Roofs are an integral part of the house. If the roof gets damaged, it can destroy the structural integrity of the house. Do you think anything could be more dangerous than this? If you do not keep your roof(s) well-maintained then even something like a strong wind could blow off the roof, easily leaving you and your family in a vulnerable condition.
One of the biggest problems a roof can face is leaks. Roof leaks are very tricky and finding the right source of the roof leak is not always obvious. Sometimes it might happen that the roof leaks are taking place due to missing shingles in the middle area of the roof but the leaks appear on side walls.
Typically, you’re able to see signs of water leaks inside your house. Sometimes there are water stains on the ceiling or discoloration on the walls. You might also notice the growth of mold or mildew.
Finding roof leaks and getting them repaired can seem like a daunting task. Sometimes the actual source of a leak is so small that it would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
If you don’t want the roof leak situation to be a nightmare then employ these tactics to find the leaks:
Start By Working Backward:
When you can visibly spot water stains on the ceiling, you can probably make out where the water is leaking from. So, start from the basic point of the stain and work your way up the roof. Most often you would come across the fact that the leak is not directly over the spot where you saw the water stains. Water stains appear at the place where they get collected. And, generally, water travels down rafters and sheathing until it finds a place to collect and drip. You can find the leaks by having a look at stains and discolorations and then trace that trail back to the source.
Use Hose Water To Identify Water Leaks:
Generally, rainwater can help you in identifying the actual location of roof leaks. But when it is not raining, you can use hose water on the roof surface. Have the help of a family member or friend who can stay inside the house and check the attic to identify where the water leak is coming from while you spray water on the roof using your garden hose. With this simple tactic, you can hopefully determine the exact location of the roof leak(s).
Follow The Sunlight:
Another interesting tactic that will help you to determine the exact location of the roof leak is to follow the sunlight. In the daylight, go to the attic area and glance at the underside of the roof. If you see light easily penetrating from a hole or crack in the roof, you have most likely identified the location of the leak.
Repairing Roof Leaks:
Sometimes roof leaks are not so difficult to repair. Whether you can do it on your own or not depends on the size, location, and severity of the problem. Besides all these factors, the age and condition of the roof also play a vital part in whether you can do the repairs on your own or not. Hire a professional roofing contractor when:
- The roof of the house is steep.
- The house is not a single story but a duplex and you won’t be able to easily reach the roof.
- The roof is quite old and not in good shape.
- You do not have proper equipment or tools to fix the roof leaks.
Getting Help From Professional Roofing Contractors:
When you are unable to identify the location of roof leaks, call roofing experts . When hiring a roofing contractor, make sure that they are reliable and have extensive experience. A professional should be able to inspect the roof, identify the exact location of the roof leaks, and get them repaired quickly.
Summary:
If you want to save yourself from a roof leak nightmare, get your roof inspected and maintained regularly. This way, you can identify problems at an early stage and get them resolved. Moreover, regular inspections and maintenance will help you extend the service life of the roof and increase its functional efficiency.