Spotting Common Roof Leaks and Causes

Roof leaks happen for several reasons, and it’s not always immediately obvious why a roof starts leaking. It can happen when you least expect it, and suddenly you notice there is water leaking into your house. Storms are a major factor in roof leaks, as strong winds can blow away shingles, hail can batter a roof, and trees or debris tossed onto a roof by a storm can wreak major havoc. However, storms aren’t the only cause of roof damage. Even the best roof will eventually reach the end of its lifespan, and aging roofs are vulnerable to damage from significant temperature fluctuations and other issues. Lack of maintenance can lead to leaks in the roof, which is why it’s so important to keep up with your roof, having regular inspections by a professional roofer so that you catch problems early enough to prevent them from becoming serious. Roofs can leak at seams, at spots where the flashing has been compromised, and around chimneys. If you have a leak, the important place to start is with a thorough inspection to determine the cause.

Common Signs of Roof Damage

How do you know if you have a roof leak? There may be water dripping from the ceiling, but that is not always the case. Sometimes, the sign of a roof leak is water stains on the ceilings or walls, or mold on the external walls. You may also notice a musty smell, or damp spots and peeling paint in the attic. The signs may be entirely external, like missing shingles and damage to the surface of the roof. When a heavy storm hits your area, be vigilant after the bad weather has past, and give your roof a thorough inspection. If you think there may be a problem and you are not sure how to look for the cause, call a roofer and schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible. Catching leaks when they are not yet noticeable can prevent the stress of dealing with significant issues like mold or structural damage to your home.

Roof Inspection Tips

It is important to keep up with roof maintenance, and part of that is regularly inspecting your roof. When you keep a close eye on your roof, it’s easier to spot when something is amiss. Having professional inspections is important as well, because professional roofing contractors can spot things that the average homeowner might miss. After a storm, leaks need to be caught quickly, but it’s important to be careful, and follow some safety tips. Walk around your property and note any visible damage, and check out the attic, too, to see if there are any signs of a leak up there. What you should not do is climb on a damaged roof for a closer look. If you suspect damage, call your roofing company for help. If you haven’t had bad weather, but you notice some signs that your roof is leaking, be proactive about finding the source of the leak.  Sometimes, the interior leak is far from the exterior damage. If you are puzzled about the source of your water leak, check for a flow stain, perhaps in the insulation, that indicates the direction from which it is coming.

How to Fix Roof Leaks

Sometimes, roof leaks are easy to handle. A missing shingle can be replaced, as can cracked flashing around a chimney. If water is coming in around a skylight, the light may need to be resealed or replaced. However, those superficial fixes don’t always fix the real problem. The source of the leak must be determined, and this often requires a thorough inspection of the entire roof system. Roofers now how to spot problems that indicate a bigger issue, like subtle structural weaknesses or water damage beneath the surface. Replacing a few shingles may seem to fix the problem temporarily, but it may not solve the issue in the long term.

When to DIY, and When to Call for Professional Roof Repair Services

Some homeowners are committed to doing every home improvement project or repair on their own, and there are some instances in which roof repairs are a feasible DIY project. If you have some knowledge of roofing, and you know how to choose the right materials and do the job well, you can probably handle small roof repairs like sealing a small leak or replacing a few shingles. However, most roofing repair is better left to the experts. Professional roofing contractors know how to manage complex roofing problems, like repairing widespread leaks, tending to structural damage, and finding a hidden leak and repairing multiple layers of roofing material. This is another reason to have professional inspections regularly; when you have a working relationship with a reputable roofing company. Your roofer will be able to ascertain whether the leak can be repaired, or your roof will need replacement.

For Roof Leak Repair in Logan, Utah, Contact Skabelund Roofing

In Logan, Skabelund Roofing is a highly trusted name in roofing, with generations of experience and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Our founder, Martin Skabelund, learned roofing from his father, and our clients reap the benefit of his vast knowledge. For over 30 years, we’ve provided high-quality roofs to homes and businesses in the Cache Valley, and our team of licensed roofers is one of the best in the industry. Experts in all areas of residential and commercial roofing, we have received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We train each new team member to approach roofing as an art, and we help them to master their craft, because we understand that roofing is a trade best learned from practice. Additionally, Skabelund is happy to help you navigate the unfamiliar landscape of insurance, guiding you through the insurance claim process and communicating with the insurance provider on your behalf. We’re proud to serve the residents of the Cache Valley, so whether you live in Layton, Nibley, South Jordan, West Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, Washington Terrace, or Logan, UT,  contact us for more information about how we can improve the look and function of your home.