Rooftops are one of the most important components of your home. They protect you and your family from the weather elements while keeping your interiors intact. It is no surprise that roofing contractors are the busiest among all home-remodeling professionals. Most homeowners give roof maintenance top priority. It is the roof section that suffers the most wear and tear throughout the year. Roof leaks are among the most prevalent issues that can be associated with a roof.
Extreme temperatures, rainwater, and excessive moisture are all likely causes of roof vents, chimneys, or dormers openings. If water streaks down walls or across ceilings, you can tell if your roof is leaking. It is quite simple to fix roof leaks. However, it is finding the source of the leaky roof that can be difficult.
While a leaky roof may not be a problem in the short-term, it could cause serious damage if the roof is neglected. The cost of repairing the roof and plugging leaks could be prohibitive. This can lead to a loss of time and money. If you have a systematic roof maintenance plan, you will save yourself and your roofing contractor a lot of time in locating a leak.
Contractors will want to see your property in order to determine if the area has been subjected to extreme weather or if there have been any construction or installation work, or mishaps that could have caused damage. To detect leaks, you can use the following strategies in your roof maintenance program.
- Check For Water Accumulation At The Drip Edge
The drip edge on your roof can be attractive, but it can also collect rainwater easily. You should ensure that any water that has accumulated on the fascia and facade edges is removed as soon as possible. Leakage in the eaves can be caused by a hard-to-see drip edge. This could lead to wood rot.
Windswept rain will invariably find its way through the crack between the roof deck and the facade board. The drip edge acts as a barrier to prevent the entry of rodents, snakes, and other critters. When looking for roof leaks, one important area to inspect is the drip edge.
- Do a Thorough Inspection On The Roof
Diffusions on the roof that prevent water from draining naturally from the roof are a common cause of leaks. Look for penetration spots or diffusion spots on your roof. The main infiltration sources or gateways are chimneys, skylights and plumbing vents. These areas should be inspected thoroughly.
- Inspect The Flashing Area of Step
Also, check for seep outs and drips in the areas where step flashing is proposed. Do a thorough inspection of all dormers, changeovers and bordering areas from roof to walls. You should also inspect areas where mastic was applied years ago.
- Next Is The Attic
While the roof is often the cause of leaks and cracks, your roof maintenance DIY should include an inspection of the attic. Many homeowners are unaware that bugs invasion, mold growth or poor HVAC work can cause leaks in their attic.
- The Gutter
Sometimes, the gutter or shallow trough meant to drain away rainwater is not properly oriented. Improper installation of the channel or gutter could prevent water from draining completely. The accumulated water could also cause moisture to build up and possibly lead to leaks.
This post was written by Reggie Reed! Reggie is a state-certified roofing contractor and co-owner of Reggie Reed Roofing, the best roofers in St petersburg FL. He is a 4th generation roofing contractor. RR Roofing offers a wide variety of roofing services for residential homes, apartment complexes, condos, commercial buildings, churches, and more. Reggie enjoys dedicating his spare time to helping underprivileged youth in his community and traveling with his family and friends.