You are sitting in your drawing room enjoying your hot coffee on a cold rainy day and spending time with your family. Suddenly you feel some water drops on your head.
The roof has started leaking.
Ugh! Not again, you say.
That happens when you do not identify the real cause of water leakage in the roof and cover the symptoms. But not any more. In this article, we’re going to show you how you can catch these troublemakers early and take steps to minimize the damage.
Spotting the signs
Identifying a leak isn’t always as straightforward as water dripping from your ceiling. Water stains on ceilings or walls often give the game away, appearing as yellowish or brownish spots. Watch out for peeling wallpaper or paint as well, as too much moisture can cause these materials to bubble or come away from the wall.
Mold growth is another red flag. Damp areas become perfect breeding grounds for these fuzzy green or black patches. Sometimes, you might hear the problem before you see it. Pay attention to dripping sounds, especially during or after rain.
Don’t forget to examine your roof from the ground. Curling or missing shingles also indicate potential leak points. And if you can safely access your attic, check for damp spots on the underside of the roof or in the insulation.
Pinpointing the source
Once you’ve confirmed a leak, the next challenge is finding its origin. Water often travels along roof panels or beams before making its presence known. This makes the task trickier than it might seem.
Start your detective work in the attic if it’s safely accessible. On a rainy day, arm yourself with a flashlight and look for wet spots or active drips. If the weather isn’t cooperating, you might need to simulate rainy conditions with a garden hose. Have someone spray water on the roof while you monitor the attic for leaks.
If attic access isn’t an option or you can’t locate the source there, you’ll need to inspect the roof itself. However, exercise caution. Roof climbing can be hazardous, not to mention you’ve to do it in wet or steep conditions.
If you’re not comfortable with this task, it’s wise to call in the experts. A reputable roofing company in Los Angeles, for instance, would have the necessary tools and expertise to safely inspect your roof and pinpoint the issue.
Temporary fixes
After locating the leak, your next move is damage control until a permanent solution can be implemented. For small holes, roofing tar can be an effective short-term fix. Apply it with a putty knife and spread it a few inches beyond the damaged area.
Slightly larger holes might require a combination of roofing cement and a patch. Cut a piece of roofing patch slightly larger than the hole, apply roofing cement around the damaged area, press the patch into place, and cover it with more cement.
For more extensive damage, you might need to cover the affected section with a tarp. Secure it with boards to prevent it from blowing away. If the leak is around chimneys or vents, caulk designed specifically for roofing applications can serve as a good temporary solution.
You can also repair broken shingles if you have extra shingles and feel confident working on your roof. The new shingle should be put into place, fastened with roofing nails, once the surrounding shingles have been carefully lifted and the broken one removed.
When to call the professionals
While DIY solutions can be helpful in a pinch, certain situations demand expert intervention. Large or multiple leaks, steep or high roofs, persistent leaks that resist your temporary fixes, or an aging roof nearing the end of its lifespan all call for professional attention.
If you’ve searched everything but still can’t pinpoint the water’s entry point, it’s time to bring in the pros. Professional roofers are equipped with necessary tools and techniques to locate the leaks which are hard to locate by common people.
When choosing a professional, do your due diligence. Look for licensed, insured contractors with solid reputations.
Conclusion
Roof leaks demand quick attention and temporary fixes are the quickest solution at that time. However, you should understand that a quick fix is not the permanent solution and it’s necessary to address the root cause as soon as possible.
Stay vigilant, perform regular maintenance, and know when to call in the professionals. When it comes to your roof, remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
