Is Your Roof Leaking

By Author: Tanya Wiseman
Total Articles: 45
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Is The Roof Leaving

How do you recognize that you have a leaking roof?
The most apparent sign of a leaky roof is water falling into your house. It is very easy to detect a leaky roof, just before it becomes evident. For example, the first thing you notice can be: brown, discolored spots on the drywall ceiling. That means that the water is escaping and leaking in. Sometimes the water leak can occur outside, by rotting the roof framing system. This type of leakage may not be noticeable. However, it can jeopardize. And even if there are no visible signs of a leak, water leakage can rot the roof framing system, compromising its structural completeness, and may require extensive and costly repairs.
There are several tips for prevention roof repair:
Conduct regular roof inspections at least twice a year, as it is recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). It is highly recommended to perform fall and spring inspections. In certain parts of the country, the winter takes a heavy toll on your roof. If you discover any type of leak, small or big, your first action should be calling ...
... the roof specialist. If left unattended, the leaky roof can cause significant damage to insulation, walls, ceilings, flooring and personal property.
Check the flashing. In some cases, the flashing around the chimney, vents, fans and skylights, and lining roof valleys may cause the leaking. Commonly, the material used with flashing, such as asphalt or caulking compound, that is used for sealing pipes and protrusions-gets torrid and stale from being exposed to natural elements to sun and the heat. In time the dry materials crack or loosen the seal, allowing water to penetrate. The resolution can be inexpensive. The asphalt cement can be used and last for about three years. Another option would be to replace the flashing, which can last much longer, for about ten years. Oxidized and rust-covered flashing can be cleaned, and coated with the special rust-resistant paint. However, if the flashing is completely deteriorated, it needs to be replaced. Tips to replace flashing: http://www.roofdoctor1.com/
Replacing of shingles. Decaying and ruined shingles can cause leaky roof. When asphalt shingles get cracks, tears, or when it reveals the black asphalt, it is time to get them replaced. If several shingles are damaged, you can just have a small repair, by replacing just several of them. However, If the majority of shingles are damaged,
Clean leafs and other natural debris. A buildup of leafs and debris in he roof can cause water backups to leak through the roof. Make a habit of inspecting your roof for possible debris on the roof and clear it away right away. Left unattendant, debris, may cause damage of the wood and sheathing. Also, make sure to keep the gutters and downspouts clean, as they me get cluttered with leafs and other debris; therefore causing the water to go back and leak the roof.
Ice build up at the eave, called an ice dam, and can also lead to roof leakage. It can even cause structural damage to the roof's framing system. The best ways to prevent an ice dam is by using an eave-heating system - heated wires that are strung on the roof above the overhang which prevent the water from freezing, and promoting proper watershed. A worthwhile investment if your roof is prone to ice dams.
Call a professional for a roof inspection
Regardless of how many reasons cause a roof leak, it is wise to have a roofing contractor to inspect your roof. For smaller repairs like shingle replacement or re-applying caulking, you may be able to save some money by hiring an experienced handyman. But for bigger repair jobs to your asphalt shingle roof, it is best to call a professional roofing contractor.
Many roofing contractors will provide a free roof inspection, including a written estimate outlining the required repairs, as a means to solicit work