By Big G Roofing & More

Roof leaks cause water damage, and it doesn’t only damage your walls or ceilings but can lead to mold due to excessive moisture. Living in areas where roof leaks are major problems, we know little about mold problems. Mold spreads easily and can become deadly. Fixing any roof leaks immediately can prevent this problem. You can also fix these leaks yourself. Let us show you how you can spot and fix the common types of roof leaks.

Roof Leaks:

If you see water stains that are following your ceilings or running down the walls, it’s a sign that you have a leaky roof. Tracking the source of the water leak is the hard part but the repair is usually easy. There are some simple and easy tricks for finding and repairing common types of roof leaks.

How to Find Roof Leaks

When you are trying to find the origin of the roof leak, start by looking at stains from the roof uphill. First of all, look if there is anything that is penetrating the roof. Penetration can include anything that projects through the roof like roof vents, chimneys, dormers, etc. If you have access to the roof, it will be easy for you to track down a leak. There will be water stains, mold, or blackmarks.

How to Find Difficult Leaks

If it's hard for you to find the leak, ask someone to help you by going up on the roof with a water bottle. Find the area from where the leak appears in the house. For example, if there is a leak in the chimney, you should first soak the downhill side of it, then each side. Your helper should stay inside the house and spot any drip to appear. This process can take up to 1 hour, you might need some more water to find the leak so be patient.

Solution for small Leak

Sometimes it's hard to find the leak as water shows up at a different spot from the leak. If your ceiling has some kind of barrier like plastic vapor between the drywall and roof insulation, move it aside and look for stains. If you can’t find the footprints of stains, look under the roof for some nails that the carpenter missed. The solution is simply clipping the nail with side cutting.

Fix Vent Boots

Plumbing boots can be metal and plastic, all plastic, or even two-piece metal units. Check both bases for cracks and broken seams and examine the rubber boot of the pipe. It can be torn and allow water to leak into the house. In any case, you should replace the vent boot.

Repairing any Water Damage from a Roof Leak

When it comes to minor leaks it’s easy and you can fix it yourself but if the leak is major and you can’t spot it – consider hiring a professional to help you out. Normally you can handle water damage by using a wet-dry vacuum or by removing moisture from the area. After doing this monitor the affected materials overtime for any signs.

Molds are normally little colorful spots that spread across the ceiling and can change color. Flooring is prone to damage if your carpet is getting water from roof leaks for a long time.

Many other things can be affected by roof leaks and can be harmful to your house and your health. Addressing roof leaks in a timely manner can save a lot of money on repairs and replacements. If you are unable to find the cause of the leak, it's always better to call a trusted roofing contractor for any inspection and fixes.

If you have any questions, please visit Big G Roofing & More online or call us at (786)-442-2842