A leaking roof is one of the most stressful experiences that a homeowner can go through. It threatens your home’s structural integrity and can cause considerable damage to furniture, carpets, and other belongings if left untreated. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the potential signs of a leaky roof and seven key steps you should take if you find yourself dealing with a leaky roof. So, let’s begin.
Signs of a Leaking Roof You Shouldn’t Ignore
Many homeowners don’t realise their roof leaks until it’s too late. Here are four potential signs of a leaking roof that you may find in your home:
Water Stains on Ceilings
Water stains on walls and ceilings are a clear sign that you have a leak in your roof. If you see water stains on your ceiling, walls and windows, the chances are that water is seeping through your shingles and penetrating the interior of your home.
Mould on Exterior Walls
Mould growth on exterior surfaces is another indicator of an issue with your roof. It can grow on any wet surface, even if it’s not directly exposed to rainwater. However, if you notice mould growing on your walls or ceilings after a heavy storm, this could indicate that water is entering through cracks or holes in those areas.
Dripping
If you notice that your roof is dripping, it could signify a leak. The drip can result from a small hole in your roof that is letting water in and causing it to drip down onto the ground below. Unless you have recently had work done on your roof, it’s likely not the result of poor workmanship. The source of this water will vary depending on where it’s coming from, so it’s best to contact a professional Plumber in Point Cook if you notice any drips.
Puddle of Water
If you notice puddles of water under your home’s siding or around the baseboards at ground level, this could indicate leaks due to defective flashing or other problems with your home’s roof. If this happens often, contact a professional immediately so they can inspect your home’s waterproofing system and make any necessary repairs before more damage occurs.
7 Steps to Take When You Have a Leaking Roof
When a roof leaks, the water can cause damage to the exterior and the interior of your house. You should take the leaking roofs seriously to help avoid more serious problems. Here are seven steps you should take if you have a leaking roof:
Locate the Source of the Leak
The first step in addressing a leaking roof is locating the leak’s source. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to understand where the water is coming from so you can address the issue adequately. If you have an attic or another place where you can inspect your roof from below, check for any signs of dampness or water stains on your ceiling. If not, inspect your roof from the outside and look for any signs of damage, such as missing tiles or broken flashing around vents or chimneys.
Repair Minor Issues Quickly
Once you’ve identified the source of your leak, assess whether it’s something you can repair by yourself or whether it will require the Point Cook plumber’s help. Minor issues such as cracked tiles or loose flashing that are still intact can usually be repaired relatively quickly and easily with some DIY know-how and supplies purchased from your local hardware store. However, if major structural issues go beyond basic repairs, professional help is likely required; in such cases, contact a licensed roofer for an assessment and quote for repair work.
Remove Damaged Materials
Once you’ve identified which areas need repairs, start by removing any damaged materials from your roof, so they don’t cause further deterioration over time due to exposure to moisture and weather conditions. This includes cracked tiles, broken flashing around pipes/vents/chimneys and moss/lichen build-up on shingles which could lead to further water ingress into your home once repairs are completed.
Check Underlayment & Insulation
It’s also important to check underlayment and insulation under those damaged materials since they may have been exposed to moisture over time, leading to additional problems such as mould growth which must be addressed before completing repairs on your roof.
Repair Seams & Flashing
Once all damaged materials have been removed and replaced with new ones (or patched up as necessary), take extra care when repairing seams and flashing around pipes/vents/chimneys since these are often the first places where leaks occur in roofs due to improper installation or wear & tear over time (e.g. holes or cracks). Ensure to seal these areas with appropriate sealant before moving onto other parts of the job site (e.g. repairing tiles).
Inspect After Repairs
After all repairs have been completed on your roof, ensure everything looks good before moving on by inspecting each area closely for any signs of water damage or potential future problems. This also applies when painting over newly installed tile/flashing since these materials are more prone to wear & tear due to their natural porosity than other types of material used in construction projects (e..g wood).
Clean up After Repairs are Complete
Lastly, ensure that after all repairs have been completed on your roof, clean up any leftover debris from the job site, such as old tiles/flashing etc., so they don’t become dangerous projectiles if left lying around after windy days!
Final Words
Always know the signs of a leaky roof, and take steps to fix it without delay. Roof leaks are serious business, so don’t wait until it’s too late. No matter how small you think it is, contact a local roof plumber to find out if you leak. The sooner you can address the leak, the better.
If you are looking for a full-service plumbing company in Caroline Springs, contact NLK plumbing. They specialise in roof plumbing, unclogging blocked drains, gas repair and installation, etc.
