EXPERT ROOFING TIPS
The Top Five Places To Check For Roof Leaks
If you’re experiencing water damage in your home, the first place you should check for a roof leak is…drum roll…on your rooftop. The most common places for roof leaks are around the chimney, vents, and flashing. It’s important to repair any roof leaks as soon as possible to prevent further water damage and costly repairs down the road. In this article, we will discuss the top five places to check for roof leaks in your home.
1. Around The Chimney
The most common place for a roof leak is around the chimney. Water can enter through cracks or holes in the flashing or masonry.
What to do?
Inspect the area around your chimney for any cracked or missing caulk, damaged flashing, or holes in the masonry. If you find any damage, repair it as soon as possible to prevent water from entering your home.
2. Roof Materials
This may sound like a no-brainer, but if you’re on top of your roof looking at your chimney (or any other place for that matter), pay attention to your shingles.
What to do?
In particular, pay attention to buckling in the materials that make up your roof. If you have a tile roof, check to see if any tiles are cracked or missing. Damaged tiles can allow water to enter your home and cause leaks. If your shingles are buckling or raised, that’s a red flag. Find and repair any damaged tiles as soon as possible to prevent water damage.
3. Gutters And Downspouts
Your roof problem might actually be a gutter problem. It’s amazing how much water can build up around the perimeter of your roof.
What to do?
Check the gutters and downspouts around your home for ANY blockages. Blocked gutters can cause water to back up and leak into your home. Clean out your gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent this from happening.
4. Non-Roof Sources
Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks or holes. These can be caused by settling, weathering, or other damage. Sometimes people think they have a roof leak and it’s actually a crack in the outer layer of the home that’s pooling on the floor above where the leak is found.
What to do?
Repair any cracks or holes as soon as possible to prevent water from entering your home.
5. Check For Standing Water
If you have a flat roof, check it for “ponding” water. Ponding water can cause the roof to deteriorate and leak.
What to do?
If you see any ponding water, remove it as soon as possible to prevent damage to your roof. More importantly, consult a roofing expert to discuss what can be done to make sure your roof doesn’t accumulate any standing water in the future.
Prevent Roof Leaks With Professional Inspections
Lastly – regularly inspect your roof REGARDLESS of whether or not you’re experiencing any leaks on the inside of your home. Regularly inspecting your roof is the best way to prevent water damage in your home.
If you do find anything, be sure to repair any leaks as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If you have any questions about roof leaks or need help repairing a leak, contact Clayton Hoover & Sons. We will be able to help you repair your roof and prevent future leaks.
Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful in identifying the most common places for roof leaks.
Remember, if you have any questions, be sure to give us a call!
