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Don't Ignore That Roof Leak!

July 26, 2023
Emergency Services , Water Damage Restoration

Water intrusion is never “minor.” Roof leak repair should always be taken seriously.

Find out why you should never ignore a roof leak.

 

Ignoring a roof leak is never a good idea. When water and a breach in your roof’s defenses come together, it can quickly become a major disaster, so if you have a water leak in your ceiling, mold is likely not far behind, and you need to get ahead of it!

In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of roof leaks, what to do when you have one, and why it’s always important to take them seriously.

 

The First Step in Roof Leak Repair Is Recognizing There’s a Leak

A roof leak won’t always just be a small trickle of water. There are other signs of a roof leak you need to look for before it even gets to that point.

  1. Water stains: Yellow or brown faint stains on your ceilings and walls are the first sign of a leak. They can be in the center of the room or in the corners.
  2. Mold on exterior walls: If you see mold growing on the outside of your home, don’t write it off because it’s on the outside. It’s likely a roof leak.
  3. Water dripping: If you see or hear dripping around your home, especially your attic, you likely have a roof leak.

Fortunately the signs of a roof leak aren’t too difficult to find, but it’s important to stay ahead of them because they can quickly get out of control, turning a relatively minor roof leak repair into a major task. You want to catch it as quickly as possible before the roof leak causes mold.

What Causes a Roof Leak?

Your roof is far more than a single layer of shingles that keeps out the rain. Your roof is made up of three layers that act as roof leak barriers. The full structure starts with plywood decking, then a moisture barrier, and finally the shingles. For a roof leak to occur, all three layers must be breached.

The most common cause of Orlando roof leaks is severe weather. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and other windstorms can rip off shingles and drive rain under the moisture barrier.

Roofs can also experience external damage from animals, people, or flying debris. Squirrels, raccoons, and other critters may seem small and harmless, but they have been known to eat at roofing materials. Similarly, people walking around on the roof or low-hanging branches can damage shingles.

While rare, leaks can also arise from improper installation or repairs.

Finally, roofs can leak when they reach the end of their lifespan. The average roof lasts about 20 years before it needs to be replaced.

woman holding pot to catch water leak from roof

How to Fix a Roof Leak

Whatever the cause, water is now dripping from your ceiling. What do you do about it?

The most important ting is if you notice a roof leak, you need to act quickly.

  1. Move furniture and other belongings out of the way.
  2. Place a bucket or garbage can beneath the leak to catch the water.
  3. If the ceiling is bulging, relieve the pressure with a screwdriver or other sharp object.
  4. If you can, tarp the roof to prevent further damage.
  5. Take photos for your insurance company.
  6. Call a professional water damage restoration company to schedule an inspection and repairs. If you need help finding someone, call your insurance company for a list of approved vendors.

 

Why You Need to Take Roof Leak Repair Seriously

If there is water inside your home, that means the leak has made it past the moisture barrier to the plywood decking underneath. The plywood will absorb moisture, which can cause warping, swelling, and mold. Wet, moldy plywood is weak plywood. If left alone, it can cause your roof to collapse which can lead to property damage, foundation problems, and more.

If the water reaches any wiring, you also run the risk of electrocution. Not to mention mold can lead to serious health problems.

If you notice any signs of a roof leak—staining, discoloration, bubbling ceiling, rusty nails on the underside of the roof—call a professional ASAP.

Water damage on ceiling

Leave Your Roof Leaf Repair to the Pros

While there may be some home repairs that can be done by amateurs, a roof leak repair is not one of them.

The first reason is that roof leaks can indicate a much larger problem and it can be hard to source exactly where the leak is coming from. For instance, water may be coming through the ceiling in the kitchen, but the source of the leak might actually be above the garage. A professional can pinpoint the exact cause of the leak.

Professionals also stand behind their work with warranties and guarantees. A roof leak repair is difficult and dangerous. If you screw something up, you’ll not only be on the hook for it, you might even have voided your roof’s warranty by doing so.

Besides, what if you fall off the roof? Professionals have the training and safety equipment (not to mention the insurance coverage) to keep them safe.

But “professionals” doesn’t just mean “roofing companies.” When it comes to roof leak repair, a water damage restoration company is not only capable of repairing your roof leak, but they can clean up any water or mold damage inside your home as well.

 

Preventing Roof Leaks

Once that roof leak is taken care of, you should take preventative measures against future roof leaks.

For starters, if you don’t have to be up there, stay off your roof! Roofs are not meant to bear weight for an extended amount of time.

Next, cut back any overhanging branches that could scrape or fall on your roof. If the area is already clear of trees and foliage, try to keep it that way. Squirrels use tree limbs as a “highway” to gain access to your roof (and, in some cases, into your home).

If you have them, clean your gutters often. Blocked gutters can cause water to pool and back up under your roof. Similarly, check for cracks around chimneys, vents, and skylights, as this is an easy entry point for water.

It’s also a good idea to check shingles after a severe storm, to make sure they haven’t sustained any damage. Be wary of roofing companies who offer to do a free roof inspection unsolicited, as some have been known to cause intentional damage while they’re up there.

Lastly, keep an eye on the condition of your roof by scheduling a wind mitigation inspection. Best case scenario, your roof passes inspection and you may be eligible for a discount on your home insurance premiums. Worst case, you know exactly what needs to be fixed and you’ll be well prepared for the next big storm.

 

Looking for Orlando Roof Leak Repair? Call Axel Works!

A leaky roof is far from a minor annoyance. It’s a major issue that deserves swift and immediate action.

Once rainwater has reached inside of your home, it has also reached the plywood decking that holds up your entire roof. In addition to making it vulnerable to mold and pests, water weakens your roof, making further disaster even more likely.

Axel Works is an expert in water extraction, damage restoration, and a complete remodeling company, which means we can repair more than just roofs. Axel Works is a damage restoration and complete remodeling company, which means we can repair more than just roofs. And because we’re an approved vendor for most national insurance companies, you can trust us to complete the job the right way the first time.

Call today to receive fast, efficient service!

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