Did you know that roof leaks can be dangerous if you don’t explore the underlying cause and fix it instantly? Issues with your roof can be quite detrimental and you definitely must inspect it from time to time.
Comprehending the exact cause behind roof leaking can be tricky as water can travel outward from the point where a leak occurs. There are few common reasons why this significantly happens.
Some of the most common causes of roof leaks are age, the build-up of debris, cracked flashing, broken shingles, clogged gutters, and the roof vents, that might happen any day and anytime.
There’s no good time for your roof to begin leaking, but there are definitely times when it is worse than others. If your roof begins to leak during the holidays or on the weekend when your roofer can’t come out, it poses a big problem.
This is where temporary roof repairs come in. We do not recommend these fixes as long term solutions, but they could help to get you through a short period of time.
The best all-round solution of roof damage or leaks is to cover the area with a heavy-duty tarp and secure it properly. This is a great quick fix to protect against damage in emergency situations or during storms. If you need an emergency fix until proper repairs are carried out then tarping is the easiest option. Again, we do not endorse tarping your roof as a long-term solution.
Wait for the rain to let up before you attempt to go on the roof. Exercise extreme caution when going on the roof. Don’t attempt to access the roof without taking adequate safety precautions. Wear rubber-soled shoes and secure the ladder to the siding or the fascia with ropes. Use it as a prevention from being blown by the wind. Tarp is a quick and easy temporary solution until your roofer arrives.
When using a tarp to cover your roof, a good rule of thumb is to cut the plastic so that it adequately covers the damaged area. Measure enough to cover a section of the roof from the eave to the ridge. Add an extra 4 feet, and cut it from the roll with a utility knife. Make sure to extend the tarp over the ridgeline, otherwise water will simply run under the tarp. Secure the tarp with 2 x 4 boards. You can staple or nail the tarp to the boards, but be sure to use nails that are not so long that they will go through your roof.
Age is the most probable cause of roof leaks. Roofing surfaces deteriorate with age. They begin to become less effective as time passes by. Constant temperature fluctuations and weather changes cause the roofing materials to become brittle and crack over time. The tar also starts melting with constant sun exposure, and hence one should replace a roofing surface when it becomes too old.
Debris such as twigs, leaves or pine needles accumulate with time on the roofing surface. They may turn trap water against the roof, and let the water seep in as capillary action. If you notice build-up on of debris on the roof, you must clean that immediately so that water can run off quickly.
Gutters getting clogged due to several reasons also give way to roof leaks. Mainly, gutters are meant to help water travel away from the roof, and at times blockage forms and they eventually get clogged. This way, rainwater gets accumulated in an area and seep through the cracks. Never let debris build up and clog the gutter. Always keep the roofing surface clean.
By making an emergency roof repair while you await a new roof, you can help prevent thousands of dollars worth of water damage. Make sure you catch problems as soon as possible and call for an inspection right away, and make any necessary emergency repairs you need.
The roof of a house is made from thicker and sturdier metal than the lightweight materials used in outdoor structures. In terms of rust, metal roofs are protected against corrosion by a tough coating. Choose a Zen roofing steel roof, for example, and your roof is guaranteed to last, even in more challenging areas like the coast.
