The source of most roof leaks is hard to find since they typically originate away from where the leaks show up. Here is how you can find and fix a leaky roof yourself. However, it is always a great idea to hire a roofing contractor Dayton OH since roof leaks could be a sign of a deeper problem that may require a professional repair.
Finding the location of a roof leak
To find the source of your leaky roof isn’t that simple as finding a wet patch on the ceiling. Often the position of the actual leak is not where the water ends up staining your wall. Water can enter your roof from one end of your house and drip through insulation before soaking into the feeble spot of your ceiling.
Water often seeps in through broken, worn, or missing shingles; where nails have become loose or through poorly sealed or corroded flashings around vents, chimneys, or skylights or along the intersection of roof planes.
Here are some tips to find a roof leak
- Visually inspect your roof from outside. Begin from the parts of the roof that are higher than the position of any stains inside. If you spot any damaged spots on shingles, tiles, or corrugated sheets, this could be the location of a leak.
- If you notice water spots under your roofline on exterior walls, it could mean that your flashings may have been damaged and need to be repaired or replaced.
- From inside of your home you can look for peeling paint, brown, yellow or grey stains, moisture marks, these are all signs of a roof leak.
- Head to the attic to get a better view of the underside of the roof and always carry a flashlight to examine roof. Look for areas that are darker than the surrounding sheathing. In case there has been no rain recently, identifying moist spots can be a little difficult. You can look for a patch of mold which thrives on moisture or damp beams chances are that that could be the source of your leaky roof.
Ways to fix a leaky roof
Once you have identified the location of the leak, you might be able to fix it with a quick-drying silicone-based sealant, or by placing a lead flashing or a small sheet of metal over the damaged shingle or roof tile. In case your gutters are the issue then simply cleaning the debris and repairing or replacing any damaged sections could solve the issue.
Another common issue with leaks is that it often happens as a result of damaged or old caulk. You can dig around the damaged area with a putty knife and when you identify spots that are corroded or rotten you can add more caulk to seal the area. However, this is not a long-term solution and extensive damage to the dormers or walls should be looked at only by roofing contractor Dayton OH.
Please keep in mind that the exact methods of roof leak repair depend upon the roofing material and its construction.
Safety First!
For roof repairs that require you to get up onto the roof, you need to consider your safety first. There is a risk of an accident if you try and climb up a wet roof. Similarly entering confined areas such as your ceilings space could be uncomfortable and difficult too. Some repairs should only be carried out by experienced and qualified roofers who have the appropriate equipment and training to carry out the repairs safely and quickly.
So if you don’t feel comfortable on the roof, do not hesitate to call roofing contractor Dayton OH.
For any roof repairs and replacement call experts from Allegiant Roofing today!
