For one reason or another, you might suspect that your roof is leaking. These things happen and there’s no reason to start panicking. The question on your mind is: how do I get down to fixing it? Obviously, you want to get rid of the leak and go on with your day, but you have to be thorough. Here’s what you have to do.
1. Start with an inspection
If you suspect that your roof isn’t handling the weather the way it should, it might be time to look into it. There are a couple of things you should look out for. The most obvious detail you might notice is water dripping from the ceiling, which will instantly alert you to a leaky roof situation. Unfortunately, not every leaky roof is instantly identifiable. Sometimes you’ll only notice subtle hints, like mold growing on the walls of your attic.
This is why it’s important to do a thorough inspection of your attic or any other room that is adjacent to your roof. Sometimes signs of water damage aren’t present exactly where the leak is, which is why you might need further inspection. If the roof can leak water it can also leak heat, which means the room might be a bit colder than other rooms. If you don’t notice it on your skin, it’s very likely you’ll notice the difference in your heating bill.
2. Getting down to it
Once you’re sure that there is, in fact, a leak on your roof, you’re going to have to find out where it is. On some ceilings, the water damage will be adjacent to the leak, while others are going to be a bit more complicated to locate. If the ceiling of your attic has a plastic vapor barrier between it and the actual roof, you’re going to need to be crafty to figure out where the leak is. Try pushing the insulation aside and check where there are water stains on the plastic. Water will often look for an opening in the barrier so that’s where you should look first. Plugging the barrier holes should do the trick on this side of the roof.
On the exterior part of your roof, you should start out by checking the shingles and plumbing vents. Various things can clog the plumbing vents or cause water to leak inside of them. Bird nests and leaves are some of the more common culprits. If the vent isn’t attached properly, water can leak in right beneath the plate that fixates it. Fixing this on your own might not be the best idea. You have to get all the way up on your roof with a bunch of power tools and that is a recipe for injury. If you aren’t sure how to proceed, you might want to consult experts like Flash Roof Plumbing with tips on how to deal with the problem. A leaky roof might be annoying, but it’s no reason for you to put yourself in a dangerous position.
3. Maintenance is key
Once you’ve found a way to fix any and all of the numerous problems with your roof, it’s time to make sure that they don’t happen again. You might want to do another inspection of your roof and attic, but this time you aren’t looking for signs of damage. Consult the internet for telltale signs of what could eventually become a problem with your roof. Some early warning signs are less obvious, which is why you might want to ask an expert for their opinion.
Roofs are usually expected to last you about fifteen or twenty years. If your roof is already pushing twenty-five, you might want to consider getting yourself a new one. It’s a drawn out and long process but you should know that it is worth it. Not only will you have fewer leaks, but the value of your home will also increase. You’ll thank yourself later if you ever consider selling your home.
Conclusion
A leaky roof is something we all have to deal with at least once in a while. Sometimes nature goes a little bit too hard on your roof and it’s going to need some attention. With this in mind, the most important thing you have to look out for Is your own safety. If there’s anything you can leave to someone more qualified, you should consider it. No reason to get hurt over something as benign as a roof problem.
Author Bio
Audrey Taylor was born in San Francisco, and moved to Adelaide at the age of five. Marketer researcher and social media manager on hold, full – time mommy of a cheerful two-year-old. Graduated from Queensford college, worked in a couple of marketing agencies across Australia, eager to learn more about business and share her experiences. Traveled across Europe. Her hobbies include: home decor, fashion, travel, music, old movies. Twitter: @theaudreyworld