or dusting corners, and they’ll usually appear to be slightly darker rings or resemble the wax drips on candles, depending upon their location.

Another detectable sign is through smell. Leaking roofs will cause rot and mold around their location. Therefore, if there’s a musty or rotting odor in your attic or some other area directly beneath or connected to a roof, it is a good idea to inspect the location more carefully.

Examine the inside of your roof for any roofing nails which missed the support and are exposed. In cold weather, these nail shafts will attract condensation, turning them a frosty white. When the temperature increases again, the frost liquefies and drips. This is not an actual leak, although it has similar effects. Simply cut the nail with some pliers to eliminate the problem.

Less Obvious Signs of a Roof Leak

Occasionally take a look at your roof when you’re outside to see if you can spot any loose or missing shingles. The shingles are layered to prevent water from getting underneath, and a damaged shingle becomes a potential access point.

Many leaks can be more easily detected during a rainstorm. Go into the attic and listen for any dripping sounds. You will also want to check beams for trickling water and the floor or exposed insulation for signs of dampness. You can also have an assistant emulate rain using a garden hose, which allows you to focus on one section of roof at a time.

Another common source of roof leaks comes from windows, walls, and dormers. Use a putty knife to check the caulk for loose or damaged areas. Also check your siding above the step flashing or cracks, gaps, or other problems. When it rains, water will often leak through these cracks and run down the inner walls, causing an effect similar to a regular roof leak.

Simple Fixes

Vent leaks are among the most common and easiest issues to deal with. In most cases, the problem is a cracked plastic vent or damaged rubber boot. The only real fix is to replace the damaged part. While you’re at it, look for damaged or missing nails. These should be replaced with rubber-washeredscrews, which are usually used in metal roofing systems and widely available. Be careful when removing the surrounding shingles during your repair, especially if you have no replacements.

More Complex Fixes

Flashing is used for several complicated repairs, as well as valleys and places where the roof meets a wall or other vertical surface. You will want to be careful to install flashing properly, as water will attempt to run under connecting shingles and may run under if you have an ice dam.

Ice dams are a difficult problem which may be caused by inadequate insulation or other issues. They commonly occur in soffits and near gutters. When attempting to remove a dam by yourself, use extra safety precautions and a rubber mallet to chip away at the ice. Using fire or a sharp metal object could damage the roof, leading to even more leaks and potentially expensive repairs. In most cases, hiring a professional is recommended for repairing an ice dam due to the many risks involved.