Your roof is one of the essential elements in your home. When it starts to leak, you need to take immediate action. Contact the professionals for leaking roof repair Adelaide.
If you can identify the source of a leak, it should be relatively straightforward to fix on your own. However, if the damage is extensive or your roof is ancient, professional help may be necessary.
1. Look for Penetrations
Your roof is a protective shell that shields you and your belongings from rain, snow, dust, and other elements. Ideally, it’s completely sealed off so no outside moisture can enter the building; however, this may not always be true.
Most roofing materials are punctured by holes – called penetrations – which allow air and water to enter or leave the building. As these penetrations are the leading cause of roof leaks, checking for them during repairs is essential.
Dark spots on your exterior walls could indicate an issue with the step flashing where your roof meets the wall. It may have deteriorated or been loose, allowing rainwater to seep and cause these discolourations.
A puddle on your flooring could indicate a significant leak beneath the floorboards, so it’s wise to call for emergency restoration services. Doing so will prevent further water intrusion and minimise the damage from spreading. Unfortunately, if the puddle becomes large enough, it could eventually cause more extensive destruction to your home.
2. Run a Hose
If your roof leaks, promptly identifying the issue’s source is essential. Once you know where the water is coming from, repairs will be much simpler.
You can try several methods to locate the source of a leak, beginning with checking for any penetrations or holes in your roof. These are typically located around plumbing, roof vents, chimneys, dormers and other constructions that protrude through them.
Once you’ve identified any roof penetrations, use a garden hose to soak the roof from below to determine where the leaks are coming from. Again, you may want to enlist the assistance of another family member or friend who can stay inside your home while you do this.
Begin at the downhill side of your roof, soaking each section until you notice a drip or other indication that water is seeping in. Next, work your way uphill, soaking each side and top layer for several minutes before returning to begin again on the downhill side to repeat this process.
If you decide to patch the damaged area, apply enough caulk to stop water infiltration. If there’s extensive damage, re-caulking may need to be done by a professional contractor.
3. Remove Shingles
When water leaks from your roof, it’s essential to identify the source of the issue. In most cases, this involves taking off shingles to understand better where the leak is coming from and what caused it. With this information at your disposal, solving the problem without replacing all the shingles becomes much more straightforward.
Begin by identifying any areas of the roof that appear to be causing a leak, such as puddles, cracks or holes in the flashing material. These are often places where water can seep into your house and cause issues. Contact the professionals for leaking roof repair Adelaide.
If you can locate the leak, check your attic for signs of water stains that can usually be seen several feet away from the source on the inside. If no colours are apparent, use a flashlight to inspect ceilings, roof rafters and other areas that could potentially sustain water damage.
Next, you can run a hose to find the source of the leak. It works best with someone watching in the attic, but even without one, you can still soak the roof low enough that any areas where a leak exists will be easily identified.
Metal flashing has the advantage of being easy to apply, but it requires a considerable amount of labour. Furthermore, using it in tight places requires special skills, so it’s best to call an expert for assistance.
