Check Your Evaporator Coil
If your evaporator coils are dirty, they will not drain water as fast as they should. This will make the water your AC creates when working accumulate, leading to leaks even when its not raining.
Consult your manual to identify the evaporator coil location and clean it using a vacuum cleaner, some rags, and a degreaser.
What To Do If Your Roof Suddenly Starts Leaking During A Storm
Storms can catch us by surprise, so its worth being prepared so you can stay safe and prevent damage to your home in any event. If your roof suddenly starts leaking during a storm, there are several simple steps you can follow to minimize the damage before local roofers arrive to take over. This article will give you the quickest and easiest methods to prevent escalating damage and help contain the leak before it spirals out of control.
Can Heavy Rain Damage A Roof
If storms are common in your area, heavy rains will wear down shingles and other elements of a roof. The damage left in a storms wake can involve lost shingles and moisture penetration in the underlayment. This water damage can penetrate the roof deck and eventually compromise the structural integrity of the home.
Recommended Reading: Should You Replace Roof Before Installing Solar Panels
Your Gutters Are Clogged
What Does It Look Like: You may be able to see the leaves sticking out of the gutter when you look up onto your roof. But, if not, you should notice the lack of water trickling out of a downspout during a rainstorm.
Why It Happens: Your gutters are meant to help water travel away from the roof. When a blockage forms and they get clogged, that travel stops. Rainwater will then pool in one area of the roof and have more of an opportunity to seep through cracks.
How To Fix It: Sorry, theres no easy answer to this one. Get up on a ladder, and get in there with your hands. Many recommend placing a large tarp underneath the area where you are working. That way, you can drop any debris as you go and wrap it up for easy disposal later. Clean your gutters in the spring and fall for peak water flow.
If Your Roof Is Leaking Weve Got Answers
Youre already chilled to the bone the second you step outdoors. Now, your roof is leaking on top of everything else.
Not to fear! Weve seen situations just like yours before and were ready to help.
Were a team of qualified, experienced roofing experts skilled in every facet of the industry, from initial installation to ongoing maintenance and repair services. Fill out our contact form today to get a quote, and start welcoming winter, not dreading it.
You May Like: How Much Is A New Roof Per Square Foot
Signs That Your Roof Is Leaking
Do you have water, water, everywhere? If so, you could have a leak, but where is it coming from? Some leaks are large, others are small, and all of them can wreak havoc on your walls, foundation, and the exterior of your building. These signs will tell you that you may have a leak in your roof.
1. Theres a Water Stain
A water stain may look like a large puddle on the ceiling, often ringed with brown. However, it may not look like that at all. Some stains are difficult to see as they occur in darker corners, while others are small stains that could be a sign of a much larger leak. If you notice discoloration on your ceiling or walls, take a closer look for mold, moisture, and other telltale signs of a leak.
2. Sometimes Theres a Drip
If you see drips, moisture on the walls, or moisture stains but dont see them often, you may still have a leak in your roof. Even if that leak seems to go away, get it checked. You may have an ice dam caused by the freezing and thawing of melting snow and ice. This thawed water moves under the shingles and then freezes again, causing intermittent leaks. The rule with leaks: if you see moisture, investigate, even if it seems to go away. Chronic moisture problems can cause permanent damage.
3. There Are Spots on Your Exterior Walls
4. Your Walls Are Growing
5. You See Missing Shingles or See Debris In Your Downspouts
Poorly Sealed Roof Valleys
The valley in a roof is where two different roof sections come together at a low point. This is a place where water will run down and if installed properly, will drain down into the spouting or other roof section. These spots on the roofs are highly volatile spots, in large part due to the amount of water that will flow through here.
Due to the high-water traffic here, the valley of the roof can often be a problem spot for roof leaks. The valley is also susceptible to damage if people are walking on it. It can be very easy to catch a shingle on your foot, and then you are dealing with a broken or messed up shingle that needs to be replaced.
While a valley in a roof may be more aesthetically appealing, it will be more susceptible to broken shingles or flashing which will lead to leaks in the roof.
Read Also: How To Start A Roofing Company In Georgia
Clean Out Your Gutters
As mentioned, gutters and downspouts that are full of leaves and debris will rot and prevent proper drainage, allowing rainwater to pool up and cause roof damage. Take some time to clean out your gutters before the rainy season, after autumn when most of the leaves fall from their trees. If you dont currently have gutters, consider having gutters installed to prevent water damage to your roof and siding.
Also Check: Where To Buy Hydrostop Roofing
Who Fixes A Leaking Roof
As a matter of who fixes a leaking roof, roof repairs and replacements should always be undertaken by a professional roofing company. When you hire someone who fixes a leaking roof for a living, youre relying on a professional who is qualified, trained and experienced in roof leak detection and leaking roof repairs.
While many may argue that roof repairs can be done with YouTube tutorials, those undertaking DIY roofing jobs are only likely to cause more harm than good to their roofing systems. Qualified roofing companies like Vertec Roofing are experts in their field to consider doing their job yourself is not only a risk to your home but a risk to your health.
A professional roofing company who fixes a leaking roof will work with you to not only make the necessary repairs but also work out the best way forward in preventing roof leaks. Qualified roofers will assess the site, identify the cause of the leak, and ensure it does not cause any more damage to your home. Dont leave important roof repairs to a handyman or create a DIY nightmare call in some roofing professionals who will fix your leaking roof with accuracy and precision.
Recommended Reading: How To Measure Roof With Google Earth
My Roof Is Leaking Now What
Roof leaks are fairly easy to notice. You may first see or hear drops of water falling, or you may notice a dark spot spreading on the ceiling. This doesnt mean its time to panic, but you should act quickly to minimize the damage. The very first thing you should do is place a bucket under the leak to prevent water from damaging your floor. If the dripping sound is infuriating to you, you can place a small wooden board across the bucket so the water drips off silently.
If any electronics are near the leak, either in an attic or under the ceiling, its important to move them and unplug anything else nearby. The last thing you want is an electrical fire, and its important to move any potential hazards away as quickly as possible.
How Bad Is My Roof Leak
Did the latest downpour send you and your family scrambling for buckets? Or did you look up one day and suddenly notice a water stain on the ceiling that you are sure hasnt been there long? These types of events can often send us into a panic as our mind conjures up images of major roofing repairs.
While fixing roof leaks can be a big ordeal, the truth is that many roof leaks arent that serious. In fact, there are several issues you can handle on your own. Here well discuss a few of the more common problems and what you can do to fix them yourself.
Also Check: How To Build A Living Roof
Call A Local Roofing Company
The most crucial step of getting your roof leak taken care of is calling a reputable local roofing contractor. The local roofing contractor you call must have a physical office location in your area and a local phone number. This ensures you know where to find them if you ever have a problem with your roof.
Another reason to call a quality local roofing company is that they know what needs to be done thats specific to the area where you live. Theyll know what installation codes to follow, the paperwork required, and everything else theyll need to ensure your roof is correctly installed and in compliance with your states requirements.
This is especially true if your roof is leaking after a big storm. Some out of state companies come in after a big storm, undercut local roofing company prices, get the money, and move on to the next storm-hit town. These companies dont care about local codes or if they properly install your roof.
To learn more about why you need to call someone local to your area, read this article on why its important to hire a local roofing contractor.
What Causes A Roof Leak
If you notice that your roof is leaking inside , know that it may have been leaking for a few days or weeks. There are several causes of roof leaks, many of which are completely preventable:
This is why annual preventative roof maintenance is paramount. Dont think of the cost now, think of how it extends your roofs lifespan.
Finally, these studies show that roofs with proactive maintenance programs can last 21 years, compared to only 13 years with a reactive program.
Don’t Miss: Does American Home Shield Cover Roofs
You Have Broken Shingles
What Does It Look Like: Look up! This one is easy to spot. Since shingles are the exterior layer of a roof, you should be able to identify missing shingles by seeing different-colored patches on your roof. Alternatively, you may find the shingles themselves littering your yard after a heavy storm.
Why It Happens: Again, weather. High winds and heavy rains.
How To Fix It: : Slide a pry bar underneath the row of nails that connects the damage shingle to the one below it. Lift up until the nail pops and then press down on the shingle while you remove the nail. Repeat for the remaining nails. Pull out the damaged shingle, replace it with a new one, and secure it with four new nails.
When To Roof A House
Roofing companies can repair a house roof at nearly any time of year because they have sufficient labor and experience to adapt to the weather. As a do-it-yourselfer, choose the driest and warmest time of year since the roof deck may be exposed for a day or two.
In most areas, this means fixing your leaky roof from late spring to mid- or late-summer and even into the fall. Check the immediate weather forecast before starting to seal your leaking roof.
Also Check: How Long Does A Shingle Roof Last In Florida
When To Call A Pro
Stopping roof leaks can be complex and labor-intensive. Roofs interwoven components must precisely coordinate to prevent leaks, and the work involves a lot of climbing and hauling.
If you have misgivings about your ability to fix the leaky roof on a timely basis, call a roofing company or a general contractor. Also, if you feel unsafe when working on a roof, call in a professional.
How Pipe Flashing Is Installed On Tile Roofs
The deck of the on which the roof is built is usually constructed of plywood. This is not specifically a roof component but part of the framing done before the roofer arrives. If there are vents or pipes in the roof, the plumber will have cut a hole in the plywood decking and installed a pipe through the hole.
When the roofer arrives, his first step is to install the underlayment, which is laid directly on top of the plywood and is usually nailed in place. When he reaches the pipe to be flashed he simply cuts the paper underlayment around the pipe and continues on up the roof.
Next, a primary jack is installed over the pipe and the cut in the underlayment so that it fits snugly around the pipe and lays directly on the paper underlayment. This is the critical flashing that is designed to keep any water that gets under the tiles from entering the house. This is also the flashing that cannot be seen when the roof is completed.
As you can see from the two photos above, the flashing is much larger on the secondary pipe Jack. Its installed when the roof tiles are installed and is meant to lap over and under the tiles. The lead tube fits over the pipe and extends above the sewer vent pipe and gets tucked into the pipe. This is the flashing you can see when you look at a tile roof but, unfortunately, its not the one that usually causes roof leaks.
Read Also: How Much Would A New Roof Cost
Why Is My Roof Leaking Find Out The Most Common Causes Of Roof Leaks And How The Professionals Can Help
Did you know the roofing industry could reach $19.9 billion by 2021? Over the years, youll have to pay to repair your damaged roof or fix a leak. Are you asking yourself the question why is my roof leaking? Not to worry! In this guide, well go over the most common causes of roof leaks.
Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out!
How To Repair Ceiling Leaks Caused By Plumbing Problems
Repairing plumbing pipes or fixtures that are causing problems with the ceilings below can be complicated since there are many potential causes. This overview addresses how various circumstances can be approached, but you will likely need to refer to other sources for detailed information on how to complete the various repairs.
If your leak is directly below your bathroom, plumbing fixtures like toilets and showers are likely to blame. Survey your bathroom to identify the position of your fixtures relative to the ceiling problems below. Mark off the affected portion of your ceiling and remove it to get a better look at your leak. Be sure to avoid cutting into joists, wires, and other pipes as you remove the ceiling surface. With the damaged ceiling section removed, look for signs of leakage. Water damage will likely be centered around the faulty fixture. To double-check, recreate the leak by running your shower or toilet and then inspecting the open ceiling for leaks. If you see water dripping, youve identified the source of your leak.
Recommended Reading: How Much Should A Shingle Roof Cost
How To Stop A Roof Leak During A Storm
Roof leaks are a problem in any weather, but a roof that starts to leak during a heavy rainstorm can quickly turn into a major emergency. Unfortunately, rainy weather is when a roof leak is most likely to happenâand when roofers become inundated with calls from panicked homeowners.
Your roof is leaking and youâve contacted a roofer for help, but if they canât get there immediately there are some things you can do to to minimize the damage to your homeâs interior as well as the roof. And since roofing companies often charge extra for emergency calls, you doing work ahead of time may save you money on your repair bill.
The Inside of Your House
The first thing you want to do, is deal with the leak inside your house so you can minimize interior damage.
Most of the time, a roof leak will form a small puddle in the attic and/or ceiling until it finds an escape routeâusually something like a light fixture or heating register. Ceiling joints or corners are other spots where leaks will often occur. Sometimes these leaks happen in multiple places from one source, making it look much worse than it usually is.
If the ceiling is holding water or you see a bulge in the drywall, poke a hole in the center with a screwdriver or other similar object in the middle of it. This will drain water to that one spot, which will help lessen the damage to the ceiling and help collect the water into one stream.
Find the Source of the Roof Leak
Go to the Attic
Your Skylights Were Improperly Installed
What Does It Look Like: Leaks from this kind of problem should be super easy to spot. If you find yourself noticing wet spots or consistently needing to place drip buckets around the sides of your skylights, youve found the cause. However, leaks and wet spots near the top of the skylight may be a flashing issue instead.
Why It Happens: There are two main causes for this type of leak. Improperly measuring and fitting the skylights upon installation or decayed insulation along the skylights edges.
How To Fix It: Clear any debris off of the skylight and check for cracks in the window itself. Seal any cracks with a layer of clear silicone along its length, if necessary. If that is not the cause, check the surrounding flashing and replace as needed. While skylights look pretty, they can let in extra moisture when not properly sealed.
Read Also: Do It Yourself Metal Roofing Kits
