The Importance of Roof Repairs
Dason Fire and Water Restoration does more than just restore your home or business from water, mold, or fire damage. We also help restore your peace of mind.
Even well-constructed roofs can weaken over time after prolonged exposure to the elements. Resulting roof leaks can cause a devastating amount of damage within a few hours, so if you believe that your roof is leaking, it is critical to contact an experienced restoration contractor who can assess the damage, mitigate its effects, and restore your property to its previous condition.
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Preventive Measures
The best way to prevent water damage from a leaky roof is to keep an eye out for the telltale signs of wear and tear, including:
- Discoloration on the roof itself;
- A sagging roof;
- Water damage on the ceiling;
- Missing or deteriorating shingles; and
- Mold growth.
Conducting regular inspections can also help prevent leaks before they happen, which can save you both time and money in the long run.
Initial Steps
If you notice that your roof is leaking, there are a few steps that you can take to minimize interior water damage, such as:
- Moving furniture, electronics, and valuables to a dry area;
- Covering any items that are too large to move;
- Placing a bucket under the leak to catch the water; and
- Puncturing bubbling or blistering paint with a pin to release the water.
Although taking these steps can help reduce the amount of immediate damage to your home, it is still important to immediately contact a professional who can assess the damage by:
- Tracing the water path in the attic by looking for water stains or discolorations to find the source of the leak;
- Inspecting the roof for deteriorating shingles, clogged gutters, and outdated moisture barriers; and
- Placing a roof tarp over the affected area.
Once the area has been inspected, a contractor will be able to determine what steps are required to mediate the damage.
Common Causes
General aging and exposure to severe storms are usually at the root of most roof leaks. There are, however, more specific causes, including:
- Cracks in the flashing, which are thin metal pieces that are installed underneath shingles to create a water-resistant barrier. When flashing cracks, it must be replaced in order to prevent leaks.
- Broken or missing shingles are perhaps the most common cause of leaks. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to spot.
- Valley deterioration, which can occur where two planes of a roof meet if the area was not properly sealed against water. Repairing this type of problem is difficult and requires the attention of a professional.
- Cracked roof vents can cause leaks when the seals used around their openings crack or decay over time. Roof vents are used to expel moisture from the inside of the house, so leaks can cause a serious amount of damage in a short amount of time.
- Defective skylights, which are usually the result of improper measuring upon installation or deteriorating insulation along the window’s edges.
- Clogged gutters, which can cause water to pool up on the roof.
- Cracked chimneys, which are usually the result of mortar erosion around the top of the chimney. Holes in the joints where the chimney connects to the roof can also cause leaks.
Many of these problems require attention from a professional who is familiar with roof structure, repair methods, and restoration processes.
Contact an Experienced Restoration Services Contractor Today
If you suspect that your roof is leaking, please contact us online or by phone at 918-379-0390 to schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated emergency services team members.
