A roof leak can cause panic, especially when you do not know the cause. More so, you cannot ignore the little trickle of water because it can soon turn into full-blown water damage in your home. As such, the ideal way to deal with leaks is to determine the problematic area and schedule necessary repairs. Here are the four most common reasons why it happens and guidelines to help you resolve it.
Does Your Roof Have a Skylight?
Skylights are an excellent addition to homes that do not receive enough sunlight. However, their installation creates a weakness in the structure and continuity of the roof. This is because the area around the skylight is more likely to rust and rot than any other part of the roof. Moreover, as the seal weakens, a leak will develop. In such a case, re-sealing the area around is the ultimate solution to the problem. Alternatively, you can replace the skylight with a new one if it is damaged beyond repair.
Can You See Broken Roof Tiles?
Broken roof tiles are another common entry point for water into the house. Note that this is a common problem when you have kids who can throw objects on the roof, live in an area with harsh weather conditions such as hail, or have a roof that people step on often. Ultimately, broken tiles interrupt the waterproof nature of the structure. As a result, this creates a weak point where the water can access the roof membrane and gradually damage it, resulting in leaks. The good news is you can solve this problem by replacing the damaged tiles with new ones. In addition, a roofing contractor can replace any part of the roofing membrane torn after exposure.
Is the Roof Rusty?
Rust is another common cause of roof leaks. Note that this happens when a metallic roof is exposed to water for a prolonged period. Rust is an oxidation process through which the surface of the metal breaks down into a dusty material called iron oxide. As the roof continues to rust, it digs holes in the surface. Eventually, the punctures end up on the other side of the panel, dripping water into the house. In such a case, it is best to replace the rusted bits of the roof if you want to eliminate leaks.
Other causes of leaks include flashing weaknesses, blocked gutters, and damaged chimneys. So, talk to a trusted home roofing contractor and hear what they have to say about the state of your roof. They can help you diagnose the source of the leak and determine whether to repair or replace the roofing material entirely.
For more information, contact a company like Allen Roofing & Construction Inc.
