How To Fix A Leaky Flat Roof
If you own a commercial building in the Las Vegas valley, the odds are that it has a flat roof. While these are popular among builders and business owners due to their low cost and ease of maintenance, if you fall behind with your flat roof repairs, the roof could quickly deteriorate in the event of a major storm. Sometimes you may not know you have an issue until its too late and your leaky flat roof turned the inside of your building into a swimming pool.
Plumbing Vent Boots And Roof Vents
Check plumbing vent boots and roof vents if water is entering from that area to cause the leaking roof.
Look for cracks in the base of flexible rubber flashing or broken seams in metal varieties of vent pipe flashing. The rubber gasket that surrounds the vent pipe could be rotted. Either of these situations could allow water to find its way into the house.
Replace the plumbing vent boot if necessary and use washer-head roofing screws to secure the base to the roof. If the boot is in good condition but fasteners are missing, replace them with washer-head roofing screws.
Similarly, roof vents with cracked or otherwise damaged housings should be replaced to prevent water entering at the base.
Remove Damaged Roof Vent
From the top of the roof, remove the damaged roof vent. First, use the pry bar to pull out nails holding the shingles to the vent. Next, use the pry bar to pull back the shingles covering the base of the vent. It helps to have an assistant hold the shingles. Do not remove the shingles. Remove nails that hold the vent to the roof deck. Finally, remove the vent.
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When To Call In A Professional Contractor For Your Leaking Roof
If you cant find the source of your roof leaking, but still see evidence of a roof leak and water coming in or if you dont feel comfortable sourcing or fixing the leak yourself, thats when its time to call in a roof contractor.
You may also want to look over your roof warranty and also consider your insurance coverage and how the policy is worded regarding fixes that you may perform yourself versus repairs done by a professional.
A professional roofing contractor should have their own liability insurance in case anything goes wrong as well.
A public adjuster can help you navigate the tricky areas of not only dealing with a leak in your roof, but making sure that the repair or replacement and any associated damage is covered by insurance if and when applicable.
If youre dealing with a leak in your roof, then one of the first things that you should do is look for the source of the leak and repair yourself if you can.
However, if you cant find the source or are otherwise not comfortable with clamoring around on your rooftop or in your attic, then you can call in roof leak repair contractors.
How To Craft A Temporary Patch For A Roof Leak On The Outside Of The Roof
You should be comfortable working at some height if youre going to repair a roof leak on your own, even if its temporary. If you have questions or dont want to climb up on your roof which is definitely understandable work with a roof contractor.
Depending on your homeowners insurance policy, you may be obligated to perform temporary repairs like this one to show that youve made an effort to prevent further issues until the costs of long-term repairs or replacement are covered.
Dont have two by fours?
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Intro To This Roof Leak Repair Guide
If your roof is leaking, chances are you have noticed waterstains on your ceilings or running down your walls.
Before you panic or get too concerned, know that repairing a minor roof leak can be quite simple and you may even be able to do it yourself tracking down the leak is the hard part, but the repair itself can be pretty easy.
Before you get started looking for leaks, remember that its especially important to examine your roof for signs of leaks if youve recently experienced a major weather event or natural disaster like a tornado, thunderstorm, or even a hurricane. Even the smallest hail stones can cause roof hail damage and a leaking roof.
This is true even if you were lucky enough to escape with your property relatively unscathed, since minor roof leaks can be tricky to spot, even for the experts.
Also, it is important to know the type of roof you have and how long your roof typically lasts.
This will be important information to know whether fixing a leak is worth it or a new roof is needed all together.
Roof Leak Detector: Using A Drone For A Leaking Roof
If you can or want to get high tech with things particularly if you already have a drone, or a friend or family member who has one and is somewhat experienced at flying it you can use a drone to assess the damage to your roof.
You can take pictures and videos of any angles you cant necessarily discover on your own without climbing around on your roof, which definitely can be dangerous especially if you dont have construction or building experience.
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If Your Roof Is Leaking Call Above Roofing We Will Fix It For You
When your roof is leaking, dont panic! Sure, its a huge inconvenience to have a leaking roof. But if you follow the steps above, theyll help you get the situation under control. With that said, theres only so much you can do on your own and youll need professional assistance.
Do you need roof repairservices for your home? If so, weve got you covered. Were located in Jenison, MI, and we service Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas.
Our team of roofing specialists are happy to assist you. Also, you can take advantage of our free roof inspection to determine your roofing needs!
Contact us at Above Roofing for help if your roof is leaking. Call 616-662-7663.1. If you have an active leak, call us for our Rapid Response service.2. If it is not an emergency, we will send out one of our professional roofing specialists and do a free roof inspection
What Number Of Coats Should I Apply
This number of coats you need purely depends on the type of rod sealant that you need. If you are using urethane or acrylic sealants, you will need to use the primer as well as a couple of sealant coats. If its silicone-based, in most cases, youll only need one coat, without a primer. That said, when using acrylic or urethane coatings, it is best to apply thinner coats as opposed to one thick coat. In this way, your roof will be much more secure in general.
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Finding The Source Of A Leaking Roof Can Be Tricky
Its not uncommon for roof leaks to start high and for water to travel down rafters or drywall
before dripping through the ceiling or running down a wall.
Sometimes the water will travel several feet from the entry point to the point at which the leak shows up.
PRACTICE SAFETY FIRST Never climb on a roof while it is raining. If you dont feel secure on your own roof, please dont hesitate to contact a professional roofing company. Many offer a free inspection or fast response roof repair services.
What Causes New Roof Leaks
If your roof is only a few years old and its started to leak, it most likely means that the roof wasnt installed correctly to begin with. If you used a professional roofing contractor to replace your roof the first time, call them to see if they offer a warranty on the roof installation.
If your area experiences particularly rough weather, a new roof could be worn in no time. In this instance, providing before and after pictures of your roof affected by the storm to your insurance company will help you to get the insurance money you need to pay for a new roof.
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Professional Roof Leak Repair
If you notice water spots on your ceiling, find the roof leak fast and fix it to prevent further damage.
If you need help from a professional roofing company, contact your local roofer.
If you are located in or near Tulsa, Oklahoma, give us a call, and well be happy to repair your roof.
We can be reached at 943-3063.
918 Construction15115 S. 76th E. AveBixby, OK74008
Buy & Prep The Roof Plastic
You likely dont keep roof plastic just hanging out in a closet. So, youll have to head to the hardware store or call for help. Plastic roof covering comes in 4-foot rolls of polyethylene. Buy some and head home to get it placed on your roof. Youll also need some 8-foot 2×4s to act as anchors for your roof covering.
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Call A Professional Roofing Company
A leaking roof is a big undertaking, so its best to call the pros. The longer you wait, the worse the problem could get. Theres only so much you can do to manage the situation, so itll need fixing immediately.
Professional roofers can repair the damaged area and assess other spots on your roof that may need repair or reconstruction.
Emergency Leaking Roof Fixes
When your roof leaks it is a big problem during any kind of weather. But it is a much bigger emergency if theres a heavy rainstorm. The heavy rainfall can quickly exploit what was a small hole and turn it into a nightmare inside your home. Water will quickly seep into sheetrock walls causing it to crumble and soak insulation. Time is of the essence if you want to avoid costly damages to your home.
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How To Temporarily Patch A Roof Leak Until The Pros Can Help
Doesnt it seem like roof leaks happen at the worst times like over a weekend, a holiday, or when relatives or visiting? Roof leaks are frustrating and sometimes inevitable with an old roof, so when the dripping happens at the most inconvenient time, what can you do?
Luckily, there are a few methods to temporarily repair your leaking roof in case you cant get a professional on site to do the job for you. The key word in these fixes is temporary because youll definitely need a professional to patch up your roof with durable materials and trained techniques.
Flex Seal Liquid Rubber In A Can
This next product prides itself in being one of the longer-lasting sealants on our list. The Flex Seal Liquid Rubber in a Can will come in handy for when you need a flexible, yet waterproof rubberized coating for your roof. Due to its liquid nature, it is smooth to apply with a roll or brush. Its proprietary formulation then works by starting out as being a thick liquid, then drying quickly to a strong, watertight, yet flexible rubberized coating. This coating easily seals out all the air, water and moisture from your surfaces.
The sealant is made from fully non-toxic, non-hazardous and non-flammable material. It is also UV-resistant, so you are guaranteed the extra protection against the suns rays. All this yet it still holds up against any form of corrosion, rust, chemicals or mildew. Flex is also paint-friendly, meaning. Once dry, you can add on the paint of your choosing.
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What Is Your Purpose Of Sealing What Benefits Do I Get From Sealants
Sealants tend to pose many different qualities that will overall improve the quality and lifeline of your roof. Some of them include
- Structural protection for your roof
This is the most common reason why people purchase sealants. They not only help seal up any cracks already on your roof, but they also help prevent the occurrence of new ones. That said, a sealant will help maintain a stronger structure for your roof, save it from the adverse effects of the elements and ultimately, save you money from all those costly roof repairs that would otherwise come about.
- Temperature regulation retain that smile through the seasons
The roof sealant acts by forming a protective barrier around your roof. With its UV regulation and sunlight reflection properties, this would mean cooler overall internal temperatures in the summer and warmer winters. With this, you can save those extra costs on your power consuming Air conditioning.
- Reducing wear and tear on your roof
Your roof is arguably the first line of defense against attacks by the elements. It takes a lot of beating over time, which eventually results in wear and tear. With a rubber sealant providing that extra layer of protection, the wear and tear will be reduced to a bare minimum, resulting in far longer roof shelf life.
- Reducing costs
Perform The Water Test
If despite your best efforts, you are still unable to locate the source of the leak, then you can get a helper and perform the water test. For this, all you need is a water hose, a bucket, a flashlight, and a good friend!So, get yourself up on the roof surface with a hose and flood the roof with the hose. Your friend should be down in the attic with a bucket and flashlight. You should ask them to stay alert and keep their eyes peeled!
When you pour water over the roof with a water hose, you should start at the eaves of the roof and then slowly direct the water upward. Mimic a heavy downpour, and keep at it for several minutes. The water from the leak will appear in the attic soon enough. When the first sign of water droplets appears, ask your friend to yell from below. You could mark the spot for making a further repair.
Keep in mind to do this only when the weather is dry and not when there is a downpour of rain or thunderstorm overhead.
If identifying the source of the leak is difficult, repairing is even more so! It involves a lot of inspecting, climbing, hauling, and fixing. It could be risky, and there are chances of you slipping and falling over. Moreover, you should have the required knowledge for it. Above everything, we strongly recommend you hire the help of a professional roofing company to get it done.
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How To Prevent Leaks In The Roof
Repairing or replacing a roof can be time-consuming and expensive, but there are some things you can do to extend the lifespan of your roof.
- Hire a professional, and reputable roofing company for any repairs that you are not confident you can carry out yourself.
- Keep your gutters clean and clear of debris so that water can easily drain away.
- Perform an annual inspection of your roof to check for signs of damage, especially after large storms.
- Make sure your attic is well insulated and ventilated.
So there we have it, your guide on how to fix a leaky roof. It may seem complicated at first glance, but it is simpler than it may appear. Simply locate the source of the leak and take the appropriate action to repair it.
But, if you are not confident in your ability to safely complete the repairs, do not forcefully put yourself in a dangerous situation. Paying for a professional is much better than paying with your own health.
Image Source: Andrey_Popov/shutterstock.com
When Do You Need It
A leaky roof is a telltale sign that either roof repair or roof replacement is necessary, but its not the only reason to look for a business that repairs storm-damaged roofing. Deterioration from storm damage starts around chimneys, vents, pipes, and skylights, and this deterioration may or may not be visible to the naked eye.
A roof gets saturated with moisture before it starts to leak, causes roofing materials and wood in your homes construction to begin rotting. Another sign of moistness is abundant algae or mosses growing on your homes roof. Its essential to contact an expert in residential roof repair if you see this.
For significant external damage to the roof and leaks appearing inside your home, dont trust anyone but a licensed and insured roof repair company to fix it. Significant roof repairs cost up to $3,000, and if a new roof is required, the price to install starts at $7,500 for a medium-sized shingled roof.
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