PART 1: WHY IS A ROOF LEAK SERIOUS BUSINESS?
Of all the roof-related problems that could haunt your home, none is more dreaded than a roof leak. Does your roof have a shingle out of place? Is the flashing warped or bent out of shape? Those problems are serious mainly because they can eventually lead to a roof leak. But what makes the roof leak a much-feared roof problem in the first place? Few things are more annoying than the sound of water trickling or dripping constantly down onto your floor. Furthermore, getting soaked by water that just seeped through your ceiling sounds pretty disgusting! But that’s the least of your worries when your roof springs a leak because‌ Roof leaks are dangerous Any puddle of water on a smooth surface poses a serious risk; people can slip and fall, causing serious injury. Furthermore, roof leaks can also promote the growth of mold and bacteria that can cause respiratory problems or trigger allergies.
A small roof leak can lead to bigger ones Once water gets past the outer surface of the roof, it can cause damage underneath, weakening the rest of the roof structure. This means a single roof leak can increase the chances of your home springing even more roof leaks if not fixed right away. Your roof is supposed to serve as a shield against the elements; having a roof that lets so much water pass through is almost like not having a roof at all.
PART 1: WHY IS A ROOF LEAK SERIOUS BUSINESS?
A roof leak can damage more than the roof A roof leak isn’t just your roof’s biggest problem; it’s also a major threat to your home’s electrical system, insulation, and the walls themselves. Leaks have been known to cause all sorts of non-roof problems ranging from unsightly ring spots to fire-causing short circuits.
A roof leak will cost you a lot if neglected Repair costs for a single roof leak may not seem like much, but if neglected, you might find yourself looking at other repairs further on. Common expensive repairs include replacement of rusted or rotting support beams and damaged wall insulation. Where does a rook leaf come from? Find out the different causes of roof leaks as we continue to the second part of this three-part blog series.
PART 2: THE MAIN CAUSES OF ROOF LEAKS
It’s not hard to imagine how much damage a roof leak can cause, but preventing them from happening can be trickier than most people think. Simply keeping the roof clean won’t be enough to make sure your roof will stay leak-free all year round; you have to know what causes leaks and how to avoid them. HOLES IN THE ROOF SURFACE Although the outer surface of the roof is built for endurance, it doesn’t mean it’s completely invulnerable to damage. Different factors such as rust spots, rot, or even strong impact can put holes in your roof. Fortunately, this can easily be fixed by a roofing expert with a sealant or replacement tile. CRACKED FLASHING Flashing are narrow strips of metal designed to form a watertight barrier. Wear and tear can cause the sealant used during installation to develop cracks, which can quickly lead to roof leaks. Roof experts can repair the crack by removing the old sealant and replacing it with a new coating, although severe cases may require installing newer flashing strips over the existing one.
PART 2: THE MAIN CAUSES OF ROOF LEAKS
POORLY SEALED VALLEYS A valley is the part of the roof where two planes or faces of the roof come together at an inward angle. When it rains, plenty of water is channeled into the valley, which means it has to be properly sealed. Leaks around a roof valley can be caused by cracked sealant or wear and tear due to getting more water than the rest of the roof. In case a leak does show up, a roofer will usually add a new leak barrier on top of the valley, because simply reapplying sealant may not be enough. CLOGGED GUTTERS Although technically no longer part of the roof, your home’s gutter system also has a role in keeping your roof leak-free. If a gutter gets clogged, all the water that gets channeled into it will not be able to flow straight to the downspout. Instead, it could seep through the sides of the trough and cause all sorts of damage from there.
Aside from asking for help from the pros, what else can you do to keep your roof leak-free? Find out in the last part of this 3-part blog series.
PART 3: TIPS ON PREVENTING ROOF LEAKS
While proper roof installation and repair are best left to the pros, it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to help keep your roof leak free. Here are a few handy tips on making sure your roof stays in good shape. Choose the right materials Leak prevention starts as early as window shopping. Take a look at the different roofing materials available to you and see if each option will suit your home’s roofing needs. You might need help from a professional roofer and it might take a lot of research on your part, but choosing a good roofing material will pay off in the long run. Have your roof checked regularly While roof experts can repair or maintain your roof, it’s still up to you if you want them working on your roof in the first place. Remember that even “low-maintenance” roofs need to be checked every now and then. Get in touch with a roof expert at least three to four times a year to make sure your roof is leak- free all year round.
PART 3: TIPS ON PREVENTING ROOF LEAKS
Have your roof checked at the right time Regular roof maintenance is good, but even better if it’s done at the right times of the year. Great checkup times include the start of the spring season, the middle of summer, and the last couple of weeks before winter. These schedules will give your roof expert enough time to help prepare your roof for incoming changes in the next few weeks. Keep the vicinity clear In many cases, it’s not problems with the roof itself that causes the leaks. Branches and other nearby objects can fall on the roof and cause enough damage for leaks to occur. Have someone trim off overhanging tree branches before they become big enough to pose a threat to your roof.
Treat your roof well and your roof will definitely keep you protected. We hope this series has helped you learn more about how to avoid the dreaded roof leak. Stay safe and stay dry!
Tittle Brothers Construction 787 Southfield Road Lincoln Park, MI 48146
877-228-5658 tittlebrothers.com