Replacing a roof costs thousands of dollars. Budgeting for a repair that size is never easy, and many homeowners simply can’t do it. If you hear a loud bang on the roof or see a new water stain spreading across the ceiling, you may be tempted to grab a bucket and a box of tissues. Don’t freak out, cry or scream if you think the roof is leaking. Many types of roof damage can be repaired quickly and affordably. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common types of roof damages so you can make a plan to fix it and put that bucket away for good.
Does a leaking roof always mean an expensive repair is on the horizon?
You probably never see your roof. While you’re enjoying Christmas dinner, celebrating birthdays, or binge-watching Netflix, you probably never think about how your roof is working hard to keep you safe and warm from the elements. But things always seem to break at the worst times, don’t they? Fortunately, having a large tree branch falls on your roof, or a leak appear on your ceiling doesn’t always mean you’re about to see your wallet drain. You may only need a simple repair of replacing a few shingles or having a professional roofer put in new flashing (interlink here).
Surveys on homeowners and leaking roof repairs have uncovered that the average roof repair costs about $800. That’s a far cry from the several thousand you’d have to pay for a new roof installation. Just because the roof is leaking doesn’t mean the entire structure is on its last legs. If you’ve noticed a leak in the ceiling, consider the most common causes of leaking roofs below to troubleshoot the source of the damage. Then contact an experienced roofing contractor in (insert location here and contact page link) to see if your roof leak is a simple fix.
1. Old, Worn Sealant
The sealant is used to waterproof the edges around the skylights. It’s also used around the roof flashing. The roof flashing is usually made out of thin, galvanized steel, and the flashing is used to channel rainwater and moisture away from certain areas of the roof. Wherever the roof plane meets a vertical surface will have flashing installed. Mostly, you’ll find roof flashing around vents and chimneys. These areas, along with skylights, are where the sealant can become old and worn, giving water a perfect place to find its way inside.
An experienced roofing contractor can reapply new sealant where it’s been worn away. This is a quick job and won’t result in a hefty repair bill since you’re not replacing entire sections of the roof. Worn sealant also doesn’t indicate that the roof shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan.
2. Missing Shingles
Shingles protect the roofing underlayment, roof deck, and of course, the interior of your home. But that’s not all. Having the right type of high-quality shingles can also save you money on energy costs over the lifespan of the roof. But sometimes, shingles get damaged, blow away, or become worn out. Ice dams, pooling water, pests, and hail storms can do a number on the roof shingles and lead to leaking.
Another problem with the shingles is that the vertical slits between each unit can corrode. When this happens, water can get in underneath the shingles and do damage over time. Fortunately, a roofing contractor can replace the missing or damaged shingles while you get a few more years out of the rest of the roof.
3. Holes and Punctures
Is there a hole or puncture in the roof? It’s easy for homeowners to stress when they encounter this problem in a leaking roof. So many things can cause this type of damage, too. Pests, falling branches, and severe storms can all poke holes in the shingles and roof deck. For this type of roof damage, you will need to hire a professional roofer (interlink here) no matter what. They’ll need to remove the damaged shingles and install sheathing and felt paper before they can add new shingles to the roof.
4. Flashing Problems Causing a Leaking Roof
Over time, flashing will become cracked, worn, or loose. When this happens, water and moisture will find its way inside and cause roof leaks. In some cases, the shingles around the damaged flashing will need to be removed and replaced.
5. Vent or Roof Boot Damage
Roof boots weren’t made for walkin’, and they aren’t the latest fashion trend either. But, they are critical to the structural integrity and comfort of your home. How so? Roof boots, while they may appear on the roof of the house, have far more to do with the home’s plumbing system than the roof.
Any home complete with indoor plumbing will have vents on the roof that allow air into the waste line of the plumbing system. This gives the plumbing system the pressure necessary to move dirty wastewater out of the home and into the sewage system. The pipe vents go from the kitchen and bathrooms out through the roof. A roof boot covers these vents and keeps them protected.
Roof boots can become damaged thanks to the freeze, thaw cycle in wintertime. When temperatures naturally rise and fall throughout the year, the roof will expand and contract. When it’s warm and humid, it will expand, then shrink again as soon as the frost hits. But, this natural movement can do a number on the roof boot. It will cause it to shift, split, and crack. Once the boot is damaged, water will get into the roof and cause a leak.
Leaking Roof Repair: Less Costly Than You Think
A leaking roof, left unattended, can cause severe damage to the interior of the home over time. Roof leaks will create water stains on the ceiling. Moisture can even find its way down through the drywall and feed mold growth. If your roof is leaking, don’t put your head in the sand. As you can see above, most roof leaks are isolated issues that don’t require a professional to take up and replace the whole roof.
Leaking roof? Give us a call at Code Engineered Systems 813-373-9088. We’ll come out to your location quickly, assess the damage, and give you a free, no-obligation quote for a leaking roof repair.