Roof leaks are a problem encountered by a lot of people. It is not very pleasant to see water pouring down from the ceiling or one’s house. This will affect your health and can even cause damage to the structure of your house. Whether you notice a leak while you are in the house or not, it is still good to know the different things one can do if they observe such problem. The article below provides some information about Roof leaks and the different things one can do if they experience such problem.
The common causes of roof leaks are: Broken or cracked shingles, improper installation of flashing around vents and windows, missing or improperly installed flashing around skylights, improperly placed or damaged skylight or downspout, or any other vent pipe, which allows water to get inside the house. These kinds of roof problems can also be caused by ice dams that form on the roof top. If left undetected, they can result in mold-related diseases and health risks.
If you see signs that your house may have leaking roof, one of the first things you should do is to have a professional contractor to inspect the house for such issues. This will give you a chance to find out if you are at risk from water intrusion, which could cause roof leaks and other damages. When inspecting, the inspector will check for: Copper piping or copper vent pipes that are exposed; caulking and repair work around vents and windows; flashing around vents; and loose shingles on the ceilings and side walls. You can prevent roof leaks by avoiding installing flashing around the vents; using non-combustible materials for roofing materials; using ceiling insulation materials for your roof and attic; and using weather stripping around your roof. You can have a professional contractor inspect your house regularly for water intrusion. This will help prevent the occurrence of roof leaks and other problems.
Aside from preventing roof leaks and damage, it is also important to repair or replace damaged ceilings and damaged walls. Since most leaks occur at the point where the ceiling and wall meet, having damage here can result to dangerous levels of moisture within your home. It is therefore important to repair damaged ceilings and walls immediately before the area becomes too wet.
Aside from damaged roofs and walls, roof leaks can also occur due to improper installation of roof vents. Improper installation of the vent can result to trapped moisture inside the house, which can eventually lead to serious damages. For instance, if the vent is placed close to the attic, there would be a gap between the two. When this gap is open, warm air from inside the house would accumulate and would cause the room temperature to rise above the norm, which can lead to constant humidity in the air, which is another contributing factor for roof leaks.
Roof leaks are inevitable, especially when doing roof construction. Thus, it is important to learn how to properly fix these problems as soon as possible to avoid further water damage. While there are a lot of do-it-yourself (DIY) ways to fix leaky roof problems, you should also know that hiring a professional roofing contractor can ensure a safe and timely repair job. They are more experienced and knowledgeable than you are, and can locate the exact location of the leak without cutting into parts of your house. This will definitely save you time, effort and money, and let you move on with your life.
