Is a Leaking Roof an Emergency?

Let’s get straight to the point: When it comes to leaky roofs, whether it’s a big leak or a small leak, it’s critical. Unfortunately, many homeowners think that a little water is not an emergency, but the truth is that even a little water can lead to a lot of damage. So if you’ve been living with obvious signs of leakage, such as “rustic wall stains” or if you’ve been repurposing all of your large cooking pots as living room rain catchers, you’ve got an emergency on your roof. In fact, if left unchecked, water will cause significant damage to the interior of your home.

Common causes of leakage

If you notice that your roof is leaking, it is important to identify the cause to prevent further damage. Here are some of the most common causes of roof leaks:

1. Older roofing materials. Over time, roofs take a beating and after years of high winds, fluctuating temperatures and storms, your roof may have decided to give up. Usually a leaking roof is caused by age or if the roof has had to withstand several storms. If the leak is coming from the roof, call a roofing contractor to determine if you need a partial replacement or if the entire roof needs to be redone.
2. Missing or broken shingles. Missing roof shingles or roof shingles that are cracked or curled and are beginning to lose their protective surface can lead to a roof leak. Although roofing material is made to expand and contract with temperature changes, roof leaks can occur if holes or missing shingles are not replaced.
3. Clogged gutters. When debris such as branches, leaves and other garden debris builds up or gets stuck in the gutters, the moisture can’t drain properly, which can lead to moisture damage to the wall or rain ingress.
4. Damaged flashings and roof vents. While guttering diverts water away from important areas of the roof, roof vents are essential for allowing heat and moisture to escape from your attic. Both can lead to a major leak if either is damaged or improperly sealed. It is important to get into the habit of checking vents and flashes.
5. Condensation. Temperature fluctuations can cause condensation to build up in your attic, which can occasionally cause mold growth that can infiltrate roof systems and lead to roof damage and eventually a roof leak.
6. Poorly installed skylights. While skylights can be a wonderful way to bring natural light into your home, they are often one of the biggest offenders for leaky roofs. Left unchecked, they can cause massive internal roof damage. To avoid having to repair a roof leak, make sure your skylights are installed correctly.

How to prevent roof leaks

In case of roof leakage, damage limitation is a must! Here’s a handy checklist for preventive maintenance:

• Remove debris from gutters and roof surface
• Maintain flashings, joints and other roofing materials
• Repair roof coatings if necessary
• Regularly inspect your roof for punctures/damage
• Watch for problems with caulking or caulking
• Troubleshoot potential problems such as a leaking pipe or anything else that could cause water damage

Emergency roof leak repair

In general, most leaks require you to schedule immediate repairs. But if you notice multiple leaks, massive external roof damage, structural damage, or water damage to internal ceilings, you should call in a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible.

And while we have your attention, an important PSA:

There is much you can do to limit the damage yourself, but it is best to contact a professional to repair the leak yourself, especially in the case of a major emergency. Attempting to perform the repairs yourself could result in serious injury, further leakage and interior damage.

Does a storm have a weakened roof or one that needs emergency repair? Christian Roofing Inc. has you covered. They provide emergency roofing services along with a wide variety of other roofing needs. Call today to schedule your repair appointment!

About Christian roofing

Christian Roofing, Inc. is here to provide you with a host of excellent roofing services, whether you want to outfit a seaside cottage or a large corporate warehouse. Our experienced team of roofers are able to work on any residential, commercial or industrial project, regardless of size or scope.