A leak in your roof has the potential to be a challenging and expensive issue to fix if it isn’t done quickly. Sometimes, just thinking about tackling a potential roof leak repair can be daunting. Having a roof that leaks can mean you giving up the livable conditions of your home if not remedied immediately. If the leak is a large one, it may not be incredibly difficult to locate, but if it is small you may need to work with an experienced professional to locate and fix the leak.
If you have determined that you have a leak in your roof, there is no time to waste. Even waiting through one more rainy day could mean thousands in potential damage to roofing materials, ceilings, walls, and even electrical work. The repair of the leak is just as important as finding it, and it must be repaired properly, and often by a professional roofer in the case of insurance claims.
How to Determine if You Need a Roof Leak Repair
There are some significant early warning signs that can tip you off that your roof may have a leak that needs attention. There are also some indications that a leak has gone unaddressed for a relatively long time. In some situations, the damage may be extensive and require the entire roof to be repaired or resurfaced. Below are some signs that you need roof leak repair ASAP.
Missing Or Damaged Shingles
This is an obvious one, and generally one you won’t even need the ladder for. Missing shingles are simple to spot, as are broken or torn shingles. Missing or damaged shingles should be replaced immediately before any more moisture enters the roof.
Discolored Or Damp Shingles
These are a little harder to see, but still easier to see at a distance than up close. Dark or damp shingles indicate there is moisture being retained, which means that they are not doing their job effectively.
Obvious Wear Around Roof Transitions
Look for damage or simple wear and tear in areas of the roof that accommodate items like chimneys or vents. If these are not sealed properly they can be a common place for moisture infiltration.
Paint Damage
Paint damage is often spotted by cracking, bubbling, or peeling. This is often due to a badly ventilated attic that sends humid air to the roofline, creating condensation.
Coarse Sand In Gutters
If you have noticed coarse black sand in your gutters, you may have shingles that are nearing the end of their lifespan and are losing their coating. You may also see it in piles at the bottom of the downspout.
Visible Interior Damage
Discoloration, and sagging or falling drywall and plaster can be indicative of an advanced leak. If a leak has gone undetected long enough, it will seep into interior walls. This can eventually cause electrical problems and sagging in the ceilings or floors.
Leaks In The Attic
If a heavy rainstorm allows you to see visible dripping water in your attic, you have a serious roof leak and need professional assistance ASAP. This is often indicative of a series of undetected leaks.
Sagging Roof
Sagging roofs are often the result of an array of minor leaks that cause the entire roofing structure to sag, often near the middle. If stopped early enough, sagging may be fixed without an entirely new roof.
Outside Light Penetration
This is not only a great way to determine if you have roof leaks, but also where you have roof leaks. Standing in a dark attic on a sunny day can help you identify any potential damage, leaks, or gaps in the roofing coverage.
Mystery Climate Control Issues
If all else fails, one of the symptoms that can be used to help diagnose a roof with leaks is the unexplained increase in utility or energy bills. This happens when the roof leaks enough that heat transfer or loss is evident in climate control. The roof will be unable to keep out the hot air and will allow the cool air to escape.
Risks of Trying to Repair a Roof Leak Yourself
While it is undeniable that there are certain small roofing projects that the average homeowner can tackle themselves, roof leak repair should not generally be one of them. Not only do the tools and expertise cost time and money, but there is also the problem of potentially causing more damage than you’re fixing.
If your home experiences a rough storm, there may be missing shingles, but there may also be other damage that you can’t see without an experienced eye. This can lead to the roof leak not being repaired properly or fully the first time, causing more potential damage to occur in the meantime. Additionally, your insurer may have requirements that the roof is repaired by licensed roofers in order to be covered.
The best route to take in just about any situation is to hire professionals to take care of it for you. Not only will they have all of the tools, materials, experience, and crew needed, but they will be able to give you a definitive timeframe for the job so you can relax and get on with life.
Finding The Best Company to Meet Your Roof Leak Repair Needs
If you are looking for the best company for roof leak repairs in the Austin, Houston, or San Antonio area there are a few things to consider before making a choice. You should take into account not just their expertise, but their customer satisfaction record.
Being able to get the job done is great, but being a trusted source for anything roofing-related is rare, so check the local reviews and see what others are saying. They should also offer free estimates and have a warranty on their service. Reach out to your local roofing experts today to arrange for an inspection and an estimate.