A leak in your roof may go unnoticed until you see a dark spot spreading on the ceiling of one or more rooms. You may spot mold on the wall. By this time, water has probably seeped into the attic area and worked its way through your insulation. Roof leak repair can be extensive and expensive if areas of your attic and part of the ceiling need replacing. It is important to search for leaks before they spread.
Checking for leaks
You can go into your attic after a rainstorm and check for leaks. Never climb up on the roof. That is a job for a professional roofer who has the right equipment to safely access the roof.
Check the ground around your home for loose shingle material that might have fallen off the roof with rain and wind. Look at your rain gutters. Loose rain gutters and drains can indicate holes in the area where the roof, gutters, and walls meet.
Check siding and the sides of your home for water leaks, as well.
Causes of leaks
There are several reasons for roof leaks, starting with poor installation. A shingle, tile or metal roof has to be professionally installed with the proper underlayment. A moisture barrier is part of the roof system.
Other leaks can result from:
- Loose flashings
- Punctures from flying tree limbs
- Ponds of water on flat roofs
- General lack of maintenance
Roof shingles and tiles age, crack, and crumble. Seams can open and the flashings on the lower areas of the roof can become loose. Flashing is used around the base of a chimney, at other protrusions, and at the lowest part of the roof lines to prevent leaks and aid water runoff.
Seals around skylights occasionally need repairs to prevent leakage.
Repair services
A roof leak repair is needed as soon as you suspect any problem. This is necessary to save your roof, insulation, and ceilings. Mold and wood rot may develop if the leak is not fixed immediately.
Mark Kaufman Roofing in North Port, Englewood, and Sarasota will respond to any emergency to repair shingle, metal, and tile roofs. Contact us immediately if you suspect a roof leak.
