As the weather changes, it’s time to consider the impact rainy weather will have on your roof. Especially if you have an older roof, it can easily develop a leak from shingle damage or corrosion. That leak can cause serious damage to the roof’s internal structure!
Fortunately, fixing a leaky roof doesn’t have to be a big deal. The key is to catch the leak as soon as it starts and call for professional repairs right away, before the damage can spread.
Looking for more details? Here’s a quick guide of what to do when you spot a leak in your roof.
Step 1. Call a roofing contractor
As soon as you notice signs of a roof leak, call a roofing contractor. Those signs might include moisture on your ceiling, a visible leak, or mold and water spots. You will need a professional’s help to permanently fix the leak and stop if from coming back.
The damage caused by even a small roof leak can weaken the structure of your roof, causing it to sag and even collapse if it goes untreated for too long. After scheduling an appointment with your roofing contractor, you can start minor repairs on your own.
Step 2. Find the source of the leak
Don’t climb up on your roof in stormy weather! Instead, use a pair of binoculars to inspect your roof for signs of damage that could be causing the leak. A broken or missing shingle will allow moisture to seep through. On a residential metal roof, the problem might be corrosion damage.
If the damage can be easily fixed with a simple patch, wait for the weather to clear up, then safely patch the area. A contractor will conduct more thorough repairs later on.
Step 3. Check your attic
If the leak is coming through your attic, you might be able to safely patch it from the inside.
Snow and ice on the outside of your roof will cause condensation in the attic, which can eventually leak through your ceiling. See if you can find the source of the leak, and cover it with a patch or bucket. This will help to prevent further damage to your roof’s structure until a professional contractor arrives.
Remember, if your roof is leaking, you don’t need to panic! As long as you catch the damage quickly and get in touch with an affordable roofing contractor, you won’t have to pay for an expensive roof replacement.