It’s important to keep your roof in good shape, but it can be hard to know when something is wrong. A new leak or damage could have been caused by a lot of different things – even the weather! Here are 6 reasons why you should fix a leaking roof ASAP so that you don’t end up with more serious problems on your hands.
1. Why should fix the leaking roof ASAP
A leaking roof is never a good sign. Think of your hole as a ticking time bomb, especially if it’s been happening more and moreover the past few weeks. This is because any leak in the roofing structure can lead to water invading and causing mold and mildew on wood framing – which translates into costly structural roof repair in the near future. So if you want to avoid even worse complications with your ceiling or floors, be sure to locate and fix leaks as soon as they start!
2. Signs of a leaky roof, from drips to water stains
The sooner you can identify them, the more you can do to prevent the issue from escalating.
- Drips: This is one of the easier things to spot as they’ll usually start as a drip and turn into a steady stream before long.
- Water stains: Sometimes they may not be so obvious, but they’ll usually show up as damp spots on ceilings and walls which may also have mold that will eventually lead to rotting and/or peeling paint and wallpaper.
- Leaky windows: It’s important to check out staining or water damage around windows, particularly those with unsecured screens or poorly installed window wells that allow water to penetrate deeper.
- Curling and warping: If your roof is old, you might find that the shingles and boards start to curl and warp, particularly along seams where moisture starts to seep into the structure.
- Rotting: Keep an eye out for rotten wood or black spots, especially in joists and studs. If you spot these, call a roofer right away and make sure to get the problems fixed before they spread and cause structural damage.
- Reduced insulation: Another sign is reduced insulation in your attic or wall cavities which can lead to ice dams forming on the exterior. Ice dams will cause water to back up on shingles and drip into the insulation which can cause all sorts of problems.
3. How water damage occurs, how to stop it
One way to help avoid water damage is by installing proper flashing and sealants around windows and doors. Not only will they help prevent any moisture from getting in but they can also play a role in keeping water out.
Water damage can happen for a number of reasons but it often begins with something called “moisture”. Moisture usually comes from living organisms – this could be people, plants, insects, or animals. Moisture may also come from natural sources such as the soil around your house or even from precipitation. And of course, humidity is one of the major factors that lead to moisture-related problems.
4. How to fix a leaking roof
There are a number of things you can do to help stop any leaks from occurring. If you spot one, consider these quick fixes that don’t require much effort or money:
- Patch a hole: Use a clean cloth and coat the material with a roofing cement to stop leaks faster. You can also use scraps of shingle or metal flashing to make a temporary fix until you can get new materials.
- Replace gaskets: Make sure your window and door frames have good weather-stripping and reseal as needed.
- Repair or replace gutters: Make sure your gutters are clear of debris and pointing away from the house otherwise you might end up with a leak on the roof where water backtracks into it instead of draining off properly.
5. When you should call for help with your roofing issue
If you can’t seem to fix a dripping roof on your own, make sure you contact a professional. This is the only way to ensure that leaks are handled properly and fast. A roofing company can help with any of your exterior or interior roof needs from new roof installation to repair of damaged roofs. A good leak-detecting tip is to check areas of the home where water might accumulate such as near windows, doors, and attic vents. If you do spot any signs of a leaky roof, it’s important to call a professional as soon as possible so that they can take care of the problem before it gets worse and causes more expensive structural damage.
6. Costs of fixing a leaking roof and duration of repairs
Every year, leaks in the roof can cost the average homeowner around $1900. This is due to the various damages that are caused by water penetrating through the roofing materials and into your home. The costs of fixing a leaking roof can vary but typically start at around $70 per square. It may seem like a lot to spend, but it’s important to remember that these costs can accumulate over time, costing you more in the long run. A roof can typically last you around 15 years with proper installation and maintenance. If a leak does occur, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible before the problem worsens and becomes more expensive to fix.
The length of time it takes to repair a leaky roof really depends on the severity of the leak. It can be as little as a few hours or as long as a few days depending on the extent of the problem.
Fixing a leaky roof is important for many reasons. A leaking roof can cause all sorts of problems in your home, not to mention it will be very expensive to fix if water damage has set in. The good news is that there are ways you can stop leaks before they become worse and more costly to repair. Make sure you take care of any issues with leaks as soon as possible by following the steps outlined above; otherwise, this problem could end up costing you much more than needed or expected!
