When your roof has survived a giant storm, the damage isn’t always immediately perceptible. Certain roof types are built to last anywhere from 50 to 100 years no matter the weather. However, if you have an older room or have been dealing with leaks and severe wind and rain, it’s not uncommon to deal with basic damage to your roof. While this doesn’t necessarily have to be a big deal, roof damage should never be taken lightly. If you even imagine a home leak is coming from a damaged roof, you should get on the phone with midlothian roofing immediately and set up a roof repair appointment. However, if you’re not sure where your leak is coming from or whether or not your roof is suffering from real water damage, you’ll want to find a way of getting more information. If you’re not certain about your roof’s stability, don’t waste any time. Try these tips out to see if you’re dealing with a small leak or a giant problem.
Staining
The most telltale sign of a leaky roof staining, whether it be on your walls, ceilings, or in your attic. While a smaller roof leak could have several sources, such as a frozen protruding nail that’s begin to defrost or a poorly-installed flashing panel, a roof that is dealing with sustained water damage will begin to stain after awhile, which leads to discoloration and odor. However, the goal is to not let it get that bad. If you notice staining, you should immediately go to the roof to identify your leak. If it’s something obvious, like a missing shingle right above the stained area, you can pry apart the plywood and see how much damage you’re dealing with. However, if you run some tests and find that your leak is coming from an area around your chimney or skylight, you might simply be dealing with a loose part or old flashing that needs to be replaced.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
Your roof is protected by its shingles. The sturdier this top layer is, the safer and drier your home will stay. While a missing or “curled” shingle might not immediately signal water damage, it leaves your roof unprotected and makes the likelihood of water damage much more common. If you can identify a broken or missing shingle, replace it as soon as you can. This might prove to be a costly endeavor since many shingles are sold per square foot rather than individually. If your roof is made of a more expensive material like slate, this could end up being even more pricey. However, having extra shingles ready to go can protect your home from direct damage during high winds and rain. In the absence of a shingle, make sure to use caulking to at least seal the damaged area off for the present. It’s not a permanent fix, but it will help block water out until you can consult contractors and find a better solution.
Gutter Backup
If your gutters simply aren’t doing their job and they aren’t backed up from leaves, dirt, and other detritus, you might be looking at a roof that’s filtering a ton of water into your home rather than letting it drain out. Your gutters in general can tell you a lot about the state of your roof, especially if you have fascia and soffits protecting your home from further wind and rain damage. If you see decay along any of your roof’s edges or the area below the gutter, you should take a look at your interior to check for a developing leak. Luckily, if you spot the damage early and keep your gutters clean, you can prevent water stains and more serious damage.
Vent, Chimney, or Flashing Damage
The areas around your roof’s chimney, windows, or piping are especially vulnerable during storms. When your roof was installed, your vents and chimneys were protected with an extra layer of aluminum or another strong metal material called flashing. This extra buffer helps your vents and ducts stay protected in the event of a storm. However, if chimney flashing is installed improperly or has started to rust, it could pose problems for your roof. Even if flashing is only a little bit off or has started to buckle, it could expose your home to serious water damage. If you can’t find where your leak is coming from, try spraying water around your chimney or vents while someone waits below. If a leak springs up, you may need to install new flashing.