Water can flood your home through old or damaged roofs that need to be repaired or replaced. A roof repair company can identify issues and fix your roof to prevent water from entering your home in the future. Here are some tips to stop water from coming through your home’s roof:
Identify the Leak
If you suspect your roof is leaking, inspect the interior and exterior of your home to identify where the water may be entering. If you have missing or damaged shingles or roofing tiles, water stains on the ceiling, or waterlogged interior or exterior walls, then you may have a leak. Water sometimes enters the roof at one point and drains through the walls or ceiling in another location. These circumstances require the help of a professional roof repair company to identify exactly where the leak originated.
If water is actively dripping into your home, place a bucket or other container below the leak to catch the water and prevent further damage. If the water is pooling in the ceiling and creating a bubble, carefully make a hole to drain the water. This keeps water away from your roof’s structural components and prevents the ceiling from becoming too heavy and possibly collapsing.
If you can see missing shingles or holes in the roof, place a waterproof tarp securely over the damaged area. This should protect your home from water runoff during inclement weather and redirect water to your home’s gutter system until a professional can repair the leak.
Contact a Repair Team
Some roofing repair teams have emergency services to help homeowners fix leaks quickly. These teams will complete a comprehensive inspection of your roof and home to determine where the water is entering and which structures have been damaged. They then begin work to prevent future leaks and further damage. Some of the services a roofing contractor may perform include:
Replacing Shingles
Many roofing companies carry a range of roofing materials, like shingles, stone tiles, and metal panels. This allows them to repair many clients’ roofs on short notice. If your entire roof is outdated or damaged, they may suggest a full roof replacement to prevent more leaks. If the damage is minor and contained to one area of the roof, they may be able to complete a quick shingle replacement within the same day.
Repairing Structures
Sagging roofs and other structural issues can result in pooled water and inefficient drainage. If structural issues are causing your roof to leak, contractors will remove the rotten or damaged components and replace them with new materials that restore your roof’s functionality. Roofers may also perform repairs to torn or punctured membranes. The membrane is a waterproof layer between the roof’s decking and shingles that keeps your home dry if the shingles or tiles are damaged.
Adding Flashing
If your leaking roof has no apparent structural damage or other visible issues, it may be lacking sufficient flashing. Flashing is a metal material that roofers place around the edges of the roof’s surface and protruding objects like chimneys and air vents. This keeps water from seeping into cracks and causing structural damage.
Replacing Gutters
A failing gutter system could cause water damage to your interior or exterior walls. If your gutters are old or leaking, water could be running into your home instead of away from it. A professional roofing team can remove your old gutters and replace them with a functional system that carries water away from your walls and prevents future damage.
Find a Roof Repair Company
If you notice signs of water damage in your home, like drywall discoloration or bulging, your roof may be leaking. A reputable roofing contractor will evaluate the condition of the roof to determine the source of the leak. These professionals should provide a detailed quote for their services, including estimates for time and costs. Contact a roof repair company today to learn more about their services.