4 Places Where Roof Leaks Happen
How often do you think about your roof?
Most people only think about their roof sporadically. Maybe they’re enjoying a cup of coffee in the garden when they suddenly think, “wow, my roof is lookin’ good.”
Unfortunately, when we do think about our roofs, it’s typically because there is a problem. Instead of thinking about how all of your neighbors must be envious, you’ve begun thinking about your roof because of missing shingles and water damage in your attic.
When you discover there’s something wrong with your roof – the part of your home that helps keep your family and belongings safe – it can be frustrating.
At Rescue My Roof, we know you want to be confident you have a roof that will keep your family safe and secure for a lifetime.To do that, you need a high-quality roof that you can depend on.
This includes a roof free of leaks. In this article, we are going over all of the areas prone to leaks on your roof. So if you ever notice water stains or missing shingles, you know which spots to look at first.
Places On Your Roof to Check for Leaks
Knowing where to look for leaks is crucial to preventing further damage to the interior of your home.
When leaks occur, the water makes its way from your roof and into your house. It can cause water stains, damaged drywall, bad electrical work, and more.
These can be costly fixes in the long run. So do yourself a favor and before and after the winter, check your roof in these areas to ensure there are no leaks.
1. Penetrations
Nails don’t just cause penetrations in your roof. It also includes PVC pipes, lead pipes, vents, and chimneys.
These areas are more prone to leaking because they are more detailed areas. They can be more challenging to install and easy for roofing contractors to mess up.
Unfortunately, if the leak is caused by a workmanship error, it is likely the roof may leak right away. You must do roof inspections no matter how new your roof is because leaks can occur at any time.
If you have a leak or are doing an inspection, check around any pipes, intake or exhaust vents, and chimneys to see if there is anything wrong.
If you notice visible flashing or standing water near these areas of your roof, along with other signs that you have a leak in your home, it is time to call a roofing contractor.
The sales representative can use their trained eye to inspect these areas and make sure they are not doing damage to your home.
2. Skylights
Skylights can be a beautiful addition to your home, but they add an extra penetration in your roof.
An additional penetration with a large perimeter means your roof is at a higher risk of leaks in that area.
Your contractors will seal the area and use flashing to minimize the risk to avoid any leaks. However, this strategy is not 100 percent foolproof. There still is a risk of leaks.
If you’ve noticed water dripping into your home from the edges of your skylight, it is time to call in the professionals.
Call a roofing contractor to schedule a roof estimate appointment and have them evaluate the area.
3. Headwalls
A headwall is a junction where a roof meets a wall. These areas can be prone to leaks because they require a proper seal to decrease the risk of water getting in.
Flashing is used in this area to provide coverage for the area. Flashing is a thin piece of metal used to help seal areas and make them watertight.
If you see water stains in the corner of the ceiling where the roof meets the exterior wall, then you may want to check this area first for leaks.
4. Missing Shingles
Shingles are the first line of defense against leaks.
The granules on the shingles and the slope of your roof help water runoff into your gutters.
However, when shingles are blown off, this leaves the underlayment and nail penetrations exposed. This can increase the possibility of leaks in those areas.
If you notice missing shingles, it is best to call a contractor and get them repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may be facing other costly repairs associated with leaks.
How Are Roof Leaks Repaired?
The good news is that when you find roof leaks, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new roof right away.
If the leaks are minor and are controlled to one area, a repair will do the trick.
When roofing contractors repair leaks, they typically tear-off shingles in the surrounding areas and rescuer them so they are correctly installed.
Contractors also utilize caulk along with ice and water barriers to ensure the area is watertight once again.
How Much Do Leak Repairs Cost?
No roofing project – leak repairs included – will cost the same because every roof’s circumstances are different.
The price is impacted by how severe the roof is, the pitch of your roof, how large the area is, and what materials will need to be replaced.
Roof leak repairs can cost a minimum of $500 to fix with materials. However, this price is not a guarantee. You may end up paying more depending on the contractor, your area, and the leak’s severity.
How to Determine if Your Roof is Leaking
There are some key signs to check for if you think your roof may be leaking. If you notice any of the following:
- Water stains on your ceiling
- Mold or mildew growing in the attic
- Crumbling drywall
- Active water dripping into your home
You must call a roofing contractor to help diagnose and remedy the problem.
Once you’ve noticed the signs, the leak can already be severe. If you leave it be, the problem will continue to get worse.
You can learn more about roof maintenance by visiting “4 Consequences of Having Too Much Snow on Your Roof.”
If you are dealing with roof leaks in the greater Milwaukee area, contact Rescue My Roof today to schedule your free estimate appointment.