Roof Leak Detection

Detecting a roof leak in time might sound like the correct thing to do, but most homeowners and business owners will only start looking once the problem is already showing itself. In some cases this would still be acceptable but in many cases it is too little, too late. The damage has been done long before you saw it and now it becomes the dreaded pay up time.

This does not mean you have to climb around your roof every day, twice a year will be sufficient, just before and just after winter.

Concealed leaks in the roof are the most dangerous and over time could cause structural damage to your roof. It is the slow deterioration caused by the roof leak that might cause structural failure at the time when you need it the least. Once this has happened it is very costly to repair.

The old adage “prevention in better than cure” is true in this case. Detecting roof leaks on time before real damage is done will save you load of headaches and money.

Many roofing companies will offer a free roof check up service and some charge a small fee. In relation to the cost of a large repair the fee is nominal and should be considered. With a check up done on your roof at the regular intervals small problems can be picked up sooner than later and repaired.

Many of us like the DIY route and make these little repairs ourselves.

Roof leak detection starts in the attic. Before looking at the top of your roof, search the attic for noticeable water damage and other evidence that moisture has started to cause problems. Mold can be a sign that you have an undetected roof leak or that you have inadequate roofing ventilation. If your problem is with roof ventilation you should consult a contractor to discuss your repair options.

After inspecting your attic for telltale signs you need to take a close look at the roof itself. You can either climb onto the roof or look through binoculars, but the first option would be the better one if you are doing it yourself. You want to find out if there are any missing or damaged shingles. Look for curling, fraying, tears or excessive deterioration. Damaged or missing roof shingles should be replaced. Further indicators of a declining roof are loss of granules, cupping or buckling. These signs tend to indicate your roof is reaching the end of its usefulness.

Another common cause of roof leaks includes debris hindering roof watershed or blocking rain gutters. Unwanted debris in the valleys of the roof can result in water penetrating underneath roof shingles which can result in roof leaks and water damage. Blocked rain gutters might also cause water to flow under the shingles on the eaves and cause similar water damage. Regular roof maintenance should include removing the unwanted debris from your roof valleys and gutters.

If the roof on your home is fifteen years old or older, has large areas of damage, or continues to leak after being repaired, you might need to replace your roof.