Repairing a leaky roof is an unpleasant undertaking many homeowners can find themselves tackling. Roofing can be hit with both large and small integrity problems due to various factors.
Installation issues, damage and moss growth are the most common causes for leaks. Most of them begin with a seemingly harmless issue. But with time they grow into a serious problem.
Unfortunately, most leaks are not that obvious. Homeowners simply do not notice them until they cause severe damage. Should you spot any signs of integrity breach – quickly contact a specialized company and order a repair job.
Advice to homeowners
To remove the necessity or roof leak repairs, the ability to identify and repair problematic spots is a must. Aside from that, it is important to perform regular inspections and clean-ups of roof space to minimize risks of a leak appearing. Most of those are caused by clogged gutters.
A roof leak is not always easy to spot. In most cases leaks can have an obvious source or point to a problematic area. Sometimes during dry weather it can be difficult to locate a damaged spot. Repairmen work to the best of their ability in order to quickly identify and fix the problem. But occasionally it has to rain first before a leak can be discovered.
Otherwise, some specialists use a simple water hose. This can help to immediately find a damaged area on the roof.
Roof leak repairs pricing
Repairing a roof is not a cheap job, same as renovation. As soon as the leak is found, specialists are able to draft potential expenses and difficulty of the task in order to set the price.
A contract will specifically contain the amount and kind of work, required materials and the calculated repair cost.
Leak removal
So, how do you fix a roof leak? Repair methods vary, depending on the location of the leak. For example, if the watertight layer is to blame, it will have to be restored, which can be done without touching the roofing material.
The severity of the problem may require for some construction elements like roofing to be replaced in order to guarantee the absence of leaks and safety of the roofing system.
One of the widespread issues, encountered by repairmen, is a malfunction in pipes and vent caps in a bathroom. These areas often fall into disrepair and require maintenance. Sometimes the scale of the problem requires for the entire roof to be replaced.
Please consult with a qualified professional if your roof is leaking.
Signs of problems with roofing
These signals indicate that it is time to check the roof:
- Broken or absent roof tiles. This problem can be spotted from the ground. Call us if you have noticed differently colored spots on the roof or tiles that fell down on your yard. The material could be damaged or blown away due to heavy rain or gales;
- Cracked gutter. In order to create a water resistant barrier, gutters are placed below tile and on roof interlocks and valleys. Openings in roofing get sealed shut, so if water can pass through – they are damaged. Harsh weather or rust may cause cracks to appear which is a problem that demands immediate solving;
- Cracked roof vent. Ventilation openings on the roof looks like a short pipe sticking out of it and its purpose is to remove excess moisture. The pipe exit is sealed by a vent cap. Unfortunately, with time this element can sustain damage and has to be replaced.
- Other noticeable issues: wrong installation of skylights, moisture up on the attic, an excess amount of tile shards in gutters, water stains – all those are symptoms of a problematic roof.
There are other reasons why the roof might leak. For example, if installation of the roof was performed improperly or by using the wrong technique, the seal on the abutments was broken. The leak’s nature can point to its cause:
- A roof that leaks during rain indicates that roofing is damaged or seams are not watertight. Natural movement of the foundation shifts roofing and deforms the base of a flat roof;
- The space between roofing and rafters accumulates moisture during simmer and that can cause roof insulation to get wet.
- This type of problem does not depend on precipitation. Roofing might have suffered micro-cracks due to issues during the laying.
Temporary roof problem solving
An ongoing ceiling or wall leak can be delayed manually until a professional arrives to fix it for good.
If the cause is a mechanical roofing shift because of winds, it has to be put back into its place and secured. Using wire, tie roofing down to rafters or batterns. If there is a need, place a reliable polyethylene patch.
If the leak affects wiring – immediately turn off the electricity before a fire appears and causes irreparable damage. While it is raining do not climb up on the roof even if the leak is ongoing – slippery roofing might cause you to trip. Deal with the problem from inside the attic.
Should an intensive leak source appear, fill it profusely with construction foam or old rags. A fitting patch of roofing felt or polyethylene will do the job as well. Before applying the patch, spread bitumen mastic around the hole and on the patch itself. In order for this contraption to stick and not fall off, secure it with plywood or a wooden plank using nails or wire.
Small cracks and chips that usually appear on slate plates can be covered with sealant. This must be used only during emergencies when a leak needs to be immediately dealt with without damaging walls. Additionally place a silicon or bitumen patch.
In case of a leak being caused by a broken or a rotted rafter, the damaged element has to be straightened out using wooden overlay: screw them to the damaged rafter from opposite sides and bolster the construction with a support beam. This way the leak will not bother you for a time. But when the rainy weather has passed, call a professional to repair the occurred damage.
Is it worth to DIY roof repairs
Most homeowners prefer to perform repairs themselves in order to save money. The “do-it-yourself” idea is quite attractive, but it is possible that the saved money will be spent on fixing all the mistakes made during jury-rigged repairs. That’s why it is recommended to seek help of a specialized company.
Roof repairs may seem simple but in reality a lot of experience and knowledge is needed for this job. Aside from that, you would be working on a high altitude, the sun will constantly burn your face and back – these are unpleasant working conditions that professionals have already gotten used to. Carelessness may lead to slipping and a hard fall.
By contacting a professional roof repairs firm you would be able to leave worries behind you. A professional knows how to do the job safely, effectively and complying with building and safety rules and regulations.
Roof leak repairs demands precision and skill that a specialist has earned. It is required to know what methods to use in order to fix any kind of problem. Also it is important to understand what caused the damage – maybe it was a natural reason like wind, sun, rain or hail. The type of repairs depends on those reasons.
DIY-repairs can potentially lead to a myriad of mistakes that could be pricy to fix. Calling a specialized service will save you money in the long run! Repairmen will figure out what material is the best fit for a repair job and already have all the necessary tools and equipment.
Professionals will guarantee the restoration of your roof’s integrity!
Choosing a roof repairs company
A professional roofer is able to fix your roof quickly, scrupulously and safely. They are equipped with required tools, knowledge and experience. It is important to take these factors into consideration when choosing the right person.
A subcontractor will figure out what materials to use, what repair methods to employ and will take into account features of your living area.
Licensing and certification for roof repairs is the deciding factor because that demonstrates that the specialist is allowed to perform repairs, which means he possesses the required qualification. The same applies to repair methods and materials used.
Specialists have the ability to foresee future difficulties and accordingly prepare for them. Firms, that have amassed enough experience and renown, are able to provide recommendations and feedback about their work so that clients can inspect the level of their competence themselves.
