If you have water stains that are spread all across your ceiling… and running down the wall… you probably have a roof leak. Ignoring small leaks will lead to a bigger problem in a short time and become a costly headache. You might have to face major problems such as:

• Mold

• Rotten frames

• Insulation getting destroyed

• Damages to the physical ceiling

How often has this been said? “If the homeowner had dealt with it right away, the damage and subsequent repairs would have been minimal.”

Finding Roof Leaks:

Although it can be difficult to track down where roof leaks are happening, start searching near stains. Leaks generally happen around plumbing areas, roof vents, chimneys, or dormers. Having access to the attic will help make your task easier. You can inspect the area for some water stains, black marks, or mold. If it is difficult for you to examine your roof you can call a roofing repair professional to get the work done; Arko Exteriors can be reached at 763-434-2756.

Testing Roof Leaks That Are Difficult To Track Down: 

To test for roof leaks, you can start with soaking the area where the leaks appear in the interior of the house with soapy water. After a few minutes, if you witness the drip in the leaky area, then you have been successful in tracking the exact location of the leak. In case soapy water does not reveal the exact location then you can remove and examine shingles around the suspected areas. This can definitely guide you to the actual source of the leak.

Repairing Roof Leaks – Secure Curled Shingles: 

Find curled-back shingles and re-secure them by brushing them with a coat of asphalt roofing cement. (*You can choose equivalent cement components that suit your specific roof type). Apply a generous amount of cement to the underside as well as the upper side of the shingles. With this, you can ensure that the edges and corners are secured; Finish the process by pressing the shingles firmly. Note– shingles are more pliable in warm weather compared to when it’s cold.

Fixing The Flashing Issue:

When you are trying to repair roof leaks caused by metal flashing, you need to reseal the joints using an efficient caulk gun. Fill the caulk gun with roofing cement and apply it around the chimneys and dormers. If you are able to observe damage around the joint areas of the roof, apply a thick coat of cement and spread it evenly with a putty knife. If you think that the shingles of the roof have been damaged then you must get them replaced. For this, you would need to call professional roofing contractors to inspect the shingles… and also get the shingles replaced with new ones.

Here are some Roof Leak Repair Safety Tips:

• You must work on roof repairs on a sunny day when the roof is completely dry. Working on a wet roof can be slippery and very dangerous.

• You must maintain adequate safety measures while repairing leaky roofs.  Ensure that you always use safety ropes.

• If your house has a steep roof, use a ladder framework to provide secure anchoring.

• Wear comfortable, tight-fitting, rubber-soled shoes as they will provide the best traction when working on a roof.

• Make sure that you are maintaining a safe distance from power lines while working on a roof.

Summary: 

Roofs are important for the house as they protect the interior of the house from extreme weather conditions. And, for this reason, it is essential that you regularly inspect the roof for any kind of damage or leakage. To avoid leaking roof issues in the future, try to make use of roofing materials that are wind/weather resistant, provide fire safety, and are known to be durable and long-lasting.